When I think of winter resorts, I think of the Bulgarian city of Bansko.
It lies south of the capital city of Sofia. The area is being developed as a ski resort town because its surrounded by 3 mountain chains, the tall Rila mountain, hill-like Rhodope mountains, and the taller Pirin chain. I’m not a skier but can appreciate why this would be a destination for those who love to ski.
Thanks to the skiing opportunities, there are plenty of places to stay in Bansko. Some of them fit the stereotyped ski lodge with a large room with overstuffed chairs that surround a fireplace, the perfect place to warm up after time on the slopes. Bedrooms have big beds with thick quilts. The dining room, like many Bulgarian restaurants, is designed for long meals as guests “eat a little, drink a little, talk a little” and then eat a little more, drink a little more and talk some more.
During spring and summer there are many places to hike in the area.
To the south of Bansko is Pirin National Park. There are some 1,300 plant species in the Pirin mountain region and quite a few of them are found only on the Balkan peninsula. There are also many birds, insects and butterfly species there.
Although it is possible to go for a walk in town, the cobbled streets are filled with unwanted opportunities to fall. In the old town section of Bansko, winding roads make it easy to get lost. I speak from personal experience on this last point.
The finest part of Bansko for the traveling foodies in particular, is the restaurant scene. There are many small restaurants with dark wooden dining rooms lined with booths and with a few small tables in the center. In winter, they may also be a hearth in the center. The table is usually brightened by a red woven table cloth and lit candles. Salads with various combinations of cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, eggplant, peppers, dill, parsley, and a few other herbs, are common starts to meals. Salads based on lettuce and other greens have only recently been put on the menu of some Bulgarian restaurants. Bread may be served but not with butter. Stews and grilled meat are common entrees.
After such a hearty meal, the winter weather doesn’t seem quite so terrible. In gentler weather, it can fuel a walk through winding streets lined with half-timbered homes and lots of flowers.