site.btaBansko Opens Winter Season with Ski Legends Giorgio Rocca and Marc Girardelli
Bansko officially opened the 2025/2026 winter season on Saturday, with the traditional event once again attracting ski legends to the mountain resort. The slopes beneath Todorka Peak (2,746 m) hosted Giorgio Rocca and Marc Girardelli, who faced each other with their teams in the game Join the Champion's Team. The two ski icons then opened the season together with children from the Ulen Ski Club.
Rocca described his first descent of the new winter season in Bansko as emotional. He told a news conference that he usually skis on artificial snow, but was impressed in Bansko by the opportunity to ski on incredible, well-groomed slopes with compact snow.
Girardelli praised the excellent conditions at the top of the mountain, adding that despite the lack of snow on the lower slopes, visitors skiing beneath Todorka Peak would be very satisfied.
Bansko Mayor Stoycho Banenski said the resort's long experience gives grounds for confidence that preparations have been made properly. Although warmer mid-December weather remains a challenge, he wished residents and visitors a successful season.
Ivan Obreykov, Marketing Director of Ulen AD, the concessionaire of Bansko Ski Zone, said the resort had met the expectations of many skiers and snowboarders eager for snow. He expressed hope for further snowfall to allow preparations for the VISA FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup in January 2026.
The resort will operate regularly from December 13 until April 12. Three runs are open at present, and more slopes will open as soon as temperatures allow snow production, Obreykov said.
After the official opening, winners of the traditional season-opening games Join the Champion's Team and Treasure Hunters were awarded prizes by Mayor Banenski. The event was attended by BTA Director General Kiril Valchev.
/DD/
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