1.   Bulgarian Yogurt: known in Bulgaria as kiselo mlyako. The country’s long and affectionate relationship with yogurt dates back to the Thracians, ancient: inhabitants of Bulgaria when stock-breeders placed sheep’s milk in lambskin bags around their waists and fermented yogurt using their own body heat. Even the word ‘yogurt’ is said to derive from the words for ‘thick’ and ‘milk’ in ancient Thracian. But being credited as the inventor is not Bulgaria’s only source of yogurt pride: it is credited with producing the healthiest yogurt in Europe, thanks to a unique bacteria native to the country.

2.   Bulgarian Honey: Bulgarian honey is famous worldwide for its nutritional and remedial properties. It’s one of the unique things about Bulgaria and terms like “divine elixir”, a “magic of Nature” are often associated with Bulgarian honey. But the significance of this wonder product is much more because of is advantages and it has been used in Ancient East people for its nutritional qualities.

3.   Bulgarian Wine: Those with a taste for the other fine things in life might associate Bulgaria with wine growing. Bulgaria is one of the oldest yet most up-and-coming winemaking regions in the world. Before the fall of the Iron Curtain, all wine produced in Bulgaria went to Russia. Today however, premium wine varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah as well as the indigenous Mavrud are beginning to emerge into the world market.
Bulgarian Rose Oil: The famous Bulgarian rose-oil, produced in the region of Kazanlak is a component of French and other world-famous perfumes. This rose oil is used in many countries for production of perfumes. You can visit Kazanlak the rose region in May and June to see the most beautiful roses in Europe.

4.   Bulgarian Forests: The Bulgarian forests account for a third of Bulgaria’s land area. The forests of Bulgaria have inestimable global, national, regional, economic, ecological and social importance. Though small in area, Bulgaria ranks third in Europe in biodiversity, with a number of rare and endemic species. More than 700 brown bears, 1,000 wolves, golden jackal, wild cats, common otters, souslik and 37 species of reptiles can be found here, many of which have disappeared from other parts of Europe. In order to protect this diversity, three national parks, 10 nature parks, 55 reserves and 35 maintained reserves have been established.

5.   Bulgarian opera singers : Bulgaria is known for its opera singers. The famous opera bass-singers (Boris Christov and Nickolai Guaurov) and the beautiful soprano Raina Kabaivanska are Bulgarians nationals.

6.   Bulgarian opera singers : Bulgaria is known for its opera singers. The famous opera bass-singers (Boris Christov and Nickolai Guaurov) and the beautiful soprano Raina Kabaivanska are Bulgarians nationals.

7.   The Rila Cross: The Rila Cross is one of the many unique things in Bulgaria which is a must see when travelling to the country. It’s a wooden cross with 140 microscopic scenes from the Bible featuring more than 1,500 figures; the largest of them is no bigger than a grain of rice. It was carved by the monk Raphail, with a pin on a piece of linden wood for 12 years until he became blind. The Rila Cross can be found in the Rila monastery museum.

‘The Mound’ paint balling Arena is a new addition to Bansko!

There is the ‘Urban Arena’ and the ‘Forrest Arena’ both available for a 3 hr package- inc all equipment, 100 paintballs and unlimited gas for only 25lv per person with extra balls priced at just 10 lev per 100 balls.

Let us know if you’re interested by email or our enquiry form and we can sort out transfers to and from the Arenas including lunch, drinks and beers!

On 17th and 18th July you will find the traditional Parade of retro automobile’s to be held in the main square of Bansko.
Over 20 cars on show spanning from 20 to 70 years of last century. This also includes a fashion show, presented by officials of the International Advertising Association Blonde’s and high spirits.
We hope to see you there!

Mark and Amy

Every Sunday people from all around Bansko, locals and tourist alike, meet in the square for a weekly mountain bike ride. The event is free and open to all plus there are bikes to hire if you don’t have your own. Please email us for more details.

A great event which is now in its second year; the ‘Road To Know where’ Bansko mountain bike downhill competition is an extreme event open to all with BBQ’s and parties occurring through the weekend.

Race 1 / Day 1: AM: Cross Country – 34 km
PM: Downhill Practice Runs

Race 2 / Day 2: AM: Cross Sprint – 24 km
PM: Downhill Racing

See the links below for maps and more information.

Iskartour.com

bansko-mtb.com

The Bulgarian ski resort of Bansko hosts an annual International Jazz Festival branded “the music of the free people”. Inspired by Dr Iliev’s idea to transform Bansko into a centre of significant cultural importance, the festival is undoubtedly fulfilling its purpose.

Since the first edition in 1997, the number of participants and quality of performances has been steadily increasing and this year is no exception, with a line-up that includes Italian Antonio Flinta quartet (8 August), Incognito (UK) on 9 August and Diane Schuur from the USA (11 August). Let us know if you need accommodation for this period as we still have rooms left at the chalet.

Hi, Amy here from White Chalets writing my first blog for our new website!

We have just finished our 4th winter here at Chalet Soltir which was amazing with lots of snow and fresh powder arriving almost every week!
The Resort here too is changing as new runs and new lifts are arriving here as we speak. As you can see we have also changed our name from ‘Boarding Bansko’ to ‘White Chalets Bansko’ to tie in with all the major changes to our company, the resort and Chalet Soltir.

Firstly, our Chalet now boasts two new En-Suite Luxury rooms but still sleeps the same amount of people giving you more space and convenience. We now have a hot tub in the garden where you can relax amidst the bubbles with a glass of champagne after experiencing the new ski runs in Bansko.  And finally, we now have our second Chalet, ‘Chalet Mila’ which is available for this coming winter shown on our new website under the Chalets option.

So please take your time to explore the new website and feel free to drop us an email anytime to our new email address enquiries@whitechaletsbansko.com if you have any questions about the changes to our company or the resort. In the mean time please enjoy your summer and we hope to welcome you soon to our new and improved Chalets and Resort!

Amy