site.btaTop Slopes, Perfect Weather, and Drama – Bansko Shines as a Top Winter Sports Destination

With impeccable organization, a meticulously prepared course, and constant sunshine lighting up the slopes of the Pirin Mountains, the Alpine Snowboard World Cup in Bansko was a triumph for the Bulgarian Ski Federation. It also showcased the sports and leisure opportunities at Bulgaria's most popular winter tourist destination.

The competitive weekend at Banderishka Polyana delivered intense races for both women and men, with packed stands below the Alberto Tomba slope buzzing with excitement. Bulgarian snowboarders thrilled the crowd as fan favourite Radoslav Yankov secured third place, while 19-year-old Tervel Zamfirov impressed on the global stage, finishing fourth in the first of two parallel giant slaloms. Promising performances were also delivered by Aleksandar Krashnyak, Kristian Georgiev, and Petar Gergyovski. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Malena Zamfirova achieved a top-20 finish in the women's category during her debut World Cup weekend.

The team’s potential suggests future opportunities from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to showcase their skills at home. Bansko, however, is a favourite not just for Bulgarian athletes. Italian snowboarder Gabriel Messner, who claimed two podium finishes, said, "This is the best-organized event in the entire tour," and expressed hope that Bansko would return to the World Cup snowboarding calendar next season. German snowboarder Ramona Theresia Hofmeister, who won both women's events, added, "I like it in Bansko, the course here is great. I think the whole competitive weekend was incredible," Hofmeister said.

President Rumen Radev praised the event during his visit on the final day, where he was joined by his wife Desislava Radeva, Bulgarian Olympic Committee Chair Stefka Kostadinova, and Bulgarian Ski Federation President Tseko Minev. Radev described Bansko as "an incredible business card for Bulgaria," adding that FIS representatives recognized the high level of organization during their discussions.

"Bansko and Bulgaria set the standard in world skiing. Currently, no other resort offers these conditions. Bansko is a name in world skiing and a wonderful tourist destination. Europe is watching Bansko, and the world is talking about Bansko. I am confident we can find a balance between protecting our nature and providing opportunities for people from Bulgaria and the world to engage in sports, breathe clean air, and live healthily," Radev said.

Tseko Minev also hinted at Bansko's growing reputation within FIS. He announced that from 2027, under a new media contract, Bansko would host World Cup men's alpine skiing events biennially, including slalom and giant slalom disciplines. This would place Bansko among the most renowned ski destinations in the Alps.

"In FIS, this is regarded as the top standard for alpine snowboarding competitions. Everything done here in Bansko is being adopted elsewhere. Bulgaria is solidifying its position as one of the top organizers of World Cups in winter sports. People from around the world are calling to say we are all over the news channels. I tell them: 'Watch and learn!'" Minev said.

Ultimately, the best testament to a resort’s quality comes from its visitors. Bansko’s slopes, teeming with young people from across the globe, highlight Bulgaria's growing appeal as a winter sports destination. Events like the Snowboard World Cup ensure this trend continues.