The beautiful and enticing Bulgarian winter sports resort of Bansko has been receiving considerable attention of late as it emerges from its humble beginnings to become one of Europe's newest and most exciting extreme and winter sports resorts.

Located just 2 hours from the nation’s capital city and international airport, Bansko is a thrilling resort for all seasons.

Perched high up above sea level, Bansko nestles cosily between the Pirin, Rila and Rhodope mountain ranges.

From its modest beginnings as a small ski resort, which really only achieved popularity on any major scale ten years ago, Bansko has welcomed multi million euro investment programmes, record growth in tourism arrivals, and witnessed a property boom. Ultimately it has truly transformed itself into one of the prettiest and most diverse resorts in Bulgaria at any time of the year.

The traditional ski season in Bansko runs from the 15th of December to the 15th of May - but because the town and its surrounding slopes, mountains, geography and environment have so much more to offer adventurous holidaymakers than just ski runs, there is true year round appeal in Bansko with those particularly in search of winter fun able to enjoy themselves for at least six months of the year.

Those who arrive looking specifically for ski action during the winter season will of course find it. In fact, The Guardian newspaper recently placed Bansko in the number two position in the world on its "most recommended" list of ski resorts for beginners and intermediate skiers.

If you're travelling to Bansko in search of ski action here’s what you need to know:

• The ski pistes are located in two main ski centres. Chalin Valog is at an elevation of between 1,100 and 1,600 meters, and Shiligarnika sits between 1,700 and 2,500 meters. Both centres are about 10 km above the town of on the northern slopes of Pirin mountain itself.
• Accessibility is easy, affordable and fun with the required 25 minute gondola ride starting in Bansko town itself and providing an exhilarating and stunning ride as skiers take in the breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys and geography above and around Bansko.
• The total length of the marked pistes is 65 kilometers – but there is plenty of off piste action for the adventurous skier or snow boarder. Bansko and its slopes enjoy the best snow conditions in Bulgaria with great snow cover guaranteed from at least December to May, and there are over 40 snow cannons covering most slopes making the ski season last longer and ensuring climate changes will never affect the ski action in Bansko.
• Alternative winter sports appeal comes in the form of snow boarding on piste, off piste and at the nearby fun park where there are jumps, half pipes and challenges for all levels of ability. Slalom and giant slalom runs are available and Bansko also has plenty of cross-country tracks and a ski run Rollbahn track as well.
• If you’re looking for more adventure then try extreme skiing, heli-skiing or even paragliding down onto the pistes - as one adventurer put it: "You look like James Bond and you have the most enlivening experience of your lifetime!" And if the pistes are too tame for you by day then you can night ski in Bansko or even try powder skiing perhaps?
• You can ice skate, ride skidoos, you can go tobogganing, or you can get in out of the cold and enjoy spa breaks and shopping experiences in Bansko during the winter months.

Tam Stanley, director of Property Growth International, said: "Bansko has it all, which is why it is one of our most requested locations among all real estate seekers, not just those hunting for a ski property. For example, Bansko has a new five million euro mega-mall under development for shopoholics and there are five star hotels and residential resorts in and around the town with a fantastic array of onsite amenities.

"From indoor pools and saunas at the residential developments to complete wellness centres and indoor sports facilities at the superior hotels in Bansko, this is not just a resort for all seasons, it’s a resort for all tastes as well."

The article Bulgarian Skiing - A Thrilling Resort for All Seasons originally appeared on 999 Today