Skiing in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Page sponsored by Scorpio

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They call it the “heart shaped land”, but few know Bosnia as a ski touring destination. Bosnia is where the Mediterranean and the continental climates clash, resulting in extensive snow falls during its winters. If you add to this, a few impressive mountain ranges, you have the ideal combination for a perfect ski touring holiday.

Take Prenj, for example. They nicknamed it “Bosnian Himalaya” for its tough conditions, even if it is surrounded by towns, it is a impressive mountain range with more than 20 peaks above 2,000 meters. Only a few roads climb up to Prenj, from the nearby towns…. But only during the summer: during the winter, the roads are blocked. No cars, no roads, no villages here. From the last remote villages, we rely on a local jeep to drop you off after a few kilometers of off road driving. From now on, it is you and your skis.

Zelena Glava is the highest peak, and Otis its brother: the two peaks are divided by a thin saddle which ends in a very steep and narrow coulouoir. As you see them in the distance, you think that reaching them by skis might not be possible within one day. You will have to cross two valleys, in the silence, aware that probably you will be the only person skiing this valley this winter. From time to time, you see the tracks of a wolves…. Your tracks will last as long as the weather allows for it.

You approach the two peaks with respect, looking for a line of ascent, meter after meter, you work your way to the top of Zelena Glava or Otis. As you go up, it gets steeper, wilder and tougher. For the last meter, you better carry the skis on your back. Then there you are, on the narrow peak, the highest of whole Prenj. Zelena Glava is “only” little more than 2000 meters, but the feeling is the one of a major achievement. 1,800 meters below, the town of Konjic is unaware of you looking down on them. Time to go. Off the skins, fix the bindings, a few careful turns on the steepest part and then down on Prenj’s slope, looking for the best line, amongst rocks, little jumps, long traverse… towards the jeep that has come to pick you up. You are back to civilization, how can you explain where you have been? Homemade Bosnian specialities, prepared in a local hut, will help you recover the energies and find the words to tell where you have been…

Well, this is only one of the selected trips that Scorpio, a Bosnian adventure company, can offer to you during their ski touring holidays. Scorpio guides know these places, they have been skiing, hiking and climbing here for the last 30 years, when they were not busy on expeditions abroad. Just get in touch with them, they can organize everything and disclose to you the secret beauty of the Bosnian mountains.