Bjelašnica opens its doors to skiers starting today

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Good news for skiers, but also for all those who enjoy winter sports in other ways, comes today from ZOI'84. The 21/22 ski season at the highest ski center in BiH - OC Bjelašnica, begins tonight with night skiing starting at 4:30 PM. Traditionally, ZOI'84 is offering free skiing for a limited number of 300 users on the "Kolijevka" slope on the first day of the new season. Until the weekend, night skiing will be available from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and on December 4, 2021, the opening of other slopes is planned.

All ongoing works at OC Bjelašnica are nearing completion. The artificial snowmaking system has been put into operation to ensure a quality base together with intensive snowfall, and ZOI'84 also announces significant improvements that will be visible at OC Bjelašnica as early as the beginning of the season. These include the reconstruction of the existing and construction of a new "BX" lift, which will increase capacity from 600 to 2,250 skiers per hour and will be operational on December 15, 2021, artificial snowmaking for the entire "Kolijevka" slope, as well as the creation of a new ski-data system, which allows for easier purchase of ski passes.

"The new Management took over the management of JKP ZOI'84 at the beginning of spring this year and, despite numerous challenges and public procurement limitations, we have done everything to improve skiing conditions and welcome our users with positive changes. Through the hard work of all employees and contractors, we are starting the season smoothly, and we are determined to continue developing the ski resort," said Jasmin Mehić, Director of ZOI'84.

ZOI'84 prioritizes responsibility, and due to the current epidemiological situation, there will be no ceremonial program for the opening of the season. "The new Management of ZOI'84 follows current developments at world ski resorts. Certain countries, such as Austria, which is in lockdown, have decided to keep ski resorts open for their users. We are focusing on improving infrastructure and significantly enhancing the skiing experience, which is our primary obligation to users. These sports, by their nature, allow for safe distancing among skiers, and sports and spending time in fresh mountain air significantly contribute to building immunity," said Jasmin Mehić.

For the new winter season, there is high demand for season passes. Therefore, due to the great interest from users, the pre-sale of tickets has been extended until December 4, 2021. In this way, ZOI'84 wants to make winter sports accessible to as many BiH citizens as possible. Season passes, which are among the most affordable in the region, can be purchased at the Bjelašnica - Babin do ski ticket office and at the ticket office in the Olympic Hall Zetra - entrance F.

"The dedicated team of ZOI'84, with the support of experts from the best ski resorts in the region, is working diligently to make the new 21/22 ski season the best one yet. However, this is just the beginning, and we do not intend to stop there. We have started planning infrastructural investments and ski resort development for the next season. Among other things, we plan to equip the slope for night skiing from the top of the "BY" ski lift, acquire new machines for slope grooming, and build a garage for the six-seater cable car with accompanying infrastructure. This, of course, would not be possible without the wholehearted support of the Government of Sarajevo Canton and the Ministry of Economy of Sarajevo Canton, who recognize the importance of developing OC Bjelašnica and OC Igman," concludes Jasmin Mehić.

In order to prevent ticket misuse, JKP ZOI'84 announces that from this year, ski ticket controls will be improved and intensified, and urges users to use their ski tickets responsibly to prevent any inconvenience.