Approximately a 2 hour transfer from Sofia Airport. 

You have multiple options: 

• Take the public bus for approximately 20EURO pp

• Take an airport shuttle - starting at 26EURO pp

• Take a private shuttle  - these start from 100EURO one way for 4pax

• Hire a car - this can actually work out the cheapest option depending on how many people you have going. The prices above are for single trips where as obviously if you get a return with you car hire. We went for an SUV which honestly we didn't need. You can get car hire from 7EURO per day and fully insurance from 12EURO/day. 

You have a range of options to chose from when visiting Bansko. 

Budget - Zigren House

Medium - MPM Guinness

Luxury - MPM sport hotel (ski in ski out), Kempinski

If you want homely vibes with afternoon tea, breakfast and lots of inside information on where to go then I would recommend finding a chalet in the old town area. These often wont have spa access (something they give you a voucher for a local hotel) unlike the hotels. 

Most hotels in the area do have spas which range in there facilities from small pools and maybe a hot tube to sauna and steam rooms with all the trimmings. 

There are lots of choices when it comes to eating out in Bansko, this is definitely a major plus when it comes to ski areas in Bulgaria. 

Veselo Selo - alpine vibes with some amazing food. The lamb cutlets were a hit with the meat loving group members. 

Ginger - for pizza, they also have a take away hatch that was super popular with everyone as they jump off the gondola after a day of skiing. 

Raclette House - nice little nook of a shop with fresh raclette and a great wine selection.  

Smokey Mountain - great smoke house. 

Casa di Papi - Fancy italian place with incredible food. 

There are lots of options on the mountain for bars and restaurants and most have an afternoon DJ. 

For Bulgaria the prices on the pistes can be pretty pricey, 7EURO a beer and the food is more overpriced. 

The best and cheapest place that we found for Apres was the last place on the Ski Road, Kolibata bar. They have a DJ from mid afternoon, it's a very easy ski back to the town and it has 5EURO beers... what more do you need. Oh, and it also is next to a river (was dried up when we were there) but was still super pretty.

One of the draws of Bulgaria is the cheap ski hire. 

We went through Ski Mania who were amazing. We got a 10% discount by booking through our accommodation and then a further 5% by paying cash. 

They also allowed up to go the evening that we arrived so we could get all sized up and try on our helment and boots meaning it was all ready for hitting the slopes early the next day. 

They also allow you to store your rental equipment at the shop which is just around the corner from the base gondola station, so no trekking back to your hotel in ski boots (major bonus). 

Ski, boots, poles and helmet rental ended up costing 44EURO for 3 days of hire. 

Lift passes are super easy to buy on the day, just head to the machines that look like they are for the car park opposite the gondola station and you can buy a lift pass each day then and there. Minimal ques for these.

The queue for the gondola can get pretty busy, if you arrive before 8.30am it usually isn't an issue but can take an hour or 2 if you leave it a lot later. 

If the gondola queue looks too long you can try the bus queue, this is just over 6EURO per person to the 2nd gondola station. 

If you are there on a clear day, definitely get the chair lift to the top of the mountain to check out the views. If you aren't a confident skier you can still do this by going up and then down again on the chairlift.

Tips for saving some cash whilst skiing in Bansko

• Bring a flask and hot chocolate sachets - you can get hot water at the bars for free. 

• Bring food up the gondola - there are some great bakeries in the town.

• Be realistic about how many days you will need a full lift pass for. It's super easy to buy lift passes on the day so if you're unsure if you will be skiing just leave it until the day and see where the mood takes you. There's also the option to get the afternoon pass if you have a lie in. 

Happy end - this has a very après vibe and kicks off around 4pm. It is right at the bottom of the gondola so before you drop your skis off definity pop in for a few drinks. 

Amigos - live band every night, usually kicks off around 10.30pm. Be sure to check this out for a great night .... the afternoon lift pass definitely comes in handy the next day.