"Skiing at Jahorina" Jahorina by KristaB

Jahorina is wild and beautiful. Ten years ago, it was about 30 km from Sarajevo. Now it is 30 km and town Pale in between. My last visit prior to this one was back in 1987, and I'm stubborn with hope and best wishes for everyone there.

On the Croatian border crossing, on our way down to Bosnia and Hercegovina, the policeman asked where we are going. We told him we are going on a skiing vacation. He replied: "But that's in the opposite direction!" (his hand pointing towards Alps).
Eh, silly Slovenians.

Of course, first we stopped in Sarajevo to take a walk through Bascarsija and eat cevapcici. Sweet memories flushed my heart, knowing of recent history sent chills down my spine.

We were lucky to have 180 cm of perfect snow and 6 sunny days in a row - rare conditions, according to local folks. With that in mind, I would not book well in advance since there are always rooms and cottages available for last minute ski adventure. The variety of accommodation is from wooden cottage with basic functions to four star hotels, so everyone can find a suitable solution.

Skiing on a wild side

The slopes are groomed and not-so-groomed, which is perfect for good skiers and snowboarders to enjoy wild rides all around Jahorina. There are no slopes for absolute beginners, but also no extreme black-mark ones. Four twin-seat lifts (from1984) are still in good condition, just forget cushioning and be ready to slow down the seat only by your hand power, or your own lower back cushioning system. Ski-pass tickets are, of course, cheap.
There are many rental shops, ski service & repair shop, and a few shops with new equipment selling at very reasonable prices, just don't expect too much variety.

Party time all day

The most enjoyable part of skiing at Jahorina is sitting down at one of many small bars on slopes and enjoying great food & drinks at very reasonable prices. The people around you would be Bosnians, Serbs, Croats, Slovenians and EU guys & girls from Peace Police. They are nice and sweet, appearing to be on a serious mission, while eating “cevapcici” and nodding their heads to loooud music coming out of every bar in Paradise Valley (Rajska dolina). There is also one famous bar called Mad House (Luda kuca) where we enjoyed live afternoon jazz music.

We planned this trip as adventure, and went there not primarily for skiing (hey, we are from Slovenia), but to see this beautiful country again after many years and one tragic war, and support their efforts to rebuild their lives. Long and slow strolling afternoon in Sarajevo is a mind opener. What a special place it was and still is, it is not about buildings, it's in the spirit of this city. The old city center with Bascarsija is a prefect melting pot of local traditions, and source of inspiration.
Love & Peace to All ! Kristina