site.btaFIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup Opens in Bansko with Parade of Nations

The FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup was officially opened in Bansko, Southwestern Bulgaria, on Friday with a Parade of Nations that marched along Pirin Street. 

On Saturday and Sunday, the winter resort will host the world’s best riders in the parallel disciplines. On the Banderishka Polyana course, athletes will compete for the final quota places for the Winter Olympic Games, to be held in February in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Bulgaria will be represented by 12 athletes, including world champion Tervel Zamfirov, his 16-year-old sister Malena Zamfirova, former World Cup overall winner Radoslav Yankov, and Alexander Krashniak, who reached the final in the parallel giant slalom at the previous event in Bad Gastein.

The parade was part of the opening ceremony and drew the attention of residents and visitors to Bansko. Led by a majorette ensemble and a brass band, it featured not only Bulgaria’s top snowboarders but also stars of the global circuit, including the reigning World Cup holder Maurizio Bormolini of Italy and Germany’s Ramona Theresia Hofmeister, who won both starts in Bansko in 2025.

At the opening ceremony, Bulgarian Ski Federation President Tseko Minev welcomed participants and audience and said that the Organizing Committee has made every effort to ensure that everyone feels at home in Bansko.