Latest news with #mountainresorts
The Independent
a day ago
- Climate
- The Independent
The European country hoping to lure beachgoers to its mountain resorts
Bosnia's mid-altitude mountain resorts near Sarajevo, historically reliant on snow sports, are now steadily pivoting to attract summertime tourists. These destinations, a short drive from the Mediterranean coast, are embracing a new seasonal appeal. Despite the Balkan nation's notoriously poor record-keeping, tourism officials in the country of 3.3 million confirm a clear trend is emerging. 'We used to rely on snow, but there is no escaping the fact that snow is now likely to fall and accumulate at altitudes above 2,500 meters (8,000 feet) and our mountains are simply not that high,' said Haris Fazlagic, the Sarajevo tourism board president. Fazlagic believes that by expanding their summer offerings, mountain resorts can lure tourists away from the scorching heat and high costs of traditional seaside vacations along the Adriatic coast of Croatia and Montenegro. He said increasing the area's year-round appeal is 'the future of tourism,' but acknowledged it's a long-term strategy. In 2017, after several winters with little snow, the Jahorina and Bjelasnica mountains near Sarajevo began to expand their summer offerings. These mountains, which hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, have elevations of 1,906 meters (6,253 feet) and 2,067 meters (6,781 feet), respectively. They now operate ski lifts year-round for scenic views and are steadily adding new hiking, biking and ATV trails and tours. 'The weather here is fantastic — it's not hot at all," said Dusko Kurtovic, a visitor from the Bosnian town of Doboj, while on a walk during a short vacation in Jahorina last week. Like other visitors exploring the forest trails and riding ski lifts around Sarajevo, Kurtovic was dressed for balmy summer weather. Temperatures here typically stay between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius (75-86 degrees Fahrenheit). The weather is a welcome change for tourists, as coastal regions in Central and Eastern Europe have experienced increasingly frequent and prolonged heat waves, with daily temperatures often reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in the past few years. Vasilije Knezevic, who leads quad tours of Jahorina's highest peaks, noted that while the ski season was 'bleak' because of the snow shortage, they are 'having a fabulous summer so far.' Business might be growing in the mountains of Sarajevo, but it remains far less profitable than seaside destinations in neighboring Croatia, where tourism accounts for up to 20% of the country's gross domestic product. Just a five-hour drive from Sarajevo, the ancient city of Dubrovnik is grappling with an abundance of tourists. Unlike their Bosnian counterparts who are trying to increase visitors, Dubrovnik 's tourism authorities are focused on managing crowds, limiting the number of tourists from cruise ships in the city to 4,000 at any one time during the day and restricting traffic around the Old Town to local permit holders. Despite these restrictions and extreme summer heat, Dubrovnik recorded nearly two million overnight stays in the first seven months of 2025, almost double that of the Sarajevo region. While climate change is driving Bosnia and Croatia toward different tourism strategies, both countries share a common objective: to 'extend the season' and become 'year-round tourist destination,' in the words of Aida Hodzic of the Dubrovnik tourism board.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Bosnia's mountain resorts pivot to summer tourism as climate changes
A short drive from the Mediterranean coast, mid-altitude mountain resorts near Sarajevo — traditionally dependent on snow sports — are slowly but steadily pivoting to attract summertime tourists. Despite Bosnia's notoriously poor record-keeping, tourism officials in the mountainous Balkan country of 3.3 million say a clear trend is emerging. 'We used to rely on snow, but there is no escaping the fact that snow is now likely to fall and accumulate at altitudes above 2,500 meters (8,000 feet) and our mountains are simply not that high,' said Haris Fazlagic, the Sarajevo tourism board president. Fazlagic believes that by expanding their summer offerings, mountain resorts can lure tourists away from the scorching heat and high costs of traditional seaside vacations along the Adriatic coast of Croatia and Montenegro. He said increasing the area's year-round appeal is 'the future of tourism,' but acknowledged it's a long-term strategy. In 2017, after several winters with little snow, the Jahorina and Bjelasnica mountains near Sarajevo began to expand their summer offerings. These mountains, which hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, have elevations of 1,906 meters (6,253 feet) and 2,067 meters (6,781 feet), respectively. They now operate ski lifts year-round for scenic views and are steadily adding new hiking, biking and ATV trails and tours. 'The weather here is fantastic — it's not hot at all," said Dusko Kurtovic, a visitor from the Bosnian town of Doboj, while on a walk during a short vacation in Jahorina last week. Like other visitors exploring the forest trails and riding ski lifts around Sarajevo, Kurtovic was dressed for balmy summer weather. Temperatures here typically stay between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius (75-86 degrees Fahrenheit). The weather is a welcome change for tourists, as coastal regions in Central and Eastern Europe have experienced increasingly frequent and prolonged heat waves, with daily temperatures often reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in the past few years. Vasilije Knezevic, who leads quad tours of Jahorina's highest peaks, noted that while the ski season was 'bleak' because of the snow shortage, they are 'having a fabulous summer so far.' Business might be growing in the mountains of Sarajevo, but it remains far less profitable than seaside destinations in neighboring Croatia, where tourism accounts for up to 20% of the country's gross domestic product. Just a five-hour drive from Sarajevo, the ancient city of Dubrovnik is grappling with an abundance of tourists. Unlike their Bosnian counterparts who are trying to increase visitors, Dubrovnik's tourism authorities are focused on managing crowds, limiting the number of tourists from cruise ships in the city to 4,000 at any one time during the day and restricting traffic around the Old Town to local permit holders. Despite these restrictions and extreme summer heat, Dubrovnik recorded nearly two million overnight stays in the first seven months of 2025, almost double that of the Sarajevo region. While climate change is driving Bosnia and Croatia toward different tourism strategies, both countries share a common objective: to 'extend the season' and become 'year-round tourist destination,' in the words of Aida Hodzic of the Dubrovnik tourism board. ___
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Climate
- Associated Press
Bosnia's mountain resorts pivot to summer tourism as climate changes
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — A short drive from the Mediterranean coast, mid-altitude mountain resorts near Sarajevo — traditionally dependent on snow sports — are slowly but steadily pivoting to attract summertime tourists. Despite Bosnia's notoriously poor record-keeping, tourism officials in the mountainous Balkan country of 3.3 million say a clear trend is emerging. 'We used to rely on snow, but there is no escaping the fact that snow is now likely to fall and accumulate at altitudes above 2,500 meters (8,000 feet) and our mountains are simply not that high,' said Haris Fazlagic, the Sarajevo tourism board president. Fazlagic believes that by expanding their summer offerings, mountain resorts can lure tourists away from the scorching heat and high costs of traditional seaside vacations along the Adriatic coast of Croatia and Montenegro. He said increasing the area's year-round appeal is 'the future of tourism,' but acknowledged it's a long-term strategy. In 2017, after several winters with little snow, the Jahorina and Bjelasnica mountains near Sarajevo began to expand their summer offerings. These mountains, which hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, have elevations of 1,906 meters (6,253 feet) and 2,067 meters (6,781 feet), respectively. They now operate ski lifts year-round for scenic views and are steadily adding new hiking, biking and ATV trails and tours. 'The weather here is fantastic — it's not hot at all,' said Dusko Kurtovic, a visitor from the Bosnian town of Doboj, while on a walk during a short vacation in Jahorina last week. Like other visitors exploring the forest trails and riding ski lifts around Sarajevo, Kurtovic was dressed for balmy summer weather. Temperatures here typically stay between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius (75-86 degrees Fahrenheit). The weather is a welcome change for tourists, as coastal regions in Central and Eastern Europe have experienced increasingly frequent and prolonged heat waves, with daily temperatures often reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in the past few years. Vasilije Knezevic, who leads quad tours of Jahorina's highest peaks, noted that while the ski season was 'bleak' because of the snow shortage, they are 'having a fabulous summer so far.' Business might be growing in the mountains of Sarajevo, but it remains far less profitable than seaside destinations in neighboring Croatia, where tourism accounts for up to 20% of the country's gross domestic product. Just a five-hour drive from Sarajevo, the ancient city of Dubrovnik is grappling with an abundance of tourists. Unlike their Bosnian counterparts who are trying to increase visitors, Dubrovnik's tourism authorities are focused on managing crowds, limiting the number of tourists from cruise ships in the city to 4,000 at any one time during the day and restricting traffic around the Old Town to local permit holders. Despite these restrictions and extreme summer heat, Dubrovnik recorded nearly two million overnight stays in the first seven months of 2025, almost double that of the Sarajevo region. While climate change is driving Bosnia and Croatia toward different tourism strategies, both countries share a common objective: to 'extend the season' and become 'year-round tourist destination,' in the words of Aida Hodzic of the Dubrovnik tourism board. ___ Associated Press writer Sabina Niksic in Sarajevo contributed.
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Washington Post
Bosnia's mountain resorts pivot to summer tourism as climate changes
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina — A short drive from the Mediterranean coast, mid-altitude mountain resorts near Sarajevo — traditionally dependent on snow sports — are slowly but steadily pivoting to attract summertime tourists. Despite Bosnia's notoriously poor record-keeping, tourism officials in the mountainous Balkan country of 3.3 million say a clear trend is emerging.
The Independent
07-07-2025
- The Independent
The best mountain breaks across Europe to escape blistering summer heatwaves
While sunshine is - arguably - crucial for a successful summer holiday, its intensity is now reaching critical limits. Over recent years, temperatures have steadily climbed to unbearable levels, rendering many traditional beach destinations 'no-go zones' throughout July and August. Summer 2024 was Europe 's hottest on record, with land temperatures a stark 1.54°C above the 1991-2020 average. Already this year, Spain and Portugal have registered unprecedented highs of 46°C for June. For those who'd prefer not to burn like a sausage on a grill, finding an alternative holiday option is a priority. According to a recent report from the European Travel Commission, holidaymakers are now seeking milder destinations. Europe's mountains are an obvious choice. Heidi is one of several ski companies now offering summer breaks at higher altitudes at 20 resorts across Austria, Slovenia, Poland, Italy and France. 'We genuinely believe people are happier and healthier from spending time in the mountains, come winter or summer. While mountain resorts have cooler temperatures than the most popular hot spots in the Med, they still offer plenty of summer sunshine and swimming opportunities,' says the company's co-founder, Marcus Blunt. Here are a few of the refreshing above-sea-level breaks where it's possible to soak up sunshine and swim in freshwater lakes. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia Average summer temperature: 25°C Celebrated by Lonely Planet as one of the best wild swimming spots in Europe, Lake Bohinj promises refreshingly clear waters and mighty mountain views of the Julian Alps. Located in a glacial valley 500metres above sea level in the Triglav National Park, it's a relaxing base for hikes reached by a cable car. Explore the rapids, waterfalls and imagination-bending rock formations of the Mostnica Canyon and look out for signs of lynx, bears and wolves. Wind down at Hotel Bohinj, close to the lake, where a wellness centre features a Finnish and Turkish sauna. How: A four-night B&B stay costs from at £1,195 per person sharing, including three evening meals, flights to Ljubljana and transfers. Visit Alta Badia, Italy Average summer temperature: 18°C There are more than 400km of signposted trails in this area of the Dolomites, at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,250 metres, accessible by more cable cars than ever this summer. An Alta Badia Summer Card (€90/£77 per adult, €63/£54 for those aged 8-16, and free of charge for under eights) gives access to the lifts and it's also possible to sign up for guided hikes at the tourist board. A 40-minute hike from the Gardenacia cable car, the Gardenacia refuge offers bargain stays from €65/£56pp per room, with an onsite sauna available for an additional cost. Spend any saved pennies on gourmet meals and one of the region's famous dining huts. How: Visit Average summer temperature: 28°C For several centuries, travellers have retreated to the shores of Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia to cool off during the heat of summer. A grand dame of the Austrian Riviera, former 17th century castle Schloss Velden now operates as a luxury hotel surrounded by elegant, landscaped gardens. A private beach gives access to the lake and motorboat rides depart from the hotel's own marina. From the lake's midpoint, it's possible to see the mountain borders with Italy to the west and Slovenia to the south. Find even more respite from the heat with a visit to Kranzelbinder gem store and fossil museum in nearby Portschach, which has an underground sensory crystal room. How: Stays at Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden start from £330 per night (two sharing), including breakfast. Visit . Average summer temperature: 18-22°C Montenegro's UNESCO-listed Durmitor National Park presents a pristine alpine sanctuary near Žabljak, the Balkans' highest town. Glacier-carved lakes, dramatic limestone peaks, and dense pine forests offer cool refuge from the Mediterranean heat. Adventure seekers can swim in the Black Lake, or experience world-class white-water rafting through the Tara River Canyon – Europe's deepest gorge. The park's 18 glittering glacial lakes, known as 'mountain eyes' are a magnet for photographers. Discover the Upper Engadine Valley's botanical treasures on an alpine adventure among fragrant Arolla pine and larch forests. Based in Pontresina, 1,800 meters above sea level, join expert botanist guides for hikes through wildflower meadows bursting with endemic alpine species like edelweiss and gentian. This sun-splashed south-west-facing terrace at Val Bernina's foot offers perfect conditions for diverse flora. There are also chances to encounter Alpine marmots and ibex along the way. Take a ride on the UNESCO-listed Albula Bernina Railway, one of the world's most scenic train routes, to soak it all in.
