Hi Barry,

Thank you for these ideas, the trekking and summer activities are something I am working on. Skiddo hire I can do, but have noit had time to promote on the blog...shame on me, as it's so much fun.

I have resisted drinks include package as I have seen the tour guides take groups round the pubs in Bansko. They have a lot of fun -- but not sure. Maybe a wine tasting evening would prove a good idea, what do you think?

Hi Barry,

Thanks for your comment - i so agree with you. I am a better skiier and have never enjoyed skiing so much as now - all down to taking lessons with decent and qualified instructors.

This season the feedback on the standard of instruction in Bansko has been excellent: seems to surpass what some experience in France. but this is a generalisation which is probably wrong! But I can say the instruction is much better in Bulgaria than most people expect.

I provide a separate instructor booking service just for a few instructors that have proved to me by teaching me that they are committed and good enough. This pays me a commission and helps keep the site (and feeding me) and enabling me to share Bansko info and tips.

I could charge independent instructors for a listing. I'll look into that. At the moment my instructor booking service for subscribers seems to be very popular. I think this is because it's a flexible service. Emails are answered and there's a load of flexibility: length of instruction, start time, family and private lessons. And of course you can book ski hire and get transfers all at deals not available through direct enquiry to the busines direct. But I may have a slightly more automated system for next year. Not sure, what do you think?

I am interested in what services you would you like to me to provide -- if only I was smart enough to develop them; and capable enough to provide them to a standard worth paying for them. No promises but I am all ears.

thanks again, Lance

Hi Jordan

thank you for this timely remnder. Insurance is essential, and athough, lift passes bought direct from Ulen (the lift company) include mountain rescue. they do not cover you once you need treatment in Bulgaria.

If you are an EU citizen, you should carry a European Health Insurance Card "EHIC" card. Please read this link, http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHI... if you are from the UK -- it tell you what the EHIC covers. Please note it does not replace private insurance, as you say!

You need private insurance for special flight home and private care but read policy terms v carefully.

Thanks Phil, Good idea! There are several traps for the unwary when it comes to ski instruction. Most commonly Bansko has many unlicenced and unqualified instructors. It's not worth the risk trying to save by using these people. I only recommend a handful of instructors that I personally know.

Hi Andrew,

Cuddly toy, yes essential. I will add this to the list. Thanks for stopping by

Hey Michelle,

Thank you for you comment; I think your experience is so common... luckily its prety affordable for a private lesson here in Bulgaria: around $45 for two hours...

Hi Corrine,

Thank you for your idea... it's amazing how something I once thought was so good about Bansko I had forgot about before researching for this article. I will promote the flexible stay dates we have here.

Typically a similar located apartment approximately the same size as you find in the US is a fraction of the price here in Bulgaria... Its around $500 for 7 nights here in a large two bedroom apartment close to the lift. compared to well over $2,000 approx in the US. a 500ml ( bit more than a US pint) beer was $1 (0.75 EUR) on the mountain today.

Hi Brice,

thanks for the techincal info on altitude, I forgot about the impact on sme people on coming back down to sea level! I remeber being in Mexico City and today speaking to Alex (repoting in today;s video) he told me about Bogota in South Amercia and the breathlessness he experienced there. As you say it takes time to aclimatise... not a point always advertised in the higher resorts (especially in the US)

Hi Barry,

many thanks for your view. As both Harry's bar and The Happy End are in my personal top 12 bars/restaurants then... I agree. Although Happy End best Friday and Saturday nights.

I must also add that last night, at The Irish Pub, they served me and excellent pizza. Nice atmosphere too and popular with the British and Irish (of course).

Hi Blair,

Glad you enjoyed Bansko and that HHB were helpful and redelivering your delayed luggage is clearly top service. Thanks for sharing.

Any more experiences of transfers or travelling around Bulgaria?