Montenegro, thanks to its location on the Adriatic Sea, is primarily a summer destination for tourists. However, the majestic mountains that the country boasts are also worth exploring in winter, especially for winter sports enthusiasts. Sometimes, it's worth venturing off the beaten path and choosing a winter vacation in a less popular but equally beautiful destination that meets European standards. Not only will it be more budget-friendly, but the skiing conditions will also pleasantly surprise you!
Montenegro features two ski resorts: Žabljak in the Durmitor mountains and Kolasin in Belasica, along with areas near Berane (Lokve).
Žabljak
Žabljak in the Durmitor Mountains stands out not only as the most populous and highest town in the Balkans (at 1450 meters above sea level) but also as an extremely attractive destination.
The ski resort's appeal lies in its proximity to two of Montenegro's most famous attractions: the renowned Black Lake in Durmitor National Park and the Durdjevic Bridge. Nestled at the foot of mountains exceeding 2200 meters in height, surrounded by numerous lakes and the Tara River canyon, you'll find the "Žabljak" ski resort. It's the most renowned winter sports center in Montenegro, typically covered in snow for over 100 days each year.
Ski Pistes
The Žabljak ski resort features three main ski centers:
- Savin Cook
Designed for professional and experienced skiers, this center starts at an altitude of 2313 meters and offers a 3500-meter-long piste with a 750-meter drop. The slope is equipped with five elevators: 2 chairlifts, 2 rope tow elevators, and 1 children's elevator.
- Stutz
While the main descent is slightly shorter at 2630 meters, the landscape and the piste itself are more captivating.
- Javorovača
This ski center is ideal for less experienced and beginner skiers and snowboarders, featuring slopes of only 800 meters. The piste is illuminated, and there are three elevators available: 1 children's elevator and 2 rope tow elevators.
The resort boasts a total of 12 pistes with a combined length of 14 kilometers. Among them, 4 kilometers are designated as red (medium difficulty runs), 2 kilometers as black (for professionals), and 8 kilometers as blue (suitable for beginners).
Prices
- 1-day ski pass
13-15 EUR;
- 2-day ski pass
20-25 EUR;
- Night skiing
6 EUR (night skiing is not included with other types of ski passes);
- Children's ski pass
6-8 EUR;
- 7-day ski pass
60-70 EUR;
- 10-day ski pass
80-100 EUR;
- Ski equipment set
Standard category - 5-7 EUR; Premium category - 8-10 EUR.
How to Get There
Many international flights arrive at the airports of Podgorica or Tivat. Žabljak is located 120 km from Podgorica and 175 km from Tivat.
From Podgorica
To reach Žabljak from Podgorica, you have several options:
- Bus
The bus ticket price is approximately 7-8 EUR;
- Transfer by car
Costs around 70 EUR (max 3 passengers);
- For larger groups
A van transfer is possible for 125 EUR (max 8 passengers).
From Tivat
Getting to GK Žabljak from Tivat airport can be a bit more challenging as there are no shuttle buses. However, you can consider the following options:
- Transfer by car
Costs around 161 EUR (max 3 passengers) or by van for 193 EUR (max 8 passengers). More details available here.
- Special mountain transport
This option can take you to the resort's elevators. The journey along the winding roads is already an attraction in itself.
Entertainment
Žabljak offers a delightful experience not only for fans of active sports but also for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature throughout the year. Its remote location from bustling cities, rustic coziness, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and crystal-clear lakes are sure to captivate even the most discerning travelers.
Aside from downhill skiing, there are also captivating hiking trails to explore:
- The Deepest Canyon in Europe
Stretching for 150 kilometers along the Tara River, this canyon reaches depths of up to 1,300 meters. In the 1970s, this remarkable place earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Jurdjevic Bridge over the Tara River
This unique structure is situated at the intersection of roads from Mojkovac, Žabljak, and Pljevlja. Construction began in 1937 and was completed in mid-November 1940. It was designed by Mijat Trojanovic and, at the time of its completion, stood as the largest reinforced concrete arch bridge in Europe.
- Black Lake
The deepest lake in Durmitor, it consists of two reservoirs connected by a narrow Struga isthmus, which dries up in the summer. During this time, two lakes, Veliko and Malo, emerge, differing in water level by about 4 meters. Black Lake is a beloved attraction among hikers and trekkers exploring Durmitor.
Kolašin
Located on the slopes of the Biogradska Gora National Park, near the town of Kolašin, there is a ski center often referred to as "Belasica" due to the local mountain range. Officially, it is known as "Kolašin 1450." The main center of the ski complex, Jezerine, is situated at an altitude of 1450 meters. This recreation area is surrounded by the mountain ranges of Belasica, Sinjavina, Komovi, and the ancient forests of the Biogradska Gora National Park. The combination of this altitude and pristine nature makes it a natural and exceptional resort for recreation, rejuvenation, and winter sports.
Trails
The ski centers "Belasitsa" and "Trebaljevo" are located 8 km from the town of Kolašin. These centers boast a total of 16 slopes, including 2 slopes suitable for international competitions at a professional level, certified by FIS.
Within Kolašin itself:
- There are 16 pistes,
including 6 blue runs for beginners, 7 red runs of medium difficulty, and 3 black runs for professionals.
- The total length of the pistes is 15 kilometers,
with the largest piste being 4.5 km, suitable for both professionals and beginners.
- The highest point reaches 1,930 meters,
while the lowest point is at 1,420 meters. The interconnected pistes allow for varied descent routes each time.
- The slopes are equipped with 6 lifts,
including 3 rope tow lifts, 2 chairlifts, and 1 children's lift. The modern 6-seater chairlift can take you to the mountaintop in just 6 minutes!
Prices
- 1 day ski pass
20 EUR;
- 2 day
35 EUR;
- 7 days
104 EUR;
- 10 days
132 EUR;
- equipment rental
13 EUR/day - standard, 19 EUR/day - premium;
- Instructor lessons
for 4 hours - 60 EUR;
- parking
1 EUR/hour.
How to Get There
From Podgorica
You can reach Kolašin from Podgorica using the following options:
- By bus
Bus ticket price: 4-5 EUR;
- Transfers by car
Car transfer can be booked for 40 EUR (max 3 passengers);
- Van transfer is also available
For larger groups, van transfer is an option for 75 EUR (max 8 passengers).
From Tivat
Getting to Kolašin from Tivat does not offer shuttle bus services, but you have these alternatives:
- Taxi
Taxi fare with a taximeter typically ranges from 10-14 EUR for one way;
- Car transfer
You can book a car transfer for 147 EUR (max 3 passengers);
- For larger groups
For bigger groups, van transfer is available for 167 EUR (max 8 passengers).
Entertainment
In addition to skiing, Kolašin offers a variety of entertainment options:
- Activities
You can enjoy activities such as ice skating, swimming in a pool, or working out at the gym.
- Cuisine
During your stay, you can savor both European and local cuisine at two signature restaurants with outdoor terraces:
- Savardak Restaurant
Designed in the form of teepees, reminiscent of traditional local structures. The menu may be modest, but it offers dishes with unforgettable flavors worth trying during your visit.
- Konoba Restaurant
Located in the center of Kolašin, this restaurant features a more extensive menu and a cozy atmosphere, especially in the evenings with candlelight. The building itself is designed in the style of an old local wooden house.
- Disco
For those seeking lively nightlife, there are discotheques to visit after an active day on the slopes.
- Excursions
You can explore the Biogradska Gora National Park with Biograd Lake, visit the local museum of local history, and explore the nearby medieval Monastery of Moraca, which boasts a remarkable history spanning 750 years.
Montenegro's winter resorts, surrounded by untamed nature, are exceptionally beautiful places that offer delights throughout the year. While the local winter sports infrastructure is still developing, it is expected to meet European standards in the coming years. Currently, accommodation and ski pass prices remain reasonable, catering to both professional skiers and snowboarders and those just starting out.
