Winter Season in Montenegro: Kolašin and Žabljak

Winter holidays in Montenegro are a budget alternative to the Alps. There are not hundreds of kilometers of slopes like in France, but there are affordable prices, reliable snow cover from December to April, and scenic national parks. Air temperatures stay around -10°C.

The main destinations are Kolašin (more modern infrastructure) and Žabljak (wild nature, UNESCO). Below is a detailed overview of the resorts, current prices for the 2025/2026 season, and logistics instructions.

Recommendation: Montenegro is compact. You can combine a ski holiday with a trip to the coast, where winter temperatures rarely drop below +10°C.

Kolašin Resort (Kolašin)

Located at the foot of Mount Bjelasica in Biogradska Gora National Park. This is the most modern ski center in the country. The resort consists of two zones: Kolašin 1450 and Kolašin 1600, connected by a cable car.

Slope Characteristics

Total length: 45 km.
Elevation difference: 500 m (lifts go up to 2035 m).
Difficulty:
- Blue (beginners): 12 km.
- Red (intermediate): 14 km.
- Black (advanced): 4 km.
Infrastructure: 5 chairlifts (including heated 6-seat lifts), 2 drag lifts, 1 children’s lift. There is a lit slope for night skiing.

Ski Pass Prices (Season 2025/2026)

Kolašin offers a unified ski pass for both zones.

1 day: €25 (adult) / €16.5 (child under 14).
Half-day: ~€18 (adult).
7 days: €110 (adult) / €75.5 (child).
Season pass: from €249 (including pre-season discounts).

Žabljak Resort (Žabljak)

Located in Durmitor National Park (a UNESCO site) at an altitude of 1456 m. The infrastructure here is older than in Kolašin, but the views of Black Lake and the Tara Canyon are considered the best in the country. Suitable for freeride and relaxed family holidays.

Ski Areas

Savin Kuk: Main area. 4.7 km of slopes (55% easy, 26% intermediate, 19% difficult). Elevation difference 697 m. 6 lifts operate (9:00–16:00).
Javorovača: Short area (0.8 km of blue slopes), ideal for children and absolute beginners.
Štuoc: Temporarily not operating.

Ski Pass Prices (Savin Kuk)

Prices depend on the month.

January (Peak Season):
- 1 day: €15 (adult) / €8 (child).
- 7 days: €70.
February–March:
- 1 day: €13 (adult) / €6 (child).
- 7 days: €60.
Night skiing: €6 (paid separately).
Javorovača (training slope): ~€5/day.

Life hack: For children under 14 from the municipality of Žabljak, the ski pass is free. If you are an expat living in this area, check the possibility of receiving this benefit.

Budget and Additional Expenses

The average daily budget (ski pass + rental + accommodation) is €50–100 per person. These are among the lowest prices in Europe.

Equipment and Instructors

Ski/snowboard rental (standard): €7–10/day.
Rental (premium): €8–10/day.
Instructor: €25–50 per hour (depends on group size).

Entertainment (Après-ski)

In addition to skiing, the resorts offer:

Snowmobiles: from €30/hour.
Activities: snowshoeing, excursions to the frozen Black Lake, Đurđevića Tara Bridge, Ice Cave.
Panoramic lift: a cable car ticket without skiing in Žabljak costs €5.
Relax: Spa centers (e.g. Bianca Resort & SPA hotel in Kolašin).

Logistics and Accommodation

Accommodation

Kolašin: Hotels like Swissôtel Resort or apartments (€30–50/night).
Žabljak: Eco-lodges and hotels (Hotel Soa, Casa di Pino) — €70–100 for 3–4 stars.

Important: Book accommodation in advance. During Catholic and Orthodox Christmas, as well as New Year, finding available places on the same day is almost impossible.

Transport

You can reach the resorts by rental car or taxi. Public transport is poorly developed.

Taxi Podgorica — Kolašin: €50–60.
Taxi Tivat — Žabljak: €85–160.

Attention drivers: From November 15 to April 1, winter tires are mandatory. In mountainous areas (especially on the road to Žabljak), snow chains are often required. Fines for the absence of winter equipment are high, and mountain roads are dangerous without proper preparation.

Winter Season in Montenegro: Kolašin and Žabljak