Snowboarding in Bansko
The slopes in Bansko offer excellent conditions for both beginners and professional snowboarders. The level of proficiency in this sport implies skiing on a hill with a certain difficulty of the terrain – blue, red or black.
Pirin Park also offers rough terrain for off-piste lovers. For those who prefer freestyle, we recommend visiting Bansko’s Fun Park. We guarantee an unforgettable experience.
The ski resort hosts numerous snowboard world cup competitions annually in Bulgaria. Among them are Parallel Slalom (Parallel Giant Slalom), as well as Snowboardcross, Parallel GS and others.
However, these terrains also hide many dangers. If you choose to ride them, it is important to be accompanied by an experienced instructor who can guide you if needed.
What are the first steps if you are snowboarding for the first time?
The most important thing if you are new to snowboarding is to find a good instructor. They will introduce you to the piste environment, the correct techniques and the necessary equipment. This is the way to progress safely and at a pace that is comfortable for you.
Once you have come across the right instructor, you will need equipment:
- Snowboard
- Boots
- Clothing
- Poles
If you don’t want to buy the necessary equipment, you can rent it from the ski school in Bansko.
Ski and snowboard instructors and schools in Bansko
All ski schools in Bansko also offer snowboarding courses with well-trained instructors. When choosing an instructor, we recommend looking into their experience and trusting only proven ski and snowboard schools.
Aparthotel Lucky Bansko has a contract with the best of them. Prices for an instructor start from 80 BGN for a two-hour lesson per person in a group and go up to 400 BGN for an individual lesson for 4 hours. You get a 10% discount if you stay at the hotel.
There is also a British snowboard school in Bansko.
Snowboard rental in Bansko
As mentioned, you’ll need a snowboard and equipment. You can hire it, with prices for snowboard hire ranging between 15lv and 50lv. Depending on the place you rent from, a high price doesn’t always guarantee good quality.
Lucky Bansko recommends that you consult your chosen instructor when choosing a snowboard and equipment. He’ll be able to give you the best advice according to your skills and needs.
For foreign guests of the resort, visiting the snowboard rental lockers with their teachers is advisable. This will avoid communication problems because only some of the staff at the lockers are fluent in English.
Manol Kalniev, who is a long-time snowboard instructor in Bansko, recommends:
- Treat the mountain with respect.
- Always wear appropriate equipment.
- Follow snowboard teachers’ instructions and avoid unprotected terrain.
We completely agree with him. In addition to proper technique, proper equipment is also essential. Snowboarding is not an easy sport, you are exposed to cold temperatures. The proper clothing will keep you dry and warm while not restricting your movements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I snowboard alone?
Regardless of your experience, never ski or snowboard alone. You should always have an experienced person with you to help or guide you if needed. Also, don’t ski off designated trails.
How many lessons will I need with a snowboard instructor?
If you are a beginner, you will need a series of three lessons, lasting a minimum of 1 hour each, to be able to control your snowboard. Of course, the more you practice, the faster you will improve your skills.
Will it be hard to learn to snowboard?
Although it is easier than skiing, snowboarding will make it considerably more difficult for you in the beginning. It’s important to remember that no one is born scientific and you can’t become a pro in a day. Always listen to your instructor’s advice, this is the easiest way to learn to snowboard.