The other side of Bansko

The young mountaineers note that their favourite hobby could be practiced without hindrance in the resort in Pirin in its current state and it is important for them that the balance be preserved between the opportunity for skiing in the resorts and in the wild nature.

Ski zone Bansko is situated in the heart of National park Pirin – a protected territory within the meaning of the Protected Territories Act. The park is famous with its exceptionally valuable diversity of plant species, large part of which is endemic – species that are met only in the mountain of Pirin and nowhere else in the world. In Pirin one third of the plants in Bulgaria could be seen. The oldest trees – white firs in Bulgaria are also there. Pirin is home for many wild Balkan goats, bears and over 150 bird species.

National park Pirin is also a site of the UNESCO world heritage.

In the letter also is told about the dark side of Bansko – this which the organizers of the Ski Cup never would share with their guests.
The young mountaineers remember the cosy town of Bansko years ago where one always would stay at a guest house maintained by a local family. Unfortunately these people now work as serving staff at big hotels owned by other people.
In the letter is the description of the plans for ten-fold extension of the territory of ski zone Bansko in the heart of the National park in contradiction to the law, which will destroy century-old forests of white and black fir and will have significant negative effect on the wild nature of the mountain of Pirin. Also are mentioned the violations done in the past by the concessioner of the ski zone but remained unpunished so far. The mountain lovers have also paid attention to the influence of the climate changes on the snow cover and their role in decision making for building up of new ski facilities.

Wishing them good performance at the contest, the young mountaineers appeal to the contestants to hear also the other story for Bansko which they will not be told by the organizers of the World Cup.