TWO SKI RESORTS FROM BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA RANKED AMONG EUROPE'S TOP 10!

A new study has revealed the best ski destinations across Europe—and topping the list is Aleko, located on Mount Vitosha in Bulgaria. Surprisingly, two ski resorts from Bosnia and Herzegovina have also made it into the top 10, highlighting the growing appeal of affordable and accessible winter sports in the Balkans.

PHOTO: Ravna Planina

The research was conducted by SportsCover Direct, a snow sports insurance provider, using data from the site skiresort.info. The ranking considered eight key criteria: daily ski pass prices, average user rating, number of ski lifts, peak elevation, slope length, average hotel prices, and the number of nearby hotels within 10 kilometers.

The highest weight was given to average resort ratings and nearby accommodation prices. Each resort could score a maximum of 80 points, with the overall average score sitting at 52.9.

1. ALEKO – VITOSHA, BULGARIA

Aleko took the crown with a score of 74.2 out of 80, thanks to its accessibility, a high number of nearby hotels (197), a 740-meter vertical drop, and a budget-friendly day pass priced at just €26.

2. STRAJA – ROMANIA

Romania's Straja resort placed second with 72 points. With a €25 day pass and a vertical drop of 738 meters, it offers value and variety, with 69% of trails rated as intermediate.

3. RAVNA PLANINA – BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Ravna Planina, located in the municipality of Pale, secured third place with 71.8 points. It's a favorite among beginners, with 86% of its slopes categorized as easy. A day pass costs only €15, making it one of the most affordable options in Europe.

4. TORNIK – ZLATIBOR, SERBIA

Serbia’s Tornik resort ranked fourth with 71.5 points. It features 45 nearby hotels, a vertical drop of 380 meters, and a mix of easy (23%) and intermediate (60%) slopes. Weekly accommodation costs average around €950.

5. KOLAŠIN 1450 & 1600 – MONTENEGRO

Kolašin's twin resorts achieved fifth place with 70.1 points. With seven lifts, average hotel prices around €650, and a €25 day pass, they offer a balanced mountain experience.

6. BANSKO – BULGARIA

Bansko came sixth with 69.8 points. Known for its beginner-friendly trails (59% easy), the resort enjoys a strong reputation with an average rating of 4.2 stars.

7. MALI IGMAN – BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

The second Bosnian resort on the list, Mali Igman, ranked seventh with 68.9 points. A day pass costs €21, and 50% of the slopes are rated as intermediate—ideal for experienced skiers.

8. CÉÜZE 2000 – GAP, FRANCE

In eighth place is Céüze 2000, located in the town of Gap, France. It scored 68.1 points, with a daily ski pass at €19 and accommodation averaging €650 per week across 86 nearby hotels.

9. MAVROVO – ZARE LAZARESKI, NORTH MACEDONIA

Mavrovo in North Macedonia placed ninth with 67.7 points. With a 623-meter vertical drop and 42% of slopes considered intermediate, it caters to a range of skill levels.

10. ALPE DU GRAND-SERRE – FRANCE

Rounding out the top 10 is Alpe du Grand-Serre in La Morte, France, also with 67.7 points. The resort is best suited for beginners, with 65% of slopes rated as easy.

This ranking shows that smaller and more affordable resorts in Southeastern Europe are gaining recognition for their quality, accessibility, and value—offering strong competition to the more expensive Alpine destinations.

Source: Mondo