While “cheap” and “ski holiday” aren’t frequently used in the same sentence, many skiers are discovering that resorts all around the Western Balkans provide just that. Even if the former Yugoslavian nations might not immediately come to mind as having ski-friendly terrain, you might remember that Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1984.
The ski season frequently lasts far into April at a fraction of the price of resorts in Western Europe in the Dinaric Alps, which reach from Slovenia in the north to Kosovo in the south. Many of the ski resorts on the Balkan Peninsula currently score higher on potential than on accessibility, but that’s fantastic news for skiers who don’t mind putting in a little extra effort and spending a lot less money to grab first tracks in virgin powder.
Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
With excellent skiing and a tonne of ski-in/ski-out lodging, Kranjska Gora matches comparably sized Alpine destinations at a fraction of the cost. It is Slovenia’s most well-known ski resort, and with good reason. You may quickly settle into the ski village for a weeklong vacation with an appropriate après ski culture. As an alternative, think about spending at least some weeks at the charming lakeside resort town of Bled, one of our top Balkan destinations for 2016. It is just 40 minutes to the south.
With excellent skiing and a tonne of ski-in/ski-out lodging, Kranjska Gora matches comparably sized Alpine destinations at a fraction of the cost. It is Slovenia’s most well-known ski resort, and with good reason. You may quickly settle into the ski village for a weeklong vacation with an appropriate après ski culture. As an alternative, think about spending at least some weeks at the charming lakeside resort town of Bled, one of our top Balkan destinations for 2016. It is just 40 minutes to the south.
Bansko, Bulgaria
Bansko, the only location on the list that was not a part of the former Yugoslavia, comes in second place after Kranjska Gora: less variation in slope difficulty, but unquestionably the greatest après ski in the area. In the numerous bars and eateries in town and along the slopes, you’ll meet a lot of Greeks, Russians, and an increasing number of Brits.
You may go in the city to the central ski area by gondola. Even though the scenic trip is worthwhile, you should arrive early because the line might be long around mid-morning.
Kopaonik, Serbia
Although Kopaonik won’t win any medals for convenience—the closest major airport is four hours north in Belgrade—this beautiful resort town is well worth the trip. No matter when you visit in the season, you are nearly guaranteed bluebird skiing here thanks to a sizable snowmaking system and an average of 200 sunny days each year.
The resort has 12.5 miles of cross-country skiing routes, a world-class ski park, and 34 miles of groomed courses. However, ski-in/ski-out lodging is scarce because the village is spread out, so reserve early.
Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The women’s alpine competitions for the 1984 Olympics were held at Bosnia’s largest ski resort, only 40 minutes from the city center. Jahorina’s convenience and affordability are unmatched in the Balkans, although some facilities need to be updated. Even the mile-long Police hill offers night skiing on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The resort would advance considerably with the addition of the much-discussed gondola ski lift from the neighboring town of Pale, but the project has been put on hold for the time being due to a lack of funds.
Kolašin 1450, Montenegro
The peaceful alpine town of Kolain, one of our favorites for 2016, also has excellent skiing. The resort offers roughly 10 miles of genuinely nice groomed runs and even a ski doo safari, although peak season can be challenging to anticipate due to insufficient snowmaking capability.
Even if the snowfall constrains the quantity of skiable terrain, there are still enough wintertime activities to keep you busy. The exquisitely remodeled Bianca Resort and Spa offer an indoor pool, first-rate spa services, and the ability to rent snowshoes to experience the forested Komovi Mountains differently.
Popova Šapka, Macedonia
Even though Popova Apka’s infrastructure dates back to the Communist era, the snow cover is reliable enough to ensure enjoyable skiing from January to March. The resort may amuse beginners and intermediates for a day or two with its six miles of groomed terrain, but the area’s vast backcountry is what professionals come for. Since 2008, this area’s snowcat operator Eskimo Freeride has provided reasonably priced backcountry ski tours.
There are 15 trails, with two chairlifts and seven drag lifts. The paths vary in difficulty from simple to intermediate, and there are also opportunities for backcountry skiing for more experienced skiers.
Brezovica, Kosovo
The little Brezovica resort in Kosovo may have the most potential of any place in the area, despite recent delays in plans for a $430 million investment in the property. One of the resort’s five ski lifts has only recently been operating. Therefore, there is usually only one advanced intermediate run available.
Brezovica, which is adjacent to Popova, aka and is situated just on the other side of the Sharr mountain range, has similar backcountry potential. The numerous ex-pats from Alpine nations like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland who reside and work in Kosovo gush about the region’s top-notch snow and ski touring opportunities. Tours with snow cats are also possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Balkans offers some of the best ski resorts in Europe, with a wide range of ski runs for all skill levels. Ski resorts like Kopaonik, Bansko, and Jahorina offer great skiing and a variety of après-ski activities that cater to all tastes. From picturesque mountain views to delicious traditional cuisine, the Balkans is a must-visit destination for any winter sports enthusiast. So whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation or an exciting adventure, these top ski resorts in the Balkans have something for everyone.
