The first snow has already covered the Sarajevo mountains, and final preparations are underway for the start of the winter season. Ski resorts are preparing the slopes and checking equipment, while a large number of domestic and foreign tourists are expected to arrive.
Sarajevo is an excellent destination for winter tourism, especially considering the prices, which are much more acceptable compared to the region. Sarajevo Airport has been recording an increase in the number of passengers and flights for years, so they hope that Sarajevo will attract a large number of tourists in the winter months as well.
“Sarajevo Airport has so far been managed as a seasonal airport, mainly related to the summer season, and we believe that in the coming years we can improve that part,” says Sanin Remezić, director of Sarajevo International Airport.
“We have one chance – we are currently the most affordable in the region. Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Belgrade are much more expensive than Sarajevo, and now everyone wants to come to Sarajevo,” said Senad Halilović, president of the Association of Tourism Entrepreneurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The ski slopes on Bjelašnica and Igman have been improved ahead of the season, but ticket prices are also higher than last year. This year, a season ticket for an adult on Bjelašnica will cost 960 KM, which is 160 KM more expensive than last year. In a survey we conducted, some say that the price increase is justified, while others believe that the prices are too high and could deter domestic visitors.
“We are making extensive preparations for the winter season on Bjelašnica and Igman. We can guarantee a safe thirty days of ski season for all users. We also have sufficient water capacity, we have artificial snow cannons, so this year we will have better quality slopes,” said Admir Bukva, General Director of KJP ZOI ’84 d.o.o.
Despite all the challenges, Sarajevo and the Olympic beauties are expected to be an attractive destination for snow and winter sports enthusiasts this winter as well.
