SKI SEASON OPENS AT “IGRIŠTA” SKI CENTER NEAR VLASENICA

The ski season has officially opened at the “Igrišta” Ski Center near Vlasenica, marking another important step in the development of winter tourism in eastern Republic of Srpska. The Minister of Trade and Tourism of the Republic of Srpska, Denis Šulić, emphasized the strategic importance of this ski center for the wider region, noting that Vlasenica and surrounding municipalities are already feeling positive economic effects.

PHOTO: SRNA

Šulić stressed that the full benefits will be even more visible once accommodation capacities are completed. He called on all stakeholders to work together to create a supportive environment for investors, enable new investments, open additional jobs, and develop lodging facilities that would benefit the entire region.

The minister also recalled that the ski season on Jahorina opened a month ago and that the mountain is currently full of visitors from around the world. He added that the season has recently started on Ravna Planina as well, and expressed hope that skiing will begin on Kozara in the coming days.

Igor Žiljak, Director of the Olympic Center “Jahorina,” which manages the “Igrišta” Ski Center, said that ski slope number two is currently open, while slope number one is being prepared with snowmaking machines and should be ready for skiers within a few days.

He invited everyone to visit the ski center, highlighting the excellent weather conditions for skiing. Despite the cold temperatures, Žiljak believes visitors will fully enjoy the natural beauty and atmosphere of the area.

Visitors also shared positive impressions. Skier Aleksa Stefanović from Šabac said he visited “Igrišta” last year as well, noting that although the ski center has fewer slopes compared to larger resorts, they are very well prepared. Miodrag from Obrenovac, who mostly skis at Kopaonik and resorts in Austria and Germany, said he was pleasantly surprised during his first visit to “Igrišta,” praising the slope as beautiful and long and encouraging others to come and enjoy the scenery.

The “Igrišta” Ski Center is entering its second consecutive winter season as part of the Olympic Center “Jahorina” system, continuing its development as an increasingly attractive winter destination.