As Montenegro prepares for the winter tourist season, key issues such as the lack of artificial snowmaking and investment in ski resorts are expected to impact success. Representatives from the tourist organizations in Žabljak and Kolašin emphasize that the season’s performance will largely depend on weather conditions, complicating long-term planning.
Preparations for the winter season are well underway, but concerns about unpredictable weather and inadequate infrastructure temper optimism among tourism professionals. Stojan Abazović, director of the Žabljak Tourist Organization, notes a satisfactory number of inquiries, though he believes it’s premature to draw definitive conclusions. The focus this year includes diverse package offerings and new attractions, such as mobile cabins for winter markets and enhanced sporting activities. However, the ongoing lack of investment in ski infrastructure remains a significant challenge for Žabljak’s winter tourism future.
Ivana Bulatović from the Kolašin Tourist Organization highlights similar infrastructure issues, particularly regarding the slow progress of their artificial snowmaking system.
Despite these hurdles, both towns are rolling out exciting innovations and events to attract visitors and enhance the winter experience.
While tourism officials in Žabljak and Kolašin maintain an optimistic outlook for the season, Pobjeda was unable to secure a comment from Tourism Minister Simonida Kordić regarding her expectations and proposed measures to ensure a successful winter.
Preparations underway
Abazović believes it is still early to make conclusions about the winter season’s demand.
“The number of inquiries is satisfactory, and we are already receiving them. Preparations began timely and are progressing well. This year, we will create various appealing packages with benefits for our guests,” he explains. The Žabljak municipality and the tourist organization have held two meetings to coordinate preparations for the winter season, outlining a preliminary plan.
“The first meeting involved the municipality and the businesses it oversees, while the second included tourism industry representatives and the Durmitor National Park, along with the Savin Kuk ski resort. Our biggest challenge will be snowfall; if it doesn’t come, conditions for snowmaking won’t be met, despite having an artificial lake available,” Abazović adds.
He also mentions plans to reinstall the ice rink, which will be larger than last year’s and also serve as a roller skating rink in the summer.
“This year, for the first time, we’ll have quality mobile market stalls that will include lighting and heating options, making them suitable for the winter months. We expect our market to run for several months. Our focus will be on backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, which are growing trends. Last year, we prepared strong promotional materials for these activities, and we will also organize cultural events and food festivals that proved popular last winter,” he emphasizes.
Abazović expresses dissatisfaction with the long-standing neglect of ski infrastructure, pointing out that state investment has been lacking for about 30 years.
“Žabljak was once synonymous with winter tourism and must regain focus in state investments. Previously, there were four ski resorts; now, we only have Savin Kuk, which does not meet global skiing standards. The success of the Kotor-Lovćen cable car during the summer shows that Montenegro can offer quality services. Savin Kuk has tremendous potential for summer tourism as well, making it an ideal spot for gondolas and panoramic rides,” he asserts, noting the town’s successful summer season despite current limitations.
“The absence of a robust alpine and Nordic infrastructure negatively affects the entire region, particularly concerning high-quality hotel development and amenities that would broaden the tourism offering. A well-equipped ski resort can lead to year-round tourism, creating better motivation for infrastructure investment,” Abazović claims.
He emphasizes the need to improve access roads, particularly the road from Nikšić to Žabljak, which could be enhanced with a bridge over Komarnica.
“Such a project would significantly improve access to Žabljak, especially in winter. Current issues with the Sokolovina road have led to significant problems during the summer, as two-hour travel times are not viable for many tourism professionals and guests using circular routes,” he explains.
Facing challenges
Ivana Bulatović from the Kolašin Tourist Organization states that preparations for the winter season in Kolašin are also progressing well, but they are encountering challenges that could impact the quality of offerings.
“One major challenge is the slow progress of the snowmaking system installation. While the Assembly has approved the project, its implementation is lagging. As a result, the success of this winter season will depend heavily on weather conditions, making long-term planning difficult. Nonetheless, we are introducing many innovations to attract visitors. This year, we are emphasizing events that will enrich our tourist offering and draw diverse guests. We plan to host a traditional Christmas market, the Kolašin Winter Art event, and active sports events such as snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and snow trail races. These events will feature both sports and entertainment, particularly at the Christmas market, offering cultural activities and local delicacies,” Bulatović shares.
Regarding infrastructure, she is satisfied with the current state but believes there is room for improvement.
“The road to the ski center is a key infrastructure project included in the capital budget for next year, indicating that it will be prioritized. We expect this to facilitate tourist access to the ski resort, enhance the overall tourist offering, and improve conditions for winter sports development in Kolašin,” Bulatović concludes.
On the topic of reservations for the upcoming season, she reports positive trends compared to previous years.
“We are seeing increased interest from both domestic and international tourists, particularly from regional markets and Western Europe. Additionally, more young people and families are choosing Kolašin as their winter destination, drawn by the attractive sports and cultural programs we are offering this year,” Bulatović adds.
