site.btaBansko Launches Winter Season with Festive Programme, Local Cuisine and Fireworks
Following the official opening in the Pirin Mountain, the resort town of Bansko traditionally launched the 2025/2026 winter season in the central square. Local cuisine was showcased in tents as part of the Unique Bansko exhibition, while the stage featured performances of local folklore. The ceremony was opened by Mayor Stoycho Banenski.
Among the guests were ski legends Giorgio Rocca and Marc Girardelli, Deputy Tourism Minister Pavlin Petrov, Maya Hristoskova, CEO of Bansko Ski Zone concessionaire Ulen AD, BTA General Director Kiril Valchev, and Prof. Nikolay Izov, Assistant Rector of the National Sports Academy. Managers of hotels in Bansko, recognized for outstanding achievements in tourism and services, also took to the stage.
Giorgio Rocca received an honorary plaque from the mayor. Both he and Marc Girardelli enjoyed skiing in the mountains and praised the resort's welcoming atmosphere. Girardelli, an honorary citizen of Bansko, encouraged young visitors to join him on the slopes.
Deputy Tourism Minister Pavlin Petrov said tourism in Bansko is a way of life passed down through generations, which is reflected in the town's rich calendar of sporting events, crafts, cultural activities and historical programmes. Bansko proves that it is beginning to lead the way in the development of winter tourism in Bulgaria, he said.
Ulen CEO Maya Hristoskova said: "Bansko has been named Bulgaria's Best Ski Resort for the 13th consecutive year, winning the prestigious Ski Oscar at the World Ski Awards, an accolade recognized worldwide."
Again, Bansko is to host the Visa FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup on January 17-18, 2026. A few days later, Bansko will also host the European Snowboard Cup.
Mayor Stoycho Banenski noted that Bansko is a globally recognized brand, attracting thousands of tourists from all continents every year.
The winter season opened with fireworks, followed by a folk concert.
/DD/
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