Whether you want a low-cost alternative to the Alps or just fancy trying somewhere off the radar, the Balkan state of Montenegro could be perfect for a ski getaway. And if Montenegro is Europe’s newest ‘hidden gem’, Kolašin ski resort is its crown jewel.
It’s fair to say Montenegro wouldn’t be the first country you’d think of as a ski destination, but following a significant million investment in the past few years, the Balkan nation is establishing itself as a modern, dynamic place to ski.
A tiny country half the size of Wales, 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 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. With year-round flights from the UK to the capital Podgorica with Ryanair and a train link between Podgorica and Kolašin, visiting Montenegro is easy and a fraction of the cost compared to other destinations in Western Europe.
Surrounded by the Bjelasica and Sinjajevina mountains, Kolašin is one of a handful of ski resorts in the north of the country and easily the biggest, though by Alpine standards it is still small. Around 10km from the centre of the town of Kolašin the ski resort is based around 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 several decades. It opened in 1991, 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.
Plans for the near future include opening up further slopes to bring the total up to 60km. Additional new lifts and a link with nearby backcountry ski area of Jelovica are also planned. 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.
Kolašin - Ski Map & Pistes:
The 45km of Kolašin’s slopes are mainly easy and intermediate, with just a few more challenging slopes for experts. The lower resort, Kolašin 1450, offers a good environment for families and beginners, with well-groomed nursery slopes, progression slopes with varying gradients, modern high-speed lifts with safety systems, and numerous rest areas equipped with amenities. The resort’s extensive facilities include equipment rental services, secure storage lockers, and a medical centre. Kolašin 1600 is higher with a mix of red and blue and black runs.
The area immediately above Kolašin 1450, served by the 6-person K7 chairlift is heavily wooded with a network of pretty tree-lined runs, while the runs above Kolašin 1600 are more open and exposed off the top of the K8 chair, before descending through trees to the 1600 centre and on down to 1450.
A six-day ski pass costs approximately €150 for adults and €100 for children, with special family packages available.
Kolašin - Off-Piste, Backcountry & Ski Touring:
At Kolašin 1600, advanced skiers and snowboarders will discover a few challenging runs, decent off-piste opportunities, and freeride zones ideal for those free gliding on snow-covered slopes, away from prepared trails and the mass flow of tourists.
Kolašin - Restaurants, Bars & The Town:
The resort offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget hotels and apartments to luxury hotels with a full range of services. There are further accommodation options in the town of Kolašin itself. In the resort’s restaurants and cafes, guests can try dishes of both traditional Montenegrin cuisine and international cuisine, adding variety to their winter vacation. For ski-in, ski-out luxury, check out the options at the Kolašin Valleys development.
Kolašin town is picturesque, surrounded by mountains, but known for its cozy atmosphere as well as the stunning natural landscapes. It attracts outdoor enthusiasts all year round, for hiking in the summer as well as the winter sports. It’s also an interesting destination for food lovers with many of its local restaurants, such as the centrally-located Konoba or apres-ski favourite Viline Vode Kolašin serving authentic Montenegrin cuisine.
Other wintersport activities offered here are winter hiking and snowshoeing, while snowmobile excursions are especially popular. These pass through snowy forests and open up panoramic views of snowy mountain landscapes.
Kolašin - Ski Hire:
The resort centres have their own equipment hire outlets.
Kolašin - Ski School:
The resort ski school has experienced multilingual instructors ready to help beginners and children especially master basic skiing skills. For families with children, there are special areas and children’s clubs where young skiers can learn to ski under the supervision of professionals.
