Visa FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup 2026 in Bansko

19 January 2026 - Bulgaria’s premier winter resort has once again taken centre stage in the world of winter sports, successfully hosting the VISA FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup 2026. This year’s event held particular significance, serving as one of the final opportunities for athletes to secure their quotas for the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

For the fifth time in its history, the world’s elite snowboarders gathered in Bansko. Over the weekend of 17 and 18 January, 127 snowboarders from 20 countries tested their speed and precision on the iconic ‘Tomba’ track above Banderishka Polyana. The Olympic season’s high stakes attracted widespread international interest, with over 150 media representatives from around 15 countries broadcasting the excitement of the Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS) to millions of viewers worldwide.

Tervel Zamfirov secured the victory in the parallel giant slalom, defeating Austria's Fabian Obmann. Adding to the family’s glory and the nation’s success, Tervel’s sister, Malena Zamfirova, delivered a stellar performance in the women’s competition, finishing in an impressive 5th place. In an equally impressive performance, Radoslav Yankov outpaced Germany’s Yannik Angenend to join Zamfirov on the podium. This victory represents the first-ever dual podium finish for Bulgaria at the Visa FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup event, an achievement Zamfirov hailed as a defining moment for the country’s sporting legacy. The official results and category winners are available on the official FIS site: https://www.fis-ski.com/.

As a long-standing key partner of the event, Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko was once again at the heart of the action. Recognised as ‘Bulgaria’s Best Ski Hotel 2025’ by the World Ski Awards, the hotel served as the distinguished hub for VIP guests, international sports officials and organizers, who arrived specifically for this notable competition.

Between the high-octane races, guests enjoyed the hotel’s celebrated hospitality and award-winning culinary offerings. Attendees savoured refined Mediterranean cuisine at the renewed Come Prima Restaurant (named ‘Bulgaria’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2025’) and discovered authentic Asian dishes at the popular Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki Grill. Evening celebrations continued at the vibrant Piano Bar Sing Sing.

For those looking to unwind after a day on the slopes, the world-renowned Kempinski The Spa provided a serene sanctuary. Guests experienced authentic Thai massages and signature treatments, enjoying the same premium relaxation as the world’s leading athletes.

To follow in the tracks of the world’s best snowboarders beneath Todorka Peak and enjoy a luxurious winter escape, explore our exclusive accommodation offers at https://www.kempinski.com/en/hotel-grand-arena/overview#Offers.

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About Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko: Being the only ski-in and ski-out hotel in the area, Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko is located in the very heart of the most popular and vibrant winter resort in the Balkans – Bansko, right across from the gondola lift station, which gives access to 75 km of ski runs groomed at a high international level, suitable for all skiers, from complete beginners to advanced ones. The luxury hotel is the only international branded winter resort in this part of the Balkans and is open year-round. It features 157 Alpine-style rooms, including 25 suites and an exclusive Presidential Suite, Kempinski The Spa with unique thermal facilities, four conference rooms and eight restaurants and bars with spectacular views of the majestic Pirin Mountains. Graced with European flair, the hotel grants the ultimate Kempinski ski, gourmet and spa experience.

About Kempinski: Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Today, the Kempinski Group operates 75 hotels and residences in 33 countries and currently has more than 25 prestigious projects under development around the globe. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. www.kempinski.com www.ghadiscovery.com

Media contact:

Mariana Mominova · Director of Sales and Marketing ·

Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko

96, Pirin Street · 2770 Bansko · Bulgaria

T +359 2 4881801 · M +359 884 904196
[email protected]