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It’s fair to say Montenegro wouldn’t be the first country you’d think of as a ski destination, but following a significant investment in the past few years, the Balkan nation is establishing itself as a modern, dynamic place to ski and a hidden gem for skiing in Europe.
Montenegro is an all-season destination that really comes into its own in the winter. With more than 85% covered in mountains, skiing in Montenegro offers a way to escape the crowds and explore untouched slopes and scenic views. The ski resorts in the breathtaking mountain ranges of Durmitor and Bjelasica are ideal for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing, while the national parks beckon avid winter hikers with scenic trails around glaciers and waterfalls.
In Kolašin and Zabljak, this tiny country half the size of Wales has ski resorts that are perfect for beginners and families as well as those who enjoy backcountry ski touring. With year-round flights from the UK to the capital Podgorica with Ryanair, visiting Montenegro is easy and a fraction of the cost compared to other destinations in Western Europe. Add in affordable day passes - as low as £21 a day – and laid-back slopes, and you’ve got a great value ski holiday, perfect for first-timers and multi-generational trips.
Where to ski in Montenegro
Kolašin
Around 10km from the centre of Kolašin sits the combined new hub of Kolašin 1450 and its brand-new neighbour Kolašin 1600. Together they form the largest and most modern winter sports resort in Montenegro, extending to an altitude of over 2,000m with 45km of pistes.
The resort’s history dates back to 1991, when it opened under the name Jezerine. It was later renamed Bjelasica before finally becoming Kolašin 1450. Kolašin has developed greatly in recent years and facilities for skiing and snowboarding have significantly expanded. A new second resort area, Kolašin 1600, was created right next door in 2019, with a six-seater K8 cable car leading to 8 runs (2 blue, 4 red, and 2 black), with a total length of 10.5km. In the 2021/22 season, the two ski areas were linked by the new 6-person K7 chairlift and further new slopes.
The Kolašin slopes are mainly easy and intermediate, with just a few particularly challenging slopes for experts. Facilities include a lane for beginners, children's ski lift, ski school, transfer services and parking for 500 cars.
Additional new lifts and a link with Jelovica are planned for the near future. Other mergers with Cmiljača and Žarski are planned over the next few years. This should ultimately create the largest ski resort in Southeast Europe with up to 250 kilometres of slopes.
Savin Kuk
Just 6 km from the centre of Žabljak – the highest town in Montenegro - the ski resort of Savin Kuk is located in Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising to 2,313m, and with a vertical drop of 750m, Savin Kuk is the second largest ski resort in Montenegro, and the oldest, with one main gondola to the summit and three chairlifts, serving a total 4.6km of trails. These provide skiing and snowboarding for all abilities, with three blue runs, one red and one black and a nursery slope for beginners. The upper mountain also offers more technical skiing, with several narrower off-piste chutes and steeper pitches that provide a genuine challenge even for experienced skiers. There is also plenty of scope for freeriders in the Durmitor mountain range. For serious powder junkies, Savin Kuk is the highest resort in terms of altitude and also offers visitors night skiing options.
In the valley, you can also sledge alongside the slopes. A beginners’ lift for families and children is available here too. There are also restaurants, ski rental outlet and a ski school, as well as a trail for cross-country skiers. What stands out at Savin Kuk, in particular, is the combination of reliable snow, stunning natural surroundings, and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.
Smaller ski resorts in Montenegro
While Kolašin and Savin Kuk are often viewed as the best ski resorts in Montenegro, the country has several smaller ski centres, especially suited for families and beginners.
Vučje
Vučje Ski Centre is located 20km from Nikšić in the direction of Žabljak and is ideal for both beginners as well as fans of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. As well as a 1,200m main trail and two small trails of 120m, its most notable feature is its snowboard park with ski jumps.
There is a small three-star hotel with 104 beds in rooms and apartments in the tourist-recreational complex, as well as a restaurant and a service for renting and repairing ski equipment. You can stay in the city, where there are a variety of hotels and private accommodations. If you want to immerse yourself in Montenegrin culture, food, and nature, you can stay in an ethno village 34 kilometers from Nikšić.
Hajla
Just 8 km from Rožaje, the Hajla ski centre has a 1,019m trail and is easily accessible from the Berane direction. Facilities include the Košuta restaurant, ski equipment rental and repair services. It also has the cheapest ski passes in Montenegro!
Rožaje provides a wide range of hotels, motels, and private accommodations,
Lokve
The Lokve ski centre and hotel are located on the mountain Cmiljevica at an elevation range of 1,350 to 1,700m, just 14 km from Berane. It has a 5km trail with a vertyical of 280m, served by a two-seater chairlift. Lokve also has a restaurant and a ski rental service.
There are several hotels and a large selection of private accommodation in the city, and you can also stay in the ethno village Štavna (Andrijevica), located at the foot of Komovi.
Other winter experiences in Montenegro
One of Montenegro’s five beautiful national parks, Durmitor is a mecca for keen hikers, with 18 lakes, over 40 peaks above 2,000m and miles of mountain trails. From moderate to challenging, short day trips are available, or for longer excursions, it is recommended to hire a guide and rent specialist equipment. Montenegro’s mountains are also perfect for snowshoeing, during the day and night.
Montenegro’s mountains also provide exceptional opportunities for snowshoeing, day and night. Visitors can rent snowshoes at the Durmitor and Prokletije National Park visitor centre amongst many others.
The smallest national park in Montenegro also has a lot to offer in its 5,650 acres. Nestled in the Bjelasica mountain region, Biogradska Gora National Park is home to a primeval forest reserve, one of only three remaining in Europe. This timeless, ancient forest is home to trees over 40m tall and up to 500 years old. The stunning Biogradsko Lake at the park’s center is also a highlight, and often freezes over during the winter.
Another popular activity is snowmobiling. Available in group and individual sessions, tours go daily through Sinjajevina and Bjelasica mountains.
If you’re looking for a thrill, try winter rafting on the Tara River, which runs between the high cliffs of Tara Canyon, Europe’s deepest. Winter rafting is at its best, but also at its most extreme, in March, when the snow begins to melt.
For further information on travel in Montenegro, visit montenegro.travel
Montenegro FAQs
How do I get there?
Ryanair offers year-round flights, and the likes of, easyJet, Wizz Air UK and Jet2 fly seasonally to Montenegro, from various UK airports. Average flight time from UK to Podgorica is 2 hours and 50 minutes.
What’s the accommodation like?
No matter whether you’re looking for some pampering at a modern, luxury hotel, prefer a comfortable apartment or want to experience the best of traditional Montenegrin hospitality, there is something to suit every taste.
When is the best time to go?
The Montenegro snow season generally runs from December to late March. Snow quality is good with plenty of powder stashes to explore.
Take the trip
Kolasin Valleys is Montenegro’s first ski-in/ski-out resort. This new complex opened in 2024 offering an exclusive collection of hotels and chalets on the scenic Bjelasica Mountain, connecting two distinct villages: 1450 Nest and K16 Peak.
For more information and to explore accommodation options see montenegro.travel
