Jahorina accomodation and ski rental tips
Winter holidays are sometimes quite demanding when it is about finding the most suitable, cosy and preferably affordable accommodation. On top of that come usual ski renting and ski pass calculations so the whole package is close to a dream one.
Jahorina Mountain in Bosnia and Hercegovina certainly deserves proper insight into accommodation and ski rental options, enabling you to truly feel the spirit of Sarajevo ’84 Winter Olympics.
My family started researching all possible choices on time, and finally, we were ready for our ski holiday in December 2021.
Jahorina accomodation
This time, our accommodation option was focused on low budget, while getting maximum out of it. That is how we discovered Hotel Dva Javora (Two Maples Hotel). It was located in a quiet area, some 10 – 15min walk from the centre of Jahorina ski resort. This hotel was truly ski in – out facility. Just two minute walk from modern, six – seater ski lift Ogorjelica 1 was just amazing for my family logistics. Both chairlifts next to our hotel were named by the highest summit – Ogorjelica. This is where skiers are taken up to start their adventure at more than 1900m (6234ft) altitude.
Price for a family of three, on a half board basis was 75eur per day, which was surprisingly cheap. Compared with private accommodation options, without any meals included, and ranging from 50-70eur per day, our small hotel seemed to be a bingo option.
In general our little hotel was fine. I would say two star, rather than three star facility, with clean rooms and nice views over the slopes and forests of Jahorina.
Certain refurbished rooms were still with works in progress, while a few times during the night, heating was off unexpectedly.
But please, be aware you are dealing with Bosnian, laid back concept, which whatever happens, leaves you speechless, but always with a huge smile.
Self-service breakfast and dinner were more than we needed. In the morning, flavours of fresh salads, scrambled eggs, grilled sausages, local cheese and nice choice of cold cuts were greatly combined with yogurt, hot tea or milk, while enjoying winter idyllic ambient outside. Evening food moments were always tempting with types of goulash, grilled meat, a few tasty side dishes, soups and salads, to fill our energy after skiing. Hotel and ski depot staff were the brightest side and reflected everlasting kindness and opened heart of Bosnian people.
Private rooms, chalets or villas are truly something to desire in Jahorina. Many mountain huts are located literally next to a ski slope so if you book in advance you can enjoy privileged location for just over 50eur per night for a family of three. The most popular area for renting your private rooms or entire houses is certainly the central area of Jahorina, around Poljice gondola, where everything is easily reachable and logistically perfect, specially for families with children.
Image from: https://termaghotel.com/
In the very same, central area you can admire the iconic Vucko Hotel, named after the little wolf (vucko) mascot of Sarajevo ’84 Winter Olympics. Just next to it is a luxury Termag Hotel thus completing the best rated accommodation facilities in Jahorina. Prices in both Vucko and Termag hotels are easily between 300$ and 500$ per night.
A Little bit higher from the centre, among the forests of Jahorina is a nice vacation area named Sator (a tent). There, you can find variety of modern chalets and high quality private accommodation with prices ranging from 60 to over 100$ per night.
Seven nights in our cosy little hotel were great, with loads of skiing, walking and discovering local nature. However, to be able to explore central area of Jahorina ski resort, our decision was to spend last two nights in a large, cosy chalet with five private rooms, called the Green House.
It was located very close to the centre of Jahorina Ski Resort. My family and I had nice private room with bathroom and small shared kitchen for only 45eur per day per family! Our hosts from Sarajevo were more than kind and friendly and we truly felt like at home. Every day, we just needed to put our skis on and in ten seconds we were on the blue slope leading us to the main hub – Poljice Gondola Station.
Being so close to the ski resort central area for such an affordable price was truly surprising. Nearby places were maybe more modern, but way more expensive. Just don’t forget to always prepare cash money for paying your private accommodation option on the spot. Beside mentioned variety of choices for your stay in Jahorina, some extra research is always needed to plan your skiing logistics like ski rental, ski pass and eventually a few ski lessons for your child.
Jahorina ski rental and ski pass
To be ready for all snow challenges, my son and I needed efficient, but affordable ski rental. We did it in Pale town, at the bottom of Jahorina mountain due to lower prices. However, there are plenty of great ski rental places at the ski resort as well, with around 20% higher prices than we have paid in Pale town.
Nine days rental of full skiing equipment (skis, poles, boots and helmet) was around 170eur for two of us, as the cheapest possible option. On top of that we added 9-days family ski pass for around 275eur total and we were all set.
If planning to arrange some ski lessons for you or your children, price will be fixed to 25eur per lesson throughout Jahorina. This amount applies to individual lessons with highly experienced, licenced ski instructors. Ski schools like Peggy, Max, VIP, Snow Art and others will truly provide their best to bring you closer the incredible world of skiing in Jahorina. After all mentioned details there is just a simple recipe for a brilliant planning for Jahorina winter vacation:
Be informed, patient, try to book ahead of time in Jahorina and find what fits you the most. In that case it is guaranteed your accommodation choice will be a dream one.
