Short Skis: Maximum Fun, Minimum Effort
Many people are intimidated by the length and weight of standard alpine skis. For them, the industry offers an extremely fun and maneuverable alternative.
Snowblades / Skiboards
Blades are the evolution of short skis. They are usually between 70 and 100 centimeters long and are significantly wider than traditional skis, which gives them excellent stability. Their most important feature is that they fight without sticks.
Their advantages are many: they are extremely easy to learn for absolute beginners because the legs move freely, similar to ice skating or rollerblading. For advanced skiers, blades offer the opportunity for incredible carving turns, pirouettes on the piste and fun in the snow park. Most ski shops in Bansko offer them for rent, and getting on the chairlifts with them is child's play.
Twin-Tip skis (For freestyle and tricks)
Although longer than blades, twin-tip skis are another alternative for those looking for an unconventional ride. They have tips that curve up at both the front and back (the tail). This allows the skier to descend and land after a switch (backward) jump. You’ll see them most often at the Plateau Snowpark, where youngsters practice jumping and sliding on rails.
The exotic “cars” on the track
This brings us to the devices that combine elements of cycling and motorsports with the winter environment. They are fully approved for use in ski area Bansko, as long as they have metal edges and a braking system.
Skibob / Snowbike
This is the device that often raises the most questions. The skibob is a frame resembling a bicycle, with a seat and handlebars. However, in place of tires, two skis are mounted – one in front (connected to the handlebars for steering) and one in the back (for stability). The person sits on the seat, and on their feet they wear special mini-skis (about 50 cm), with which they keep balance and brake.
Why do people skibob? Besides being incredibly fun, skibob is a lifesaver for people with knee or back injuries. Since the body weight is taken up by the seat, the stress on the joints is minimal. The center of gravity is very low, which makes falls rare and safe.
A visual guide in Bulgarian showing four unconventional and innovative ways to ski down the snow in Bansko: short skis (blades), skibob (snowbike), snowscoot (snow scooter) and adaptive monoskis. The infographic includes equipment icons and key benefits for each sport.
Snowscoot
If the skibob is the bicycle of the snow, then the snowscooter is the BMX. Imagine an extreme scooter. The device consists of a frame with a handlebar and a wide board with edges, which is cut in two - the front part rotates with the handlebar, and the back is fixed. The rider stands upright, with his feet inserted into special straps for stability.
The snowscooter is controlled by weight transfer and turning the handlebars. This sport requires a little more physical strength than skibob, but offers a huge adrenaline rush and the opportunity for aggressive carving. It is possible to rent it in Bansko in specialized locker rooms.
Adaptive winter sports: The mountain is for everyone
One of the most positive aspects of modern ski resorts is their accessibility. Bansko makes efforts to integrate people with physical disabilities, giving them the opportunity to experience the thrill of skiing.
Sit-ski / Monoski (Sit-ski)
This is a high-tech piece of equipment designed for people with paralysis of the lower limbs or other motor difficulties. It is a specially designed seat (“trough”) that is mounted on a powerful shock absorber. The entire system is attached to a standard, but very wide alpine ski.
The skier uses two short poles, on the tips of which are mounted small skis (outriggers). With them, he balances, initiates turns and stops. With monoskis, enormous speed can be developed, and advanced athletes can ride the steepest black runs. For beginners, an instructor is usually needed, who secures the device from the back with ropes.
Are you ready for something different?
Whether you are tired of standard skis, want to spare your joints with skibob, or are simply looking for new emotions with snowblades, the Bansko ski area is open to experimentation. The variety of rental equipment allows you to make every day of your vacation completely different!
English (UK)