Bjelasnica (Bjelašnica) was host to men alpine events during 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games. There are only few resorts in the world that can have an introduction like this. Sadly, the things haven’t changed much since the Olympic era. Bosnia went through a civil war during early 90’s which left huge consequences. Investments were absent for a long time. There were some improvements during 2^nd decade of the 21^st century. New ski lift was built and a snowmaking system was installed. The resort is best suited for intermediate and expert skiers. Red slopes dominate the mountain. Locals say: Who learns to ski on Bjelasnica, can ski anywhere.

Sarajevo, capitol of the Bosnia and Hercegovina is only 30 km away, so you can combine sightseeing and skiing in one day. This part of Balkans is history rich. It has been a border between east and west for centuries. Interesting for tourists, dramatic past of the region was not always in favor of ordinary people who lived there. Prices are affordable. The food is unbelievably good. Read the rest of this Bjelasnica Review in order to get all the necessary information about the resort.

Pros: Challenging slopes, reasonably priced, close to Sarajevo

Cons: small, short runs, can get crowded during weekends and holidays

Even though Bjelasnica hosted 1984 Winter Olympic Games it is not as big as you might expect. It has only 14.3 km of pistes. Red and black runs dominate the mountain making it ideal for ambitious intermediate and expert skiers. You will be able to put yourself in the boots of world class skiers and test the runs used by top men athletes during Olympics. Ladies had their competition on neighboring mountain called Jahorina.  

Although the resort is steep and challenging it will keep you occupied only for 2 or 3 days. Piste called “Olimpijski Spust” (Olympic Downhill) has maximum gradient of 60%. There is another slope called  ”Malo Polje” with maximum gradient of 55%. It is not all that black, even if you are not proficient skier, you will find appropriate drag lift in the lowest part of the resort.

There is relatively new six seat chair lift named “Sestosjed” which is situated in the middle of the resort and goes from the bottom to the top. You will be able to ski down almost all pistes when you get off it. That is the most efficient way to get up the mountain despite long cue which can form during holidays and weekends. Other lifts are way slower and shorter, some of them are turned on only during peak season. Summit of the resort lies at 2.067 m above sea level. You can reach it with the help of T-bar lift if you are lucky and conditions are right (no wind, good visibility, lift is not out of order…).

Grooming is standard for this part of Europe, it is not as good as in resorts located on the Alpes. Bjelasnica has snow making capabilities. Ski pass prices are reasonable. Read the rest of this Bjelasnica Review in order to get all necessary information.

Freeride and Fun Parks on Bjelasnica

There is nice space for off piste skiing on the right of the six-seater chair lift. Don’t go alone because if you go too much to the right you can find yourself in trouble and you will have to walk a lot. If the T -bar to the top of the resort works you can use it to ski tree less space above six-seater. Also you can find some powder under chair lifts.

The fact that Bjelasnica has fun park might surprise you. It is small but it is nice addition to the resort. The park has two medium kickers and two rails. Big up to the people who are maintaining it. The park is situated near lift number 3.

How to get to Bjelasnica

The fastest way to get to Bjelasnica is to take a plane to Sarajevo Airport which is only 23 km away from the resort. A transfer from the arrivals terminal is going to take you only 30 minutes. Taxi ride should cost around 25 EUR.

Bjelasnica is also connected to Sarajevo by public transport. Timetables change and it might be difficult to find the way, that is why we recommend you taxi.

Railroad and road networks are not so developed in Bosnia and Hercegovina. Bosnian trains are useless. If you are travelling by your own car do not expect fast highways. The drive is going to last longer than in other European countries for the same distance.

Where to Stay on Bjelasnica

There is pretty good choice of places where you can stay on Bjelasnica. It can be self-catering apartment or a hotel. Chose the area around big flat field on the bottom of the slopes. That is the most convenient location due to a fact that you won’t have to walk too much in order to get to the first lift. If you stay somewhere else you will need to spend some time and energy on hiking, before and after your skiing day. Hotels Nomad and Han have ideal locations.

What to Do after a Day on Snow on Bjelasnica

If the weather is nice you can have brake at the top station of six-seater ski lift. Caffe Bar Crni Vrh which is situated there has a great view. There are several bars or fast food places around bottom of the 6 seater where you can have something to eat or a drink. In Ski Bar Benetton during weekends there are parties with DJs during a day.

We had tasty pizza at Picolo Mondo. Aroma restaurant has good and affordable domestic food. Apres Funky Pub is well known after burgers and craft beer (not sure if the still work). They also have nice music during evenings.

Don’t expect too much from night life on Bjelasnica. Evenings are quiet but Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Hercegovina, is only 30 minutes away. You should visit it. It is place where east meets west. The city was epicenter of civil war during 90s. You can see the exact place where Gavrilo Princip assassinated the Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, an act which ignited WWI. Have a walk around Sarajevo bazaar called Bas Carsija. Visit Orthodox and Catholic churches or one of many Muslim mosques in the city. You should definitely try cevapcici (grilled minced meat) and local coffee.

If you liked this Bjelasnica Review and you think it would be suitable destination for your next skiing trip you can reserve your accommodation here.