"OLYMPIC DOWNHILL" REOPENS ON JAHORINA AFTER 42 YEARS

The upper section of the legendary “Olympic Downhill” ski slope has been officially reopened on Jahorina, marking a historic moment 42 years after it hosted the women’s downhill race at the 1984 Winter Olympic Games. The reopening symbolically reconnects the mountain’s rich Olympic heritage with its modern development.

PHOTO: SRNA

Sonja Danojlić Jovanović, Director of IT, Sales and Marketing at the Jahorina Olympic Center, said that while many speak about the Olympic spirit, Jahorina is now truly bringing back the Olympic experience.

“This slope has been talked about ever since the Olympic Games and has long been requested by skiers visiting Jahorina,” Jovanović told journalists. She expressed gratitude to all base and technical teams who worked around the clock to prepare the 1,600-meter-long slope.

According to her, the most experienced skiers consider the Olympic Downhill to be the most demanding slope on the mountain, but from now on it will also be accessible to recreational skiers. Jovanović added that all ski runs on Jahorina are currently operational, snow conditions are excellent, and all installations are functioning properly.

She also announced promotional discounts of up to 20 percent, valid until the beginning of February. The discounts apply to accommodation, ski schools, ski rentals, and ski passes, and are offered jointly by the Olympic Center and local hoteliers.

Siniša Veljančić, Head of Special Machinery and Vehicle Fleet at the Jahorina Olympic Center, said that reopening the slope after 42 years was a major technical challenge.

“For everyone who operates grooming machines, this slope was considered a myth,” Veljančić said, explaining that the Center has recently acquired advanced machinery capable of handling highly demanding terrain. As part of the preparation, four anchor points were installed to allow machines to be secured with winches while working on the steep sections.

Former Olympic athlete Mirjana Granzov Močević also welcomed the reopening, expressing satisfaction that the Olympic spirit is returning to Jahorina and that skiers will once again experience the Olympic Downhill.

“I believe that one segment of this slope still ranks among the most difficult downhill sections in the world,” Močević said, describing the track as both extremely challenging and impressive.

With the reopening of the Olympic Downhill, Jahorina once again confirms its status as a true Olympic mountain, combining sporting tradition, technical excellence, and modern tourism development.