📌 Highlights of the analysis:
- Why is the infrastructure lagging behind the bed capacity?
- Is there an organized "green racket" against development?
- What do tourists think: New lift or new slopes?
- The comparison with the Alps – myth or reality?
Metodi Mitev: Development is being hindered by organized pressure
According to Metodi Mitev, Bansko's problem is not a lack of investment intentions or vision, but systemic sabotage. In his position, he points out that the development of the city is hostage to groups that present themselves as nature defenders.
„"Bansko has long been more than just a resort - it is a symbol of modern winter tourism in Bulgaria. And yet, its development is systematically hindered - not by a lack of vision or investment, but by organized pressure presented as a "green cause."„
Infrastructure deficit or poor planning?
Anyone who has visited Bansko during the peak season (January-February) knows the picture: queues that start right from the parking lot. Mitev is categorical – the only gondola lift is extremely insufficient. While competing resorts in Austria, Italy and France are solving this problem with large-scale investments, in Bulgaria the project for a second gondola is “on the rocks”.
⚠️ The “Green Racketeering” Thesis”
Mitev coined the term „green racketeering“ – a practice in which, under the guise of ecology, projects are blocked through complaints and legal procedures until investors give up or „agree.“ According to him, these organizations are not responsible for the economic damage and depopulation of mountain regions.
The Voice of the People: What does the community think?
The publication caused an avalanche of comments on social networks. Analysis of the discussion shows that the problem is much deeper than the lack of a single cable car. Users are divided into several camps, each with its own valid arguments.
1. The Math Doesn't Work Out: Beds vs. Runways
One of the strongest counterarguments comes from the consumer Dimiter Popov, which draws attention to the disproportion between bed capacity and ski area capacity:
„"The capacity of the slopes for normal skiing is no more than 8-9 thousand skiers, and the bed capacity in the area is nearly 100 thousand beds. Where will these people ski? Or will we open new slopes in the national park?"“
This raises the question: Even if we get people up quickly with a new lift, is there room for them on the slopes without creating a risk of accidents?
2. Technological solution instead of new construction?
Expert opinions are also included in the discussion. Alexandrov Vasil offers an interesting alternative – modernization of the existing line instead of building a brand new clearing in the forest.
| Characteristics | Current gondola (8-seater) | Modern gondola (10-seater) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2,000 people/hour | 3,000 – 4,500 people/hour |
| Speed | 5.0 m/sec | 6.0 – 7.0 m/sec |
3. The Verbier example and the management problem
Many commentators draw a parallel with the Alps. Martin Gugin notes that the infrastructure in resorts like Verbier (Switzerland) is similar, but the management is different. The lack of "VIP corridors" that annoy the average tourist, and the better organization of the flow of people, make the experience there better.
Topic source
This heated discussion is taking place on the Facebook page Bansko/Bansko Official. Metodi Mitev's original post sparked hundreds of reactions and comments.
What's next for Bansko?
The debate “For” and “Against” the development of ski tourism in Bansko It won't end soon. On one side is the economic logic - tourism feeds the region, keeps young people and requires modern services. On the other side are the mistakes of growth - overbuilding in the lower part of the city, which has created an imbalance that the mountain can hardly absorb.
English (UK)