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.
So, what is it really like to stay in a Bansko ski chalet?
If you’ve never stayed in a catered ski chalet before, the experience feels quite different from a hotel or a self-catered apartment. You have friendly, dedicated hosts on hand to take the stress out of your holiday, while larger groups can take exclusive use of the whole chalet — turning it into your complete home-from-home for the week.
Having run chalets since 2004 , I’ve seen how this style of holiday works especially well for adult groups of friends and corporate teams. Here’s what a typical day in a catered ski chalet in Bansko actually feels like.
Your Day Starts with a Great Breakfast
There’s no need to worry about who’s making breakfast or fighting over the eggs in the morning. Everyone heads down to the dining room for a proper, hearty breakfast that sets you up for a day on the slopes.
Your hosts prepare freshly cooked hot options like porridge or scrambled eggs (no cold buffet eggs here) and a good range of continental options. Because everyone eats together, it’s a relaxed chance to chat about the day’s plans and get excited about the skiing or snowboarding ahead.
The Morning Shuttle to the Gondola
After years of running chalets, I know how important it is to make getting on the mountain as easy as possible. That’s why we have a dedicated chalet shuttle that takes you straight to the gondola.
On busy days we go one step further and drop you higher up the mountain, so you can skip the main queue and start skiing sooner. No walking in ski boots, no searching for parking — just a smooth start to the day.
Back to the Chalet for Afternoon Tea
When you’ve had enough of the slopes, you can either walk back or jump on the afternoon shuttle. Afternoon tea will be waiting for you: home-baked cake, hot drinks and a proper chance to put your feet up in the lounge or out on the balcony with views over Bansko.
It’s one of those small luxuries that make a catered ski chalet holiday feel special. You’re not rushing to the supermarket or cooking for yourself — you’re simply looked after.
Evenings – Dining In & Dining Out
On four evenings your hosts prepare a delicious three-course dinner served with wine and local beer. It’s sociable, relaxed and means no one has to cook after a full day on the mountain.
On the other three evenings you’re free to explore Bansko’s restaurants. There are traditional mehanas (taverns), more modern spots and everything in between. Your hosts can point you towards their favourite places, or you can simply order a takeaway and settle in front of the fire in the chalet lounge for a quieter night.
Ending the Day in the Outdoor Hot Tub
After a few days of skiing or snowboarding, your legs will thank you for the outdoor hot tub. It’s the perfect way to ease tired muscles while watching twilight set in, one of the real highlights of staying in a luxury ski chalet in Bansko.
How It Compares to Hotels and Self-Catered Apartments
Self-catered apartments give you complete freedom, but they also mean you do all the organising and cooking yourself. Hotels are easy and convenient but they can feel impersonal, the receptionist might never learn your name and the kitchen staff could forget your allergies!
A catered ski chalet sits in the middle. When you arrive, your hosts already know what lessons you’ve booked, who needs ski hire, and they’ll have your lift passes ready. They get to know your group and share the local knowledge that only comes from living and working in Bansko for years. Sometimes they’ll even meet you on the mountain to show you the best spot for a hot chocolate with a view.
Why I Love a Chalet Holiday
I may be biased, but catered chalet holidays remain my favourite way to experience Bansko. It feels like staying with your favourite relatives — you’re thoroughly spoilt, yet completely comfortable. The hosts love the mountains and they share that enthusiasm with you. It’s so much more personal than a regular hotel stay.
Is a Catered Chalet Right for Your Group?
With nine ensuite rooms sleeping up to 22 guests, there’s plenty of space for groups of friends or corporate teams to spread out — whether you want privacy or the social side of the lounge and bar area.
If you love mountain activities and want hosts who can help you make the most of Bansko, a catered ski chalet holiday is hard to beat.
Chalet Christophe is almost ready and we’re now opening a waiting list for winter 2026/27. If you’re planning a trip with friends, a corporate group or a mixed-activity week, I’d be happy to help you start planning.
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