Montenegro, Europe's new ski destination

Montenegro is best known for its attractive summer destinations, but it is above all a mountainous country. The most renowned mountain peaks are Maglica, Volujka and Bioca in the west, and Prokletija in the east, the latter being famous for the beautiful canyons of Piva, Komarica, Susica, Moraca and Tara rivers and the adjacent 35 magnificent lakes.

Montenegro's mountains offer deep, light powder, virtually no people and acres of perfectly spaced beech trees. There are several winter resorts for both downhill and cross-country skiing. The most popular ones are Kolasin and Zabljak, which are laid at the foot of the two beautiful massive mountains of Bjelasica and Durmitor.

One of Europe's best-kept ski secrets lies in the Bjelasica mountains at Jezerine, about 15 minutes by car outside the town of Kolasin, itself just an hour and a half's drive up the stunning Moraca Canyon from the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica. Although the range's highest peak, Crna Glava (Black Head), is only 2,139 metres, the amount of snowfall and variety of terrain in Jezerine will surprise you.

While relatively small compared to many European resorts,  Jezerine's tree-skiing, powder and lack of crowds make it truly exceptional. In March, under blue skies with flurries of light and cold snow, it is possible to ski untracked powder all day, on groomed trails and through the trees, with fewer than 10 skiers on the mountain. At only about $30 for a ski-lift ticket,  good restaurants and brand-new rental and locker facilities on-site, this may be one of the greatest ski bargains in Europe.

Kolašin ski resort, is a charming hill-town of 4500 inhabitants, located at 980 metres above-sea level. The town lies in the centre of Montenegro, some 75 kilometres from Podgorica, the country's capital.

Zabjak is covered with snow for 120 days a year and is located in the centre of Durmitor mountain region, at an altitude of 1456 metres, which makes it the highest situated town on the Balkans.  Although there are only four lifts, these access some dramatic chutes and superb powder fields with virtually no competition for your fresh tracks.

It is here that the beautiful Tara River runs through Europe's longest canyon, and there are 20 peaks over 2,000 metres, overlooking 18 gorgeous lakes, so it is not surprising that discussions are under way to set up a heli-skiing operation.

 There are three main ski-trails here: Savin Kuk, Stuoc and Javorovaca. Savin Kuk is serviced by two chair lifts and two bar lifts, one of them for children; the trail is 3500 metres long. On Stuoc, the trail is shorter at 2630 metres, but just as interesting.

Javorovaca is suited for beginners, as the trail is quite short and easy at just 800 metres. There are also trails from 3 to 12 kilometres long for cross-country skiers.

So, despite its size, Montenegro has extraordinary scenery and numerous alternatives for adventurers should the snow fail, from white-water rafting to snowmobiling and mountain-biking, as well as a gorgeous coast to enjoy fabulous resorts like the Avala in Budva. 

Ski Resorts:

Jezerine

Kolašin

Zabjak