All Eyes on Zamfirov and Team Bulgaria in Bansko

Jan 16, 2026·Snowboard Alpine

The stunning scenery in Bansko. Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

The Visa FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup tour rocks on from the Austrian Alps to the Bulgarian Pirin Mountains. Snowboarders will take the slope in Bansko for the fifth time in World Cup history. There will be two individual parallel giant slalom races on January 17-18.

Last season, Bansko delivered huge turnouts and heart-racing action. This year should be no different.

Bulgarians hoping for some home cooking

The tour has been dominated by Austria and Italy with a few outliers from the likes of Germany, Switzerland, and Japan. However, Bulgaria is beginning to make its mark on the snowboard alpine circuit.

The amazing turnout in Bansko last season. Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

They will play wonderful hosts this weekend but also bring some serious contenders to the mix. Tervel Zamfirov (BUL) leads that charge this time around.

Last year’s world champion has something to prove in Bansko as he is still chasing his first World Cup podium. Nothing would be sweeter than doing it on home snow.

“A win in Bansko would mean everything to me. I still remember standing there in 2017, watching the first World Cup and seeing Rado (Yankov) win. The pride, the joy, the way the whole crowd celebrated together, it left a mark on me. To now have the chance to create that same feeling for the people who support us so passionately would be a dream come true and one of the most meaningful moments of my career,”– Zamfirov said.

Tervel Zamfirov looking for a win on home snow in Bansko. Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

His best finish so far this season was sixth in Scuol. He got a boost from the home crowd in 2025 with a fourth-place finish in Bansko and will be one to watch this weekend.

Even hitting the start gate with the Bulgarian crowd roaring and flags waving is enough for Zamfirov.

“Racing in Bulgaria fills my heart with the strongest and most beautiful emotions. To do what I love in front of my home crowd, surrounded by my people, gives me energy I can’t describe. It’s something truly special, and I feel deeply grateful for the chance to experience it,”– Zamfirov said.

That experience is one Radoslav Yankov (BUL) knows well. The veteran has one top-five finish this season but will be extra motivated in Bansko. He has three previous podiums there, including one victory.

Alexander Krashniak (BUL) also may figure into the equation after coming in second for his first career podium in Bad Gastein earlier this week.

Aside from the Bulgarians, it is the Italian men who may spoil the hometown hopes. The Italian men have won six of seven races thus far this season. Aaron March (ITA) and Maurizio Bormolini (ITA) lead the talented group and sit atop the overall standings headed into Bansko.

Jasmin Coratti (ITA) came fourth in Bansko in 2025. Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

Swiss star Dario Caviezel (SUI) will also be a favorite. He has two previous wins in Bansko and cites it as one of his favorite courses. He is also coming off a solid performance in Bad Gastein, including taking second place in the mixed team event alongside Julie Zogg (SUi).

Yes, I really like it in Bansko. I like the slope a lot, as well as the atmosphere and the organization. The key is to get into the run well and keep fighting all the way to the finish," – Caviezel said.

Zamfirov and the Bulgarians will have a tough test fending off the opposing nations.

Who can step up next on the women’s side?

The Bulgarian men are not the only ones carrying the flag. Zamfirov’s sister, Malen Zamfirova, could be a dark horse. The 16-year-old has six top-ten finishes this season, including a podium in Mylin.

She will face tough tests from the likes of a hungry Tsubaki Miki (JPN). The defending overall champion has missed the last two podiums and will be eager to turn her luck around.

Ramona Theresia Hofmeister (GER) bounced back from injury for a win in her first race of the season in Scuol. She came in ninth in Bad Gastein but sat out the team race to prep for Bansko. A healthy Hofmeister is a scary foe for anyone.

Elisa Caffont (ITA) leads the overall standings and will look to grab more points. Her teammates Lucia Dalmasso (ITA) and Jasmin Coratti (ITA) are also big threats. Coratti is riding high after a podium finish in the team event in Bad Gastein this week.

“I really hope I can take the good feelings from Bad Gastein to the next races. It gave me a lot of confidence in my riding. I love the slope in Bansko, so with good riding and a little luck, everything is possible!”– Coratti said.

Michelle Dekker (NED) is another name to watch after she cracked the podium in Bad Gastein this week.

"It was a nice confidence boost. Even though it was slalom and this weekend is GS it shows me the speed I know I have and it will just be a matter of putting it down tomorrow in the race. I’m excited to keep pushing, gaining momentum and confidence as the Olympics get closer,"– Dekker said.

Sabine Payer (AUT) came out of the gates hot this season but has struggled through an ankle injury in recent races. She will skip the races in Bansko to focus on the events in Simonhohe in her home country and the upcoming Winter Olympics.

Catch all the action this weekend.