Amazing Jahorina ski slopes revealed
For a long time, Jahorina Olympic Mountain in Bosnia and Hercegovina was considered as a place for advanced and expert skiers. Demanding Jahorina ski slopes combined with stunning nature and highly affordable prices were always a magnet.
Nowadays, Jahorina ski resort shows a clear trend towards higher quality skiing infrastructure. Additional blue ski slopes were created, followed by gondola lifts, walking paths and night ski trails. It is not incredibly cheap as it was before, but at least it still keeps an outstanding price – quality ratio, with pretty high level of authenticity. Discovering ski paradise of Jahorina was truly an adventure for my ten year old son Mateja, my wife Tanja and me.
We loved morning hours up there, on the highest summit, observing fantastic natural sculptures of frozen pine trees, bended by the weight of snow loaded on each branch. It seemed they carefully looked upon my son and I while we were thinking which slope to ski among 47km of runs that Jahorina can offer.
Our choice was to ski mainly red runs, combined with a few sections of blue level slopes. Red 3 and 3a or steeper red run number 2 were just perfect for the start. After a while it was time for serious slopes from Sarajevo Olympics ’84. It was our privilege to enjoy Olympic giant slalom run No.6 with a steep first section and super pleasant lower parts. This red run branches of to 6a and 6b, equally interesting for wide, full speed carving turns.
Finally we were ready for the most challenging section on top, where strong winds seemed to be present all the time. Red slopes No.4 and No.10 as well, require some skilled skiing technique, so caution and balanced speed is recommended. Famous Olympic slalom black run No.5 comes at the end and no matter how steep it was, we did it easily. When we looked up towards this slope from the bottom section, it really looked super steep, but in reality it stands as a very pleasant black run.
I was positively surprised with well groomed runs and machinery preparing slopes during the night and early morning. Serious investments were made in last five years, but Jahorina still has space for improvement, specially in providing more snow cannons which so far cover only 7km of slopes in case of lack of snow. Fortunately, we did not need to worry about that, since tons of snow was all over the mountain. For any visitors interested in Nordic skiing options, just 10min drive from the ski area Jahorina offers fabulous “Dvorista” Nordic centre. My wife experienced a few biathlon classes with full equipment for 25-30eur per person. This section of the former Olympic complex shown us again how Jahorina represents a very complete offer for diversity of winter sports.
Last few days, we focused to explore central part of this ski resort, nestling around and above Poljice Gondola Station. Gondolas are not my perfect choice, due to waste of time while taking off you skis, but this was the only way up from the centre to the top. It was obvious that this part of Jahorina ski resort, with two gondola lifts, was reserved for ski beginners.
Blue runs No.1, 7 and 8 were intersecting each other, slopes were nice and gentle, but always crowdy with ski instructors and kids enjoying their first ski steps. This dynamic atmosphere changes only during night skiing. For additional charge of 12eur per person you can ski perfectly groomed and magically lit up blue runs from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
My family liked those early evening hours to push for some more activities. We just continued with usual sleigh riding, joining other cheerful kids. My main concern was if sleigh will hold my winter type weight of 235lbs (107kg). Falling, getting up, laughing, running up and down with my wife and son brought me to the good old times of my own childhood.
Jahorina Mountain does not let you to stop moving and admiring. Are you on alpine skis, Nordic ones, on foot or sleigh, it simply does not matter. It is crucial to embrace its slopes, dense forests and hiking paths the best you can and the feeling will be more than precious.
