Preparations for the upcoming winter season in Montenegro’s ski resorts are unfolding under uncertainty, marked by serious financial difficulties and delays in receiving state assistance. Without this support, the state-owned company Ski Resorts of Montenegro (Skijališta Crne Gore) may not be able to start the season on time, warns its director, Bojan Medenica. Maintenance and servicing are progressing slowly, employees are worried about delayed salaries, and key infrastructure projects remain unfinished.
Medenica told Pobjeda that the government’s financial aid, approved in July, is essential to ensure the smooth operation of ski centers and preserve one of the few industries driving development in the country’s north.
“If the funds don’t arrive soon, the start of the season is at risk,” Medenica cautioned, noting that ski resort development is a matter of public interest for all of Montenegro, not just Kolašin. “We are servicing slopes, lifts, and snow groomers, but progress is slower than we would like,” he added.
He explained that the company faces serious financial problems affecting regular salary payments. “We managed to pay August wages thanks to sponsors and partners, but September salaries will be delayed. The lack of funds threatens the preparation for the winter season,” Medenica said.
The government approved €1.1 million in assistance in late July, but the money has not yet been transferred. “We hope it will arrive soon; otherwise, we cannot be ready for the season,” he added.
Medenica believes the upcoming winter will bring plenty of snow and that, if weather conditions cooperate, the season could still produce good results. The company has already reorganized and streamlined its operations, cutting costs and management salaries, achieving monthly savings of around €8,000. However, old debts continue to burden operations.
“These debts are suffocating us, but we are working to repay suppliers and partners,” he said. The company currently employs 63 people, with offices in Mojkovac and Podgorica. “The organization has been reduced to the optimal number of employees—one lawyer, one economist—everything has been rationalized,” Medenica noted.
He stressed the importance of ski resort development for the north of Montenegro, saying that the Kolašin ski centers are the backbone of the region’s growth. “The ski centers must have a unified ski pass system. We plan to install vending machines in town for easier pass purchases and reduce queues. Artificial snowmaking must also be introduced. Without government assistance, we can’t be confident about resolving infrastructure issues and starting the season on December 1,” he said.
“There is no greater public interest for the north right now than ski resort development. It means life and progress for this region,” Medenica concluded.
The development of tourism infrastructure and preparations for the winter season were also key topics at a meeting of the Tourism and Hospitality Association Board of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro.
Business representatives emphasized the need to address infrastructure issues, including water supply, cable car repairs, and parking facilities, which are crucial for Kolašin’s growth as a tourist destination. “We haven’t made much progress in solving long-standing problems. We are ready to help resolve them and ensure Kolašin moves forward,” said Marko Čanović from Hotel Wulfenia.
According to the Board’s president, Ranko Jovović, Montenegro must be recognized as a destination offering diverse winter activities while boosting the northern region’s development. “Kolašin, with its growing hotel investments, has the potential to become a year-round tourist and conference center,” Jovović said.
Kolašin’s deputy mayor, Vasilije Ivanović, stated that the municipality is committed to being a reliable partner in developing tourism and the local economy. He highlighted several multimillion-euro projects, including the construction of a road to the gondola lift, a new sports zone with football, volleyball, and tennis facilities, and a multifunctional sports hall with a swimming pool.
“These projects will help restore Kolašin’s reputation as a hub for sports training and events,” Ivanović said. He also mentioned the €60 million gondola project connecting the town to the Kolašin 1600 ski resort, which will ease traffic congestion, as well as the creation of artificial snow reservoirs.
“These developments will position Kolašin among leading year-round tourist destinations and complement hotel offerings,” he added.
Tourism Organization Kolašin director, Zorica Milašinović, emphasized that Kolašin is one of Montenegro’s most promising mountain centers, attractive for year-round tourism. She said the 2025 summer season was very successful, with more visitors than the previous year and numerous cultural and sports events.
“Kolašin is ready for the winter season, and we expect even greater success,” Milašinović concluded.
