Gondola is the cabin lift that connects the town with the ski centre.

DURATION – CAPACITY
✔ 8-seat cabins
✔ Dozens of cabins departing every 30 seconds
✔ Approx. 30 min trip (one way) + further delays as there is usually one queue to get your ski pass and a second long queue to get in the Gondola. Learn more about how to get your ski pass and avoid the queues here.

USAGE
It is used by skiers and snowboarders to arrive on the mountain base and then use the rest of the lifts (chair lifts & drag lifts) to go higher and ski on their favorite slopes.

Tourists who will not ski or snowboard, use the Gondola lift to reach the mountain base and enjoy the nature or dine and drink in the restaurants on that area (Banderitsa).

FIRST STATION: CHALIN VALOG
Gondola’s doors open after 15 minutes at first stop, Chalin Valog, where you can find only slopes for skiers and riders. Few cafes too, accessible only from skiers and riders. Chalin Valog is a lovely area during busy days on the ski resort as it is less popular therefore less busy. Make sure you check the pistes level on the pistes map if you are planning to ski or snowboard there. Always check snow conditions before stopping in Chalin Valog, there is usually less snow than higher on the mountain.

SECOND – LAST – STATION: BANDERITSA POLYANA
The second and last stop is Banderitsa Polyana.
Here you will find the 2 main chair lifts to take you higher on the ski resort slopes. All the beginners lifts and small lifts for children are here too. This is where you will meet your ski/snowboard instructors if you are attending a lesson. 5 chalets are located here to accommodate also tourists who are not skiing and they are the only accessible venues without ski equipment.

Someone might want to avoid using the Gondola lift on their way up on the mountain. Most common reasons are:
✔ the queue to get in the Gondola lift is too long
✔ they are afraid of heights

USE YOUR CAR
The way up is approx. 20 min plus any delays if you find traffic or the road is very snowy. Make sure you have snow chains with you and you start early enough -08:00 during busy periods- to avoid traffic. The parking fee is 20 BGN in cash.

If you are first timer or very beginner you must park in Banderitsa Polyana area. However, the parking in Banderitsa gets full from early in the morning, make sure you depart early from Bansko.

If you are able to ski or snowboard at least a blue run, you can park anywhere else.