Updated October 2026
Everything people ask us before their first day, in one place. Short answers from the shop, 100 m from the gondola.
No. You don’t need to leave an ID or a deposit when you pick up your equipment.
Your ski clothes, gloves and one pair of smooth ski socks – nothing tucked into the boots. We give you skis or a snowboard, boots, poles and a helmet. Bring sunglasses or goggles, or rent goggles from us.
Yes: goggles EUR 5 a day, a ski jacket or ski pants EUR 10 a day each, or EUR 15 for both. Children’s clothing comes in limited sizes. Write what you need in the “Anything we should know?” box when you book and we’ll have it ready, subject to availability.
Any time we’re open: 08:00-18:00 every day from 1 December to 30 April. Best is the evening before your first ski day: it costs nothing extra, there’s no morning queue, and next morning you just walk to the gondola. Everyone should come for the fitting, because boots of the same size fit differently and we set the bindings for each person. After booking you get a link to send us everyone’s height, weight and shoe size, so your equipment is ready when you arrive.
At the shop, by 18:00 on your last day. Every evening you can leave your equipment with us – storage and drying are included – and take the same pair the next morning.
No. Lift passes are sold by the resort, not by rental shops. Buy yours the evening before, so in the morning you only queue for the gondola. Prices and where to buy: Bansko lift pass prices.
Your lift pass includes rescue insurance: if you have an accident on the slopes, it covers the rescue, the transport down and first treatment on the spot. It doesn’t cover more serious treatment, so travel insurance that covers skiing is a good idea. We don’t sell insurance ourselves.
Come back and we’ll swap them – free, any time, within the same level. Moving up a level (for example Base to Premium) costs the price difference for the days left.
Normal wear and tear is free. For damage beyond normal wear – a broken ski or a cracked boot – you pay the repair, or the replacement value if it can’t be repaired. If equipment is lost or stolen, you pay its replacement value. Never leave skis unattended: use a ski locker or a rack lock, and if something is stolen, report it to the police and to us the same day. Full rules: terms and conditions.
We can’t control the mountain: bad weather or closed lifts don’t give a right to a refund. You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days before your first day. If something doesn’t go to plan, talk to us and we’ll look for a fair solution.
Group lessons have up to 8 people, split by level and age, from age 7, at 11:00 and 14:00. Small groups (2-6 people) and private lessons start at 09:00, 11:00 or 14:00; children can start from age 5. Lessons are in English, Bulgarian, Russian and some Greek. You meet your instructor at the top station of the gondola, so allow time for the ride up. First time? Skiing in Bansko for beginners.
At the shop in cash or by card, in euros only. Online by card on the secure myPOS page, with up to 15% off. A company invoice is no problem.
Avantgarde Ski, a ski and snowboard rental shop in Bansko, is at Stragite 2, about 100 m from the gondola. Book online and save 10% (pay at pickup) or 15% (pay online); free cancellation up to 7 days before. Questions? WhatsApp: +359 888 766736.
