My Story

If you’re thinking about booking a ski holiday in Bansko, I thought it might be nice to introduce myself and share a little of the story behind Chalet Christophe.

My name is Victoria and I first discovered Bansko back in 2007. What was meant to be a short visit quickly turned into something much bigger. I completely fell in love with the town, the mountains and the lifestyle here in the Pirin Mountains.

Before long I was running ski chalets in Bansko, welcoming guests from the UK and beyond who wanted to experience one of Europe’s best-value ski resorts. From 2007 until 2018, hosting chalet holidays here was my life and honestly, I loved it. From the excitement of the first morning on the slopes to the stories around the dining table after a day skiing. These are the things that make a week in the mountains unforgettable.

During that time I also bought the building that would eventually become Chalet Christophe. The plan was always to design my own chalet in Bansko. But as life sometimes does, things didn’t go exactly to plan. Other opportunities popped up and the project had to wait. Even so, I always knew that I would come back to Bansko one day and finish what I had started. Three years ago, I began work on completing the building and turning it into the chalet I had imagined all those years ago. You may even recognise parts of the journey from the Channel 4 series A New Life in the Sun, which followed the story of the chalet build here in Bulgaria.

Now, after a lot of work, Chalet Christophe is preparing to open its doors to its very first guests for the 2026/27 ski season and having run chalets in Bansko for so many years, I know that a great ski holiday isn’t just the skiing .It’s the feeling of returning somewhere warm and welcoming after a day on the mountain. A place where everything is taken care of so you can simply relax and enjoy your time away.

At Chalet Christophe my aim is to recreate the kind of chalet experience that guests love: great food, a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday. Because I’ve lived in Bansko for so long, I can help organise everything before you arrive. Ski passes, equipment hire, lessons, airport transfers, restaurant reservations and activities are all easy to arrange.

Whether you’re planning a ski trip with friends, a corporate mountain retreat or an adventure holiday with your hiking club or running group, my goal is to make the whole experience smooth and enjoyable from the moment you start planning your trip.

More than just skiing

Most people think of skiing when they talk about Bansko but it’s also an incredible place for mountain adventures or relaxation all year round.

Trail running, hiking, mountain biking and exploring the National Park in the Pirin Mountains are some of my favourite ways to spend time here. If you follow my other blog at Bansko Adventures, you’ll know how passionate I am about getting outdoors and making the most of the mountains (and the mineral hot pools) and I hope that’s how my guests will feel when they stay at Chalet Christophe.

Opening a brand new chalet has been a long journey, but it’s incredibly exciting to finally be welcoming guests again. Bookings for winter 2026/27 are now open, and I can’t wait to share everything that makes Bansko such a special place to ski and explore.

If you’re planning a ski holiday (or any kind of holiday) in Bansko and like the idea of a relaxed, friendly chalet experience with plenty of local knowledge, I’d love to welcome you. 

Residential Areas (Best all-round option)

This is where I personally think you get the best of both worlds.

The residential parts of Bansko are a bit quieter and more relaxed, but still within walking distance of everything; the gondola, Pirin Street, and the old town.

You’re not in the middle of the noise, but you’re not in the middle of nowhere. It’s a much more balanced experience, especially for longer stays.

Good for:

  • A quieter, more relaxed stay
  • Easy access to all areas
  • Groups and chalet-style holidays

Worth knowing:
Bansko is very safe and I never feel uncomfortable walking around the streets after dark.

Are there any areas to avoid?

Not really — Bansko is generally compact and easy to get around.

The main thing to watch is booking somewhere too far out on the edge of town that doesn't have a shuttle bus if you don’t have transport. Some properties look close on a map but can be a bit of a walk, especially in ski boots.

The biggest mistake people make

One of the most common mistakes I see is people booking right next to the gondola… and then never exploring the rest of Bansko.

The old town is a huge part of what makes this place special and it’s easy to miss if you stay in one area the whole time.

A quick insider tip

You don’t actually need to stay next to the gondola to have an easy ski holiday.

Most chalets (including ours) offer lift shuttles in the morning and afternoon, which means you can stay somewhere quieter and still get up the mountain easily — without queueing or walking in ski boots.

Hotel, apartment or chalet?

This is where your experience can really change.

Hotels are easy, but can feel a bit impersonal.
Apartments are flexible, but you’re organising everything yourself.

A chalet sits somewhere in between — and for a lot of people, it ends up being the best option.

You get:

  • Local knowledge and recommendations
  • Help to organise ski hire, lessons and lift passes
  • Advise on the best restaurants, bars and apres-ski
  • A more social, relaxed atmosphere
  • A host who actually cares about your trip

Sometimes that even means heading up the mountain together for a ski and showing you around properly.

So, where should you stay?

If you want nightlife and convenience → gondola area
If you want culture and atmosphere → old town
If you want a bit of everything → residential areas

There’s no wrong choice — just what suits your trip best.

Planning your stay in Bansko

If you’re looking for a relaxed, friendly chalet experience with everything taken care of, Chalet Christophe is located in one of Bansko’s quieter residential areas — close enough to walk everywhere, but far enough to switch off at the end of the day.

Bookings are now open for winter 2026/27.

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