Last Updated on January 27, 2022 by Tia
In this guide, I am telling you why Traventuria is the place for bargain skis, boards, and winter gear in Bansko.
Additionally, I am going to provide a review of their shuttle service from Sofia to Bansko.
So if you want to know how to get from Sofia to Bansko, and where to rent equipment from once there, keep reading!
Last updated: 27/1/22
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Table of Contents
Traventuria ltd
Is one of the biggest companies in Bulgaria and specializes in tailor-made services all over Bansko.
These guys cover everything; from fully catered culture and active tours in Bulgaria; (incl. guided/self-guided walking holidays, bird watching, horseback riding), ski & snowboard, airport transfers, etc.
Furthermore, it is the only adventure company in Bulgaria, receiving Certificates of Excellence by TripAdvisor every year since 2012!
Why you should book in advance
I am one of those people that travel with a plan.
That’s not to say that I make a strict timetable when I am away. But I do like to do my research, read reviews, compare prices and book some things in advance.
There is nothing worse than landing in a foreign place, unprepared, overwhelmed and get cheated in the process.
This was also the case in Bansko! I knew I would need 3 things: A transfer from Sofia to Bansko, Snowboard equipment, and some private snowboard lessons. Enter this company, which came to the rescue on 2 of my issues – transfer and equipment.
Traventuria Shuttle Airport Transfer Service
Cost and duration
The journey from Sofia Airport to Bansko takes anywhere between 3 and 4 hours . So do yourselves a favor and find a comfortable way to get there.
The Shuttle bus is the happy medium of the choices, costing 50 euros (return) and taking approximately 3 hours.
You could rent a private car for 140 euros return, or the public bus for a mere 20 euros
My experience
Traventuria waited for me at the airport, with my name clearly printed on a big sign. The mini bus was clean, new and spacious, so I instsntly felt I made a good call!
The wifi onboard, the heating on full blast and a very careful and experienced driver made the ride there smooth and thoroughly enjoyable.
The shuttle bus will drop off each passenger to their chosen accommodation anywhere in Bansko. The same applies for your return!
This means your journey is slightly extended so that everyone can be dropped off at their hotels.
On the way back to Sofia Airport, Bansko was practically buried in snow. Our driver not only handled the weather impressively well, but he also got us to the airport right on time!
Punctual, reliable, and professional, this is a shuttle service I can safely suggest to everyone to take! For bookings online, visit here
Is it worth it to rent a car from Sofia?
In my opinion, no.
I personally always rent a car, 4×4, or scooter anywhere I go as I love being independent. Bansko however, was different.
Most hotels (apart from the very low-budget ones) offer free shuttle service to and from the ski entry at various times throughout the day.
Moreover, the snow is deep and the roads are slipperyso. Therefore, I definitely advise getting an airport transfer from the airport. Once in Bansko its easy to use the free shuttle and your legs!
For 50 euros you don’t need to worry about driving in such conditions and getting stuck in the snow in the middle of Bulgaria.
Not to mention you will spend a lot more money on gas, parking and car rental.
Why not take the public bus?
You could yes! Municipality of Bansko operates a bus from Sofia to Bansko every 4 hours. Tickets cost €5 – €8 and the journey takes 3h 2m.
All you need to do is to make your way to the main bus station in Sofia. You can check out the schedule here.
Rent Ski and Snowboard here with Traventuria
The process
Zori welcomed me to the stop – located a mere 200 meters from the entry to the ski gondola. They were expecting me, as I had booked Premium Snowboard Equipment and storage.
First things first she said- we have to check you in!
The check-in happens on a touch screen, taking through a series of questions.
They fill in your age, sex, height, weight, and level of experience. These are all vital for the experts to fit you in with the best gear possible.
Then a quick test to check for your dominant side (mine was the left)
How you get measured
Then came the expert, the wonderful Georgi Valkov – who meticulously measured me for boots! He kept insisting until we found the perfect pair.
Then it was time to find the right board. I learned, that it needs to be at chins level and match your level of snowboard experience.
Georgi then took to adjusting the board to fit my dominant side (the one I would be using more to stop).
Boots and board all ready, we found the perfect helmet and I was all geared up and ready to go!
Equipment Storage
One of the things I loved, is that you are given storage options.
One is to keep the equipment with you for the duration of your booking. At the end of your ski day, you simply drop off your equipment in your designated locker. The next day (or after lunch) you pick them up again!
The lockers are state of the art touch screen lockers, specially designed to safely store and dry your ski and snowboard equipment.
They also provide a boot drying & disinfection service which is a big plus. This prevents you from getting blisters caused by wet shoes on your feet!
Is the equipment new?
I was thoroughly impressed with how impeccable the equipment was – everything looked brand new!
Not a single scratch on my whiteboard or helmet and the boots looked like they came out of a box just for me.
Traventuria uniquely only hires out first and second-year equipment which is serviced after each rent in their ski service center!
Most companies hire out much older equipment and only service at the end of the season.
For bookings and prices, visit here
Rent and Ski/Snowboard clothes with Traventuria
If you aren’t a frequent skier/snowboarder you are probably not aware of how important the right clothes are.
And we aren’t just talking fashion here. The right gear is crucial to surviving the cold and keeping all toes and fingers attached to your body!
This Ultimate Ski Packing List is filled with items that are absolutely necessary for optimal performance. But those items cost quite a lot of money!
If you don’t already own these, you can rent out ski pants, jackets, and goggles!
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Much Love,
Tia x
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