Bjelašnica Mountain - Skiing & Winter Sports
Bjelašnica Mountain, rising to 2,067 meters above sea level, is Sarajevo's premier winter sports destination and a proud legacy of the 1984 Winter Olympics. Located just 30 km southwest of Sarajevo, this stunning mountain offers excellent skiing conditions from December through March, with well-maintained slopes suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike. For guests staying at our house in Sarajevo, Bjelašnica provides the perfect winter adventure - and through our partnership with Flipper Ski School, you can learn to ski or improve your technique with certified instructors.
Olympic Legacy
Bjelašnica gained international fame when it hosted the alpine skiing events during the 1984 Winter Olympics - the first Winter Games ever held in a socialist country. The mountain's Olympic heritage is still visible today, with the original chairlifts, starting gates, and timing buildings preserved as monuments to that historic event. After sustaining damage during the 1990s war, Bjelašnica was gradually restored and modernized, and today it stands as a symbol of Sarajevo's resilience and its connection to winter sports excellence.
What to Expect
Bjelašnica offers over 20 km of ski slopes across various difficulty levels, served by modern chairlifts and drag lifts. The main ski center provides equipment rental, ski schools, and several mountain huts serving traditional Bosnian food. Beyond skiing, you can enjoy snowboarding, sledding, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Sarajevo valley. The village of Babin Do at the base offers accommodation and restaurants. In summer, the mountain transforms into a hiking and mountain biking paradise with spectacular wildflower meadows.
Practical Information
Ski season typically runs from December to late March, depending on snow conditions. Daily ski passes cost approximately 40-60 KM. Equipment rental is available on-site from around 30-40 KM per day. Our partner Flipper Ski School offers professional lessons for all ages and skill levels - contact them at +387 61 033 289 or visit skolaskijanja.ba to book. The school operates every day from 08:00-21:00 and has over 15 years of experience training swimmers and skiers in the Sarajevo region.
From Our House in Sarajevo
From our Sarajevo house (Vila Presjenica), Bjelašnica is approximately 30 km away, about 45 minutes by car via a scenic mountain road. The drive takes you through beautiful highland landscapes that are stunning in any season. We highly recommend our partner Flipper Ski School for lessons - their certified instructors use modern teaching methods and provide all necessary equipment. Book your skiing lessons at skolaskijanja.ba and mention you're staying at Vila Presjenica!
Insider Tips
Book ski lessons in advance, especially during weekends and holidays. Arrive early (before 9 AM) to get the best snow conditions and avoid crowds. Bring warm, layered clothing - temperatures can drop significantly at altitude. Try the traditional Bosnian food at the mountain huts - the grilled meat and homemade bread are excellent. For beginners, the Flipper Ski School's patient instructors make learning enjoyable and safe. Check snow conditions before heading up, especially late in the season.
Ready to Hit the Slopes?
Book your skiing lessons with our partner Flipper Ski School - professional instructors, all equipment included!
Reserve Skiing LessonsOfficial Partner: Flipper Ski School