With impeccable organization, a meticulously prepared course and constant sunshine in the Pirin Mountains, the Alpine Snowboard World Cup in Bansko was a triumph for the Bulgarian Ski Federation. It also presented the opportunities for sports and entertainment in Bulgaria's most popular winter tourist destination.
Both women's and men's competitions were held at Banderishka Polyana over the weekend. Bulgarian skiers thrilled the crowd as fan favorite Radoslav Yankov secured third place, while 19-year-old Tervel Zamfirov impressed on the world stage, finishing fourth in the first of two back-to-back giant slaloms. Also promising were the performances of Aleksandar Krasniak, Christian Georgiev and Petar Gergiovski. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Malena Zamfirova achieved a top-20 entry in the women's division on her World Cup debut at the weekend.
The team's potential suggests future opportunities from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to showcase their skills in Bulgaria. Bansko, however, is not only preferred by Bulgarian athletes. Italy's Gabriel Messner, who claimed two podium finishes, said "this is the best organized event on the whole tour" and expressed hope that Bansko will return to the Snowboard World Cup calendar next season. Germany's Ramona Theresia Hoffmeister, who won both women's events, added: “I like it in Bansko, the course here is great. I think the whole race weekend was incredible,” Hoffmeister said.
The President of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, welcomed the event during his visit on the last day. He was joined by his wife, Desislava Radeva, the President of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee, Stefka Kostandinova, and the President of the Bulgarian Ski Federation, Cheko Minev. Radev described Bansko as "an incredible calling card for Bulgaria", adding that FIS representatives recognized the high level of organization during their discussions.
"Bansko and Bulgaria set the standards in world skiing. Currently, no other resort offers these conditions. Bansko is a name in world skiing and a great tourist destination. Europe is watching Bansko and the world is talking about Bansko. I am confident that we can find a balance between protecting our nature and providing opportunities for people from Bulgaria and the world to do sports, breathe clean air and live healthily," Radev said.
Czeko Minev also hinted at Bansko's growing reputation in the FIS. He announced that from 2027, under a new media contract, Bansko will host men's World Cup alpine skiing events every two years, including slalom and giant slalom. This would place Bansko among the most popular ski destinations in the Alps.
“At FIS, this is considered the top standard for alpine snowboard competitions. What is done here in Bansko is adopted elsewhere. Bulgaria is consolidating its position as one of the leading organizers of World Cups in winter sports. People from all over the world are calling to say we are on all the news channels. I tell them: ``Watch to learn!''" Minef said.
The slopes of Bansko, packed with youngsters from all over the world, highlight Bulgaria's growing appeal as a winter sports destination. Events like the Snowboard World Cup ensure that this trend will continue.
