Bansko Winter Season Kicks Off with Ski Legends and Cultural Festivities
The picturesque mountain town of Bansko, Bulgaria, officially launched its winter season, welcoming skiers and snow enthusiasts alike. The event featured Austrian ski legend Michael Walchhofer, a world champion with an impressive record of 49 World Cup podium finishes, who joined local hero and five-time World Cup winner, Marc Girardelli, in a thrilling downhill race.
The festivities began at 9:30 AM at Bunderishka Polyana with registration for the games. By noon, the slopes were alive with a mass descent featuring ski stars alongside enthusiastic children from the Yulen Ski School. The day continued with a concert by popular artist Dara and culminated in an award ceremony for participants.
The celebrations extended to the central square of Nikola Vaptsarov in Bansko at 5:30 PM, where the culinary event “Unique Bansko” showcased local delicacies. The official opening ceremony at 6 PM included ski legends Walchhofer and Girardelli, marking Girardelli's second season opening in Bansko since 2011, followed by a folk performance at 6:30 PM.
Before the season's start, a meeting took place among various institutions to discuss readiness for the upcoming months and expected tourist influx. Tourism Minister Evthin Miloshev expressed optimism about the season, noting that Bansko boasts an impressive snow base of up to 1.3 meters. He emphasized the need for year-round tourism development, aligning with global trends and climate changes.
Miloshev highlighted the importance of government support for tourism, stating that Bulgaria has tremendous potential for sustainable year-round tourism. He called for a comprehensive discussion on the sector's future, addressing infrastructure and legislative frameworks necessary for growth.
Reflecting on the previous year, Miloshev noted that 2024 was the most successful year for Bulgarian tourism, despite challenges such as workforce shortages and visa processing issues in third countries. He underscored the need for legislative support for the tourism sector, especially concerning recent changes in VAT regulations affecting sports facilities and tour operators.
Lastly, Miloshev welcomed Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen Area, considering it a significant milestone with positive implications for tourism growth.