The winter season at Montenegro’s Savin Kuk ski resort, the main alpine skiing centre near Žabljak, has seen solid traffic and steady ski pass sales since opening in mid-January, according to figures compiled by local tourism authorities and the operator Turistički Centar Durmitor. From the beginning of operations on January 12 through mid-February, approximately 4,500 ski passes were sold to visitors, while total guest visits to the resort area reached around 9,000 people during that period, reflecting demand levels roughly on par with last winter’s season.
Tourist organisation data indicate that January occupancy and visitor numbers were similar to the previous year, with tourists arriving from more than 30 countries. Recent snowfalls and favourable conditions over the past weeks have supported skiing activities, especially on weekends, though operators emphasize that continued good snowfall will be key to sustaining arrivals through February and beyond.
Ski pass pricing this season remains largely consistent with previous years, with daily adult tickets around €16 and children’s tickets about €10, while season and multi-day passes offer proportionate value. For residents of Žabljak and surrounding municipalities, discounted rates and free parking have been offered to encourage local participation.
Despite encouraging visitor figures, local tourism authorities and operators have underscored that the broader development of winter tourism in Žabljak faces significant infrastructure constraints. The director of the town’s Tourist Organisation noted that there is a pressing need for larger hotel capacity, renovation of the main Savin Kuk chairlift, and refurbishment or reinstatement of smaller lifts in and around the town to support a truly competitive ski destination and to extend stays beyond weekend peaks.
Stakeholders argue that investment in upgraded lift systems, expanded accommodation, and supporting amenities could enable Žabljak to capture a larger share of regional winter tourism demand and to capitalise on its natural assets, including its location within Durmitor National Park and reputation for reliable snow cover. Economic benefits from such improvements could include longer average stays, higher ancillary spending, and increased job creation in hospitality and related services.
As the winter season progresses, organisers are also planning additional events, including the Durmitor Winter RUN, a winter trail racing event that has already drawn more than a hundred participants and is intended to complement traditional alpine tourism with alternative winter sport attractions.
While current ski pass sales and visitor numbers demonstrate sustained interest in the Savin Kuk ski offering, local leaders and industry representatives stress that strategic infrastructure investments will be necessary to elevate Žabljak’s competitiveness and to fully leverage its potential as a four-season mountain tourism hub.
