Five Reasons Why Bansko Should Be Your Next Winter Nomad Destination

by Gabriella Tutino

Winter is a tricky time for nomads, as the natural inclination is to go somewhere warm to avoid cold weather. Plus, who wants to pack and carry bulky clothes and gear? Except of course those nomads that enjoy winter sports and can’t wait to hit the slopes.

Located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, Bansko is a popular, thriving international ski town for digital nomads. It is quickly becoming one of the top nomad destinations for many reasons, including its affordability, the huge coworking community and all the attractions it has to offer.

Here’s some reasons to visit Bansko and make it your next destination:

1) A ski destination with plenty of winter activities

Being right next to the mountains has its perks. Bansko has 75 km of ski runs, 14 lifts, and easy transportation to and from the slopes that makes it on par with other top ski destinations but it is also one of the most affordable ski resorts worldwide.

Bansko will also be hosting the 2020 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in January, which you don’t want to miss if you want to mingle with famous athletes at the after party!

If hitting the slopes isn’t your cup of tea, there’s plenty of other activities to keep you engaged! Apart from playing lots of boardgames, one popular pastime is to visit the hot springs of Banya, where there are several pools available to soak in the natural thermal waters. If you arrive in early winter, it’s also possible to go hiking or later in the season snow shoeing. Making a pilgrimage to Rila Monastery, the sacred site, is highly recommended. Or, you can treat yourself to spa services at one of the many hotels in the area to combat the harsh effects of winter on your skin.

2) A Thriving Nomad Community

Here in Bansko we have Coworking Bansko, our digital nomad and expat community. Coworking Bansko has two main locations — one in Old Town, and one near the Gondola — that are accessible 24/7 with a membership key and equipped with comfy chairs, spacious tables, printers, skype rooms, and kitchens. The coworking space is a great community where you can not only focus and get your work done, but also meet fellow nomads, plan outings, and host workshops with other members. There are varied coworking membership plans depending on how long you end up staying in Bankso. Most stay either the whole season or, non-EU citizens, until their 90 day visa runs out.

3) Plenty of Accommodation Options

With many apartments for rent and several guesthouses there is no lack of housing for locals and visitors alike in Bansko. Concentrated along the main road that cuts through Bansko, there are living options closer to the slopes as well as the beginning of town. Bansko’s variety of living options can suit every type of nomad, whether they want to be where the scene is happening, or closer to the locals. Many of the hotels have quality restaurants serving traditional Bulgarian dishes, offer fantastic spa services, and also have pools or jacuzzis for relaxing after a long day, and most apartments are within walking distance of the sypermarket. Make sure to check the long-term accomodation guide for useful contacts and the best deals.

4) Easy to reach location

One of the great factors about Bansko is how accessible it is from major cities like Sofia, Plovdiv and Thessaloniki with lots of low-cost airlines flying to Sofia. Also, if you’re craving a big city outing, it’s only a bus or train ride away. Most journeys to other cities will be under 3 hours, which means you can make a day trip out of it, or extend your visit to a weekend.

5) Affordability

Bansko may be a touristic ski resort during the winter, but it’s still affordable by nomadic standards. The cost of living in Bansko compared to say, the United States, is one-third of the price! One month’s rent is around €150, plus about €100 for heating, and an average lunch or dinner out will be about €5 to €10. Your money goes far in Bansko, so you can treat yourself to a few luxuries you might not be able to afford in other nomad destinations. Here is a detailed expense report from Louise who was in Bansko during the season and spent below €1000 per month.

About the Author
Gabriella Tutino is a NYC-based freelance writer, book reviewer, and court reporter. Her work appears on Tor.com, Comics MNT, the US Review of Books and Highbrow Magazine.
You can find her travel blog here: https://gabriellasadventuresblog.wordpress.com/