site.btaUPDATED International Sport Stars and Tourism Minister Open Ski Season in Bansko

Ski legends Michael Walchhofer and Marc Girardelli, football icon Hristo Stoichkov and Tourism Minister Evtim Miloshev opened the ski season in the Bansko resort in Mt Pirin on Saturday. As usual, the season's start was celebrated with a variety of games organized by Ulen, the concessionaire of the ski area. Renowned ski racers and children from the Ulen Ski School took part in the ceremony.

Austrian alpine skier Michael Walchhofer is a winner of the world downhill title, four-times world championship medallist and an Olympic silver medallist, with 49 World Cup podiums. Marc Girardelli (Austria/Luxembourg) has won the big Crystal Globe five times. Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria) is winner of the Ballon d'Or, the Golden Boot and other prestigious football awards. He is an honorary citizen of Bansko.

Approached by journalists, Walchhofer commented on the difference since his first visit to Bansko in 2011, saying that skiing conditions were good back then, but this time they are wonderful. He said it has been a great pleasure for him to ski in the resort, and the other racers he saw on the trail were very good.

Girardelli told a news conference he expects a wonderful ski season in Bansko. The resort is preparing to host a Snowboard World Cup event.

Stoichkov said Bulgarians should be happy about the natural assets of their country. He said Bansko should be advertised regularly. "You see that the number of tourists coming here increases by the day," the football star said. He thanked Girardelli for being his first skiing instructor. Girardelli congratulated Stoichkov on his rapid progress and good performance on the trail.

Tourism Minister Miloshev noted that the ski season is getting off to a great start, with lots of snow. He said tourism is something special, because, in addition to contributing directly to the nation's GDP, it helps regions to develop, supports small and medium-sized businesses and serves as Bulgaria's face to the world.

Bansko Mayor Stoicho Banenski told the news conference that the winter is beginning with a lot of snow, and the concessionaire Ulen has created perfect skiing conditions. The hotels and the restaurants in the resort await guests, the infrastructure is ready for use, and all institutions in charge of ensuring a trouble-free season have taken the necessary measures.

Ivan Obreikov, marketing director for the ski area, wished a successful season with many tourists, and good luck to all Bulgarian winter resorts. He expressed hope that Bulgaria will have a winner in the upcoming Snowboard World Cup event in Bansko.

The ski season in Pamporovo was launched on December 7. The opening in Borovets is planned on December 21.