You have probably never thought of booking your ski holidays in Bosnia & Herzegovina. But that might change after this story. Blessed with long ski seasons on magnificent snowy mountains, this country is the best-kept winter secret in Europe and perfect budget-friendly alternative to the popular & costly winter destinations. Plus, its ski resorts are much less crowded and still quite undiscovered. If you decide to fly to the Bosnian Olympic city, here is where you can ski around Sarajevo. 

The Olympic mountains

Thirty-five years ago, Bosnia & Herzegovina (at that time it was a part of Yugoslavia) hosted Winter Olympic Games, that brought worldwide popularity to the country’s mountains. Sarajevo was chosen to host the 1984 Winter Olympics since in its vicinity are three most popular mountains in Bosnia & Herzegovina – Mt. Jahorina, Mt. Bjelašnica and Mt. Igman. They are only half an hour drive from the capital city, and they have the first-class slopes, the best accommodation & renting capacities, as well as après skiing activities. 

Mount Jahorina

Perhaps less known to European ski lovers, but Mount Jahorina is pretty famous among the skiers from the Balkans for the best value-for-money skiing. It is the largest ski area in Bosnia & Herzegovina, with the highest peak Ogorjelica reaching 1,916 m above the sea level. Only 28 km from Sarajevo, this mountain is easily reachable once you are in the capital city. Mt. Jahorina is one of the most popular winter getaways in the Balkans, With 30 km of groomed slopes. The ski season lasts between December and April, thanks to plentiful of natural snowfall. With eight lifts, this mountain can host more than 8,000 skiers per hour. Mount Jahorina offers everything you need – skiing & snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country trails, lavish off-piste and great après ski. The additional attraction here is night skiing. Evenings are reserved for entertainment with DJs and parties.

Jahorina Ski Centre

Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mount Bjelašnica 

Only 25 km from Sarajevo, Mount Bjelašnica is nestled in the rough and rolling Dinaric Alps. This is the tallest and steepest mountain in Bosnia & Herzegovina, with the highest peak situated at 2,067 m of altitude. Actually, it is a dreamland for adrenaline junkies since it offers the steepest of all slopes. A ski race from the highest peak (2,067 m) to the base (1,200 m) lasts only 10 minutes. Mt. Bjelašnica is one of the mountains that hosted the men’s alpine ski completion during the Winter Olympic Games in 1984. This is not a surprise as some of its trails belong to the top European ski slopes. Also, its challenging forest runs are ideal for skilled skiers and snowboarders. However, among 14 km of slopes, that are groomed daily, there are the trails for all types of skiers – from beginners to advanced.

Bjelašnica Ski Centre

Bjelašnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mount Igman

Not far from Mount Bjelašnica and mere 22 km from Sarajevo is located Mount Igman. It is actually a north face of Mt. Bjelašnica. Since this place offers great ski jumping station, it also hosted the competitions during the Winter Olympic in 1984. Mt. Igman (1,502 m) is a bit smaller and cosy ski resort, more suitable for families with children. It is renowned for the exceptionally high quality of air, due to the abundance of pine trees.

Igman Ski Centre

Igman, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Europe’s best skiing on a budget

Bosnia & Herzegovina is called “the best-kept winter secret in Europe”, with very reasonable prices and no rush of tourists, as opposed to the expensive mass winter tourism. A perfect alternative ski heaven on the slopes that hosted the Olympics, and voila - the location for Europe’s best skiing on a budget. So, now that you know where to ski around Sarajevo, the last thing you need to do is to choose one of the three ski resorts - Mt. Jahorina, Mt. Bjelašnica or Mt. Igman. In case you wonder if there are other winter destinations in Bosnia & Herzegovina, check the ski resorts around Mostar and find out where you can ski around Banja Luka. Enjoy your winter holidays in the Balkans!