Vlasic Winter New Tourist Season Begins with Ski Pass Launch, Sankanje Event, and Record-Breaking Bookings for 2025-26

Published on December 13, 2025

The winter tourist season in Vlasic, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s premier ski destination, officially began on December 12, 2025. The ceremonial opening took place at Babanovac, marking the launch of the ski season alongside the much-anticipated “Sankanje” event—a thrilling sledding activity that draws visitors of all ages. This year’s season promises to be one of the best yet, with the Central Bosnia Canton (CBC) prepared with a range of exciting events, activities, and services designed to attract tourists.

The opening ceremony also showcased the CBC’s new logo and slogan, representing the region’s evolving identity. Furthermore, the CBC introduced a new official website for winter centers, providing visitors with easy access to information on skiing, accommodations, and upcoming events. The launch of the Vlasic Sports and Recreation Center’s new ski passes was another highlight, signaling the beginning of a well-organized winter season in the region.

Tourism and the Local Economy

Tourism has become a key pillar of the Central Bosnia Canton’s economy, with growing interest in winter sports and leisure activities. The Prime Minister of CBC, Tahir Lendo, spoke during the opening ceremony about the crucial role of tourism in creating jobs and supporting local businesses. The CBC government has allocated funding for winter centers, aiming to enhance infrastructure and activities for the season.

Lendo noted that while the funding for winter centers is not large, it plays a significant role in covering operational costs and improving the overall tourist experience. The year 2025 has already been marked by an increase in tourism, with more overnight stays and visitor numbers, and the government hopes that this trend will continue.

High Demand for Accommodation and Record-Breaking Bookings

As Vlasic continues to rise in popularity, demand for accommodation has already reached new levels. Miroslav Matosevic, director of the CBC Tourist Board, reported that 2,500 registered beds on the mountain have been filling up quickly. Based on current bookings, the region is expected to exceed 10,000 overnight stays by the weekend. This surge in bookings reflects the growing appeal of Vlasic as a premier winter destination.

Matosevic explained that the region’s accommodations are nearing full capacity, and the demand is expected to grow throughout the season. This is a clear indication of the increased interest in Vlasic as a prime winter retreat, with both local and international tourists flocking to the area.

Vlasic: An Accessible and Affordable Winter Destination

Kenan Dautovic, the mayor of Travnik, emphasized that Vlasic remains an affordable winter destination despite the growing demand. Compared to other ski resorts in the region, Travnik and Vlasic offer competitive prices, making it a popular choice for tourists seeking a winter getaway without breaking the bank. Dautovic also highlighted continued investments by private investors, improving the region’s infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of visitors.

Snow Production Ready for the Season

For a successful ski season, snow conditions are critical, and Goran Saric, owner of the company responsible for vertical transport on Vlasic, assured tourists that the snowmaking system is fully operational. With artificial snow production ready to begin as soon as temperatures drop below zero, the ski slopes will be prepared for visitors, ensuring a reliable skiing experience even if natural snowfall is insufficient. Saric noted that ideally, snow production would begin between December 20th and 25th, depending on weather conditions.

A Promising Winter Season Ahead

Samer Dolovac, director of the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Travnik, welcomed visitors and expressed hope for a successful winter season. He encouraged tourists to enjoy the region’s clean air, scenic beauty, and vibrant activities, which are designed to cater to a variety of interests and preferences. From outdoor adventures to cozy accommodations and cultural events, Vlasic offers something for everyone.

As the season progresses, the region is set to continue attracting thousands of tourists, further boosting the local economy and enhancing Vlasic’s reputation as one of the top winter destinations in the Balkans.