The new half-pipe is of great interest to both foreign and Bulgarian snow-boarders, as it is the only permanent half-pipe facility in the country. The availaboility of high quality rental gear and excellent tuition are other strong positive points as is the fact that most of the mountainb is now accessible by high speed chair ands cabin lifts rather than surface tows. Bansko is a regular host to a number of ski and snowboard competitions, such as the Extreme Ski and Snowboard competition.