Already on October 2, 2025, Jahorina woke up under a blanket of snow — the first snowfall of the season covered the highest parts of the mountain. But it wasn’t just Jahorina – other Bosnian mountains also recorded an early appearance of snowflakes. On Bjelašnica, the first flakes sparkled this morning on peaks above 1,800 meters.

In previous years, a similarly early “white surprise” was recorded on Jahorina in September 2024. On those occasions, the snow cover didn’t last long, but such an early snowfall was greeted with great excitement among skiers and mountain lovers.

Statistically speaking, snow in the first days of October on Jahorina is not the norm but rather an exception. According to snow history, the average for the first week of October is only about 3 cm of snow — and even that in rare and very short-lived cases.

Therefore, such early snowfall can be considered unusual, but in mountain conditions, it is still possible.

However, photos and reports from different elevations this autumn show that cold fronts are already reaching the mountain ranges. If the cyclones continue moving down towards the Balkans, it is not excluded that the snow line could descend even lower than usual.

A parallel can also be drawn with other mountain areas in the region or in the Alps — during sudden cold waves, snow can fall in October at high altitudes. In Europe, for example, October 2018 was recorded as a month with unexpected snowfall in parts of the Alps.

What does this mean for the winter season and tourism?

Early snow, even in small amounts, always brings optimism — a reminder that mountain weather can surprise and that the skiing season is always “in the air.” For hikers, photographers, and nature lovers, this is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the contrast of autumn and winter blending together in the highlands.

Still, caution is needed — such snow can quickly melt if temperatures rise, serving as a reminder that in October, high mountains often experience a mix of rain, sleet, and snow throughout day and night.