Every year, as December arrives, the snowy peaks of Pirin above Bansko come alive with a special excitement – the official opening of the winter ski season. This event has long gone beyond the simple launch of the lifts. It is a combination of sporting tradition, starry brilliance and festive spirit, which turns our city into the undisputed ski capital of the Balkans and a focal point for the world's ski elite.
The Beginning: 2003 and the Birth of a Legend
The tradition of inviting world greats began at the dawn of the new century. In 2003 Bansko makes its serious claim on the world map when the Italian icon Alberto Tomba visits the resort for the first time. The moment is historic – La Bomba accepts the invitation to inaugurate the slope that bears his name – the iconic “Tomba”.
From that moment on, Alberto became not just a guest, but a friend of Bansko. He literally embodied the spirit of the event, and his presence became a benchmark. In 2004, he again kicked off the season, starting a tradition that continues to this day. For him, Bansko is a second home, and his support played a key role in popularizing the destination.
The establishment: 2004–2010.
Since 2004, the event has officially entered the calendar as an annual holiday. Every December, titans of white sports gather under Mount Todorka. In those years, the audience applauded legends such as Christian Gedina – the Italian ace with five Olympic appearances and an unerring sense of speed.
In 2011, the honor of opening the season fell to the Austrian Olympic champion Michael Wallhofer – a name that will be associated with Bansko again years later, upon its return for the opening in 2024.
The era of megastars: 2012–2019.
The period leading up to 2019 has been marked by the presence of the most famous names in alpine skiing. The Austrian Olympic champion Fritz Strobl, known for its unrivaled speed record on the legendary Streif track in Kitzbühel, opens the season on December 17, 2016 at Banderishka meadow.
This is the place to note the key role of Mark Girardelli – the five-time World Cup winner. Girardelli is not only a regular guest, but also an ambassador of skiing in Bulgaria. His connection with Bansko is so strong that he is an almost constant part of official ceremonies, becoming a host to his colleagues.
2016–2017: The classics are alive
On December 17, 2016. Bansko is once again following its tradition. The tandem of Fritz Strobl and Mark Girardelli demonstrates mastery on the slopes, and the “Join the Champion’s Team” competition is establishing itself as a favorite attraction for the resort’s guests, giving fans a chance to ride side by side with their idols.
The Pandemic and Adaptation: 2020–2021.
2020 put the whole world to the test, including the traditions in Bansko. On December 17, 2020. The season opened, but without the usual glamour and foreign guests, under strict sanitary measures. The lack of star presence was noticeable, briefly interrupting the almost 20-year streak.
In 2021, on December 18, Despite the complicated situation, Bansko did everything possible to resume the celebration, albeit in a more modest format, preparing for the grand return.
The Great Comeback: 2022–2023.
Season 2022/23 was one of the most difficult climatically – until January, the Kolarov track was mainly operating, but the spirit of the holiday was restored.
The true Renaissance came in December 16, 2023., when Banderishka Polyana welcomed Deborah Companions – the Italian fury and three-time Olympic champion. Compagnoni, one of the most successful ladies in the history of skiing, together with Ghirardelli, celebrated the 20th anniversary edition of the star tradition. The celebration included everything we love in Bansko – a children's masquerade descent of the talents from the ski club "“Yulen“", the "Treasure Hunters" games and an impressive fire show in the central square.
Season 2024–2025: Snow and emotions
On December 6, 2024., thanks to heavy snowfall, Bansko surprised everyone with an early opening. The snow cover reached an impressive 120 cm on Todorka.
The official ceremony took place on December 14, 2024., and the special guest was the returning Michael Wallhofer. Standing shoulder to shoulder with him was the greatest Bulgarian football legend and honorary citizen of Bansko – Hristo Stoichkov, who once again proved that he controls skis almost as well as the ball.
Upcoming: Opening of the 2025/2026 season
This Saturday, December 13, 2025., Bansko is preparing for its next grand celebration. The star of the day will be the Italian slalom virtuoso Giorgio Rocca – one of the few in history with five consecutive World Cup victories in this discipline. Together with the unchanging Mark Girardelli, they will kick off the new season.
The program follows the established and beloved format:
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On Banderishka Polyana: At 11:00 a.m. the games "Join the Champion's Team" and "Treasure Hunters" begin, followed by demonstrative descents by the children from the "Yulen" ski school and lots of music.
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In the center of Bansko: From 5:30 p.m. on Nikola Vaptsarov Square, Uti Bachvarov and local culinary experts will present "Unique Bansko", and at 6:00 p.m. the official opening and fireworks will take place.
Practical details about the season
Traditionally, Bansko opens around mid-December. Snow statistics are optimistic for winter sports enthusiasts:
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December: Average 38 cm at the top.
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January: 63 cm at the top.
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February: The peak of the season with an average of 133 cm of snow.
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March: Excellent conditions with 158 cm in the high part.
Whether it's Alberto Tomba at the turn of the century or Giorgio Rocca today, the opening of the season in Bansko is more than an event - it is an emblem of the love for the mountain that brings the world together at the foot of Pirin.
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