Skiing
Ski enthusiasts in the Republic of Srpska can find their perfect spot to enjoy. Untouched nature, rich vegetation, high snowfall during the winter season, ski slopes for all types of skiers, and many visitors place Mount Jahorina among the most famous ski centers in the region. With the opening of the ski center, Ravna Planina has become a destination that attracts numerous tourists and ski enthusiasts.
The Kozara and Borja mountains have ski centers with smaller capacities, but their offerings are attractive to beginners and recreational skiers, especially on weekends.
Jahorina
The Olympic Queen of Winter Sports welcomes the new season as the most modern ski center in Southeastern Europe. The new Poljice cabin gondola, which has never been seen in our region and was designed by the Italian design house Pininfarina, represents the most significant investment in a series of innovations. With an increased capacity of 3,600 skiers per hour, lighting effects, and a warm connection linking it to the Olympic bar, the gondola is available for both day and night skiing, as well as for panoramic sightseeing. Two completely new six-seat ski lifts and two new ski tows complete the offerings of this ski center, with a total of 24 ski slopes covering 47 km, all connected into a unique system with 16 vertical transport installations, with a total capacity of 28,800 skiers per hour. In addition to the mentioned 47 km of perfectly prepared alpine ski slopes, meeting the highest global standards, Jahorina also has 10 km of cross-country ski trails. Skiers can choose to ski on blue slopes, which are equivalent to easy slopes, red slopes, representing intermediate difficulty, and black slopes, which are for the most experienced and skilled skiers, with their number being significantly smaller compared to the other two categories or slope colors. Just as skiers have preferences regarding the slopes they descend, they also have preferences for vertical transport, with a wide choice available, including the gondola, six-seat lift, T-bar lift, and, for those less skilled, ski carpets.
Ski center Ravna Planina
Located in the settlement of Gornje Pale, 20 kilometers from Sarajevo and 2 kilometers from the center of Pale, this ski resort has been open to all visitors and winter sports enthusiasts since the 2014/15 season.
The “Ravna Planina” ski center offers 12.5 km of ski slopes, arranged according to the highest standards. The main slope, 1400 m long, has passed homologation and meets all global standards. It is also used for FIS races, which were held for the second time this year on Ravna Planina.
This ski resort is also connected by a cross-country ski trail and a snowmobile trail, with a length of 12 km, offering recreational alpine skiing.
The “Ravna Planina” Ski Center also features a ski lift with a capacity of 800 skiers per hour, a ski kindergarten, a baby lift, and, starting this season, the first gondola – a cabin lift – for transporting skiers and all interested visitors. Until now, this type of lift was only available in global ski centers, but from December 25, 2017, it is now available to all visitors of the “Ravna Planina” Ski Center.
Kozara
Throughout the year, the Kozara National Park offers something special: in spring, the dense forest complexes green and come to life; in summer, the fresh air and the shade of tall conifers provide relief from the heat; autumn captivates with its colors, and in winter, the snow cover allows for enjoyment in the charms of winter sports.
Ski Resort
For all winter sports enthusiasts, three ski slopes are available: two for older skiers and one for the youngest snow lovers.
The Kozara 1 ski slope, 650 m long, is served by the “Drag Lift” ski lift with a capacity of 900 skiers per hour. The slope is illuminated by floodlights, allowing for night skiing.
In the absence of natural snow cover, snow cannons provide artificial snow, covering the entire length of the slope.
The second Kozara 2 ski slope, 850 m long, is equipped with a “T-bar” ski lift, with a capacity of 1500 skiers per hour.
The children’s ski slope is about 200 m long and is served by a mini ski lift and a ski conveyor (Magic carpet).
For those who have not yet mastered this winter sport, ski instructors are available. Additionally, ski equipment rental is also offered.
Mount Borja
Located near the main road Banja Luka – Teslić – Doboj, on the slopes of Mount Borja and at an altitude of 810 meters, lies the sports and recreational center Hajdučke Vode. The center offers a volleyball, basketball, and handball court, a children’s playground, football fields, a conference hall, a trim cabinet, an exercise room, and a ski slope with a lift. There are numerous trails for walking, running, and cycling, making this location exceptionally suitable for mental and physical well-being, as well as for an active vacation. Considering the beautiful mountain ambiance, it is clear why this location is a favorite destination for many tourists, from the nearby and distant surroundings, in summer and winter.