Jahorina is unpretentious, wild and untamed.
Five winters ago I fell in love with Jahorina Mountain in Bosnia and Herzegovina for two reasons:
1. it has 40 km of mostly red intermediate slopes;
2. it's probably the cheapest ski destination in Europe.
1. it has 40 km of mostly red intermediate slopes;
2. it's probably the cheapest ski destination in Europe.
This hidden gem of the Balkan's hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics and is an ideal location if you're an intermediate skier looking for a budget-friendly and alternative resort. It's best to visit in February when there is an excessive amount of snow (average snow depth - 106 cm) but be sure to keep up to date with the weather forecast, because Jahorina is truly unpredictable much like the Balkan people.
SKI PASSES:
Before visiting Jahorina, I skied at Jasna, Nizke Tatry resort in Slovakia. The main difference being, that in Jasna, there are definitely more beginner slopes, while Jahorina has only one as of this year. In Jasna, a 6 day ski pass throughout December to April costs 223 euros, while ski passes in Jahorina are most expensive during the peak season (from December 25th to Januray 2nd and February 1oth to 18th) and still cost an astonishing 110 euros! That means if you go after the New Year, the prices will be even lower! Note: even though the country has it's own currency ("km" - convertible marks), you can still pay everywhere in euros for a fair exchange rate. Here are the latest ski pass prices for Jahorina.
Before visiting Jahorina, I skied at Jasna, Nizke Tatry resort in Slovakia. The main difference being, that in Jasna, there are definitely more beginner slopes, while Jahorina has only one as of this year. In Jasna, a 6 day ski pass throughout December to April costs 223 euros, while ski passes in Jahorina are most expensive during the peak season (from December 25th to Januray 2nd and February 1oth to 18th) and still cost an astonishing 110 euros! That means if you go after the New Year, the prices will be even lower! Note: even though the country has it's own currency ("km" - convertible marks), you can still pay everywhere in euros for a fair exchange rate. Here are the latest ski pass prices for Jahorina.
ACCOMMODATION:
We rented an apartment for 6 people for 80 euros! If you come during the Orthodox Christmas, you may even get a piece of lamb roast from your host! We've stayed at Dobro's place the previous five times, so I really recommend his place if you're on a budget and looking for an apartment with all the basic necessities. Visit: www.jahorina.cc for more accommodation options.
We rented an apartment for 6 people for 80 euros! If you come during the Orthodox Christmas, you may even get a piece of lamb roast from your host! We've stayed at Dobro's place the previous five times, so I really recommend his place if you're on a budget and looking for an apartment with all the basic necessities. Visit: www.jahorina.cc for more accommodation options.
When I'm on a holiday, I love to relax and eat out. Cooking is the last thing on my mind. The prices in all Jahorina's restaurants are just lovely: coffee costs 1.25 eur, mulled wine goes for 1.75, soup 2.5 euros and main dished vary from 4 - 10 euros. Unbelievable, right? My favorite restaurant is "Rajska Vrata" located on Prača slope and "Restoran Ognjište" located at the bottom of "Poljice" slope (near Intersport). The wooden interior and large fireplace in the center are typical characteristics for the majority of restaurants in Jahorina. They use the fireplace to cook specialties in clay dishes. Food you need to try while in Jahorina are: "uštipci", sort of salty doughnuts served with fresh cheese and "kajmak", pumpkin and veal soup, veal with vegetables cooked "ispod sača", ham hock with cabbage, "ćevapi" and sticky apple cake or "baklava" for dessert. Yum, yum! If you would like to dine in a modern a perfectly designed interior, head over to"Restoran Koliba" Hotel Termag restaurant, located on the Poljice slope. For just a few euros more you'll experience first class service, perfect food and live music every night from 9 p.m.
HAVE A DAY TO SPARE?
Jahorina's highest peak reaches 1,910 m from where you can see the capitol city - Sarajevo, just 30 km away. I really recommend visiting this city that stayed true to it's roots. Highly influenced by the Ottoman Empire (which ruled from the late 1400's), the city resembles the streets of Istanbul and offers traditional foods and drinks similar to Turkish specialties. Sarajevo has always been home to people of different cultures and religions - Muslims, Orthodox, Jews and Catholics.
Jahorina's highest peak reaches 1,910 m from where you can see the capitol city - Sarajevo, just 30 km away. I really recommend visiting this city that stayed true to it's roots. Highly influenced by the Ottoman Empire (which ruled from the late 1400's), the city resembles the streets of Istanbul and offers traditional foods and drinks similar to Turkish specialties. Sarajevo has always been home to people of different cultures and religions - Muslims, Orthodox, Jews and Catholics.
The most famous part of the city is the Old Bazaar called "Baščcaršija". The cobbled streets are filled with shops and cafes. Here you can buy cooper goods such as coffee pots called "džezva" for making traditional Turkish coffee at home. In the middle of the Baščcaršija Square you can see one of the symbols of Sarajevo - The Sebilj. It's basically a pseudo-Ottoman-style wooden fountain.
When you get tired, sit down for "deset upola s lukom" a.k.a. the above mentioned Bosnian "ćevapi" made from minced lamb and beef meat served with pita bread called "somun", kaymak and onions.
Please keep in mind, you are visiting the Balkan region known for it's delicious food and easygoing locals. Do not expect European standards but rather soak in the laid back mentality and let yourself be surprised!