Haven’t been off-piste yet, but the slopes Charlotte and I skied all day yesterday here in Bansko were really, really nice.

I’m continuously impressed with how well-prepared the pists are and even more so with how effective the lift system is. Aside from the wait to get on the gondola ride up the mountain from the village, we never once stood in line for any of the chair lifts.

With its vertiginous, snow-covered peaks, dense forest, frozen creaks and many cozy hillside eateries, Banko reminds me of Zermatt, which is no small compliment.