SKI SERBIA
Serbia, despite offering a distinctly un-French, or un-Western European for that matter skiing experience, provides something altogether more genuine and adventurous. The slopes may not be as varied and challenging as somewhere like Val d’Isère but they’re less crowded and ideal for learners – what’s more, a holiday here is much, much cheaper and the Serbs incredibly welcoming. Not forgetting if you are a part time skier (aka not ski fit) there are other things to do including spas to repair those aches and pains, museums, wineries etc.
So, with this in mind, how would a ski holiday in Serbia compare to say Andorra in the 80’s and Bulgaria in the 90’s …? Let’s see. We are going to look at 3 of the most popular resorts, after reading this you may want to do some research for yourselves, there are plenty more resorts scattered around Serbia, there has to be one that appeals – whether it’s for your main ski holiday, a cheapy extra one being thrown in, or your first experimental ski holiday …. there really is something for everyone.
KOPAONIK is the largest ski resort in Serbia with excellently prepared runs, which offers unlimited joy to all categories of skiers, from beginners to highly skilled ones. Kopaonik ski resort comprises of about 55km of runs for alpine skiing and 12 km of runs for cross country skiing. For those who enjoy night skiing, there is a flood lit run “Malo Jezero” in the very centre of the resort. And for the youngest skiers and all those who are taking their first ski steps, there is a secured “ski kindergarten” area with a conveyor belt and a carousel which makes learning basic skiing skills easier.
Scan here to see the ski runs
The artificial snow making system covers 97% of the resort. This system covers the following runs: Karaman A and B, Pancicev Vrh, Duboka 1 and 2, Suncana Dolina, Malo Jezero, Krst, Krcmar, Knezevske Bare, Mali Karaman, Marine Vode, Karaman and the adjoining ski roads, as well as the run in Gobelja. The artificial snow making systems make the skiing season last longer, and all skiers, can be sure that they will be able to enjoy the season on really well prepared runs. Main runs are idea for beginners to intermediates but advanced skiers/riders will also enjoy the cruisy runs and trees, but the best challenging skiing was around Gobelja, an area further from the main three lifts out of town, about 45 mins skiing to get there and a little walk across the road is well worth it.
All the runs are well connected with a system of chairlifts and ski lifts, with a capacity of over 32.000 skiers per hour. The system comprises of one six-seater chairlift, with the capacity of 3,000 skiers per hour, 4 detachable high speed four-seaters (with a total capacity of 10,000 skiers per hour), 3 fixed four-seater chairlifts with a loading conveyor belt (total capacity of about 6,200 skiers per hour, two T-bar ski lifts with a capacity of 2,400 skiers per hour and eight platter type ski lifts with a capacity of 6,500 skiers per hour, as well as three interconnecting ski lifts.
During the entire winter season the lifts move the skiers/boarders then during the summer the four seater chair lift “Pancicev vrh” takes visitors up who are sightseeing or taking part in other numerous activities that the ski resort offers including hiking, mountain biking and competitions.
Apart from the runs for alpine and cross country skiing, Kopaonik also has a snowboard park which hosts numerous domestic and international competitions.
Accommodation is varied so you should have no trouble finding something that suits your budget and your liking.
The Grey Hotel – is a beautiful 4 star ski in ski out property located in the main village area. Features include; breakfast, under cover parking, wifi, free mini bar, unlimited use of spa, ski room, 20% discount on equipment hire, 10% discount on ski school, 20% discount on spa treatments.
Gorski Hotel & Spa – another gorgeous ski in ski out property, rooms and apartments available. No pricing available but they have a huge pool, saunas, hammam, Russian spa, Ice fountain, Salt room, Tepidarium and Vichy room. Garaging and ski room
Guesthouse Sejn is a rustic log and stone lodge located in a forest just 1.5 miles outside of the resort. Small privately owned, with 6 cosy rooms – a mix of apartments and suites with kitchenettes and some have open fires. Sundeck and terrace. Ski room, breakfast included, open fire place, bar, wifi … fantastic!
There is not really much of a ‘eat on mountain’ culture in Kop, but there are plenty of places to eat and drink in the village. Beware, you will need to hit the slopes and the gym if you are to keep the weight off during your holiday, food is fantastic and portions are ‘super size me’… donuts, hot chocolate, mulled vine … sooo makes me want to go skiing.
Located near the town of Knjazevac, STARA PLANINA SKI CENTRE is the part of the largest mountain in eastern Serbia. This high mountain range of fascinating beauty and unspoiled nature has a natural border with Bulgaria. As one of the most beautiful mountains in Serbia, this mountain is fast becoming one of the largest and most significant ski areas in Serbia, especially intended for lovers of quality snow sports who appreciate the immense beauty of untouched nature surrounding it. Being between 1,100 and 1,900mtrs high it has snow cover for almost 5 months of the year. Nearest airport is Nis.
Scan here to see the ski runs
Babin Zub, (translates to Grandmother’s tooth – historic folklore story around the Grandmother) situated at an elevation of 1,758m, is one of the most beautiful landscapes of Stara Planina. The striking rocks of Babin Zub end to the southeast of Midzor (2,169m high), the highest peak of Stara Planina and Serbia. Babin Zub is a protected natural reserve.
Babin Zub ski resort comprises runs in the following locations: Konjarnik, Suncana Dolina, and Markova Livada. Babin Zub ski resort has a four seater chairlift Konjarnik with a loading conveyor belt and a capacity of 1,400 skiers per hour. A T-bar ski lift Suncana Dolina, with a capacity of 1,200 skiers per hour, as well as Markova Livada kindergarten with a magic carpet.
Jabucko Raviste has the first gondola lift in Serbia. The eight seater gondola takes skiers from the hotel further to the chairlifts and runs. This part of the resort also has a four seater chairlift, and a ski lift, so that it is also connected with the part of the resort in Babin Zub. More than 13km of excellent runs, with various levels of difficulty are prepared for skiers of all categories. Stara Planina also has snow making machines so you can book your holidays without worrying about white stuff!
With domestic and international investors, the development of this ski area in Stara Planina has further plans for development so this area is definitely worth watching. With the development of new chairlifts and runs, accommodation facilities and other infrastructure Stara Planina will soon become the largest ski resort in Serbia, with more infrastructure being planned for the post Covid future. It is also of course catering for summer tourism with the usual summer activities plus mushroom and native herb collecting.
There are car parks at the major gondola stations so you can drive to a different one and ski a different area as you feel the urge. You could find accommodation centrally located so you have more freedom and less driving in the morning.
Your accommodation choices for this area include hotels, lodges, apartments, houses, guest houses you name it. Stara Planina Hotel & Spa is right next to the ski lift and offers the choice of rooms and apartments and hot tubs, gym, pool, parking, wifi etc.
Guesthouse Babin Zub is more of a rustic ski log cabin experience, located in the village of Cmi Vrh, with with a rating of 8.9 and fabulous on booking.com rustic it might be, and not central to the resort but popular it definitely is!
Check out the various online platforms including Airbnb to see the range of accommodation and the location for it. This is a large ski area so you need to ensure you are staying in the area you want to be.
TORNIK ski resort is located at an elevation of between 1,110 – 1,490m,with a vertical drop of 395 and just 9 km from Zlatibor ski resort so ideal if you fancy a 2 centre holiday! The total capacity of the ski area is about 5,400 skiers per hour. Tornik ski resort is equipped with a six seater chairlift, with the capacity of 3,000 skiers per hour, two T-bar ski lifts with total capacity of 2,400 skiers per hour. Four runs, Cigota, Tornik, Ribnica and Zmajevac are covered by an artificial snow making system consisting of 36 cannons.
Scan here for ski runs
The ski resort also offers ski polygon, as well as bobsleigh rails and a tubing track. There is of course parking in the resort as well as the hotels etc.
A gondola lift which spans over 9 km (5.6 mi) and connects the town centre of Zlatibor with Tornik ski resort opened in 2020 and has the capacity to move 7,000 people an hour.
Zlatibor, a mountainous region in Serbia’s south-west, offers a bigger variety of things to do off the slopes, as well as on, such as museums, caves, waterfalls and other landmarks.
In total Zlatibor/Tornik ski resort offers 6.9 km of marked trails with 23% (1.6 km) of the total trails ideal for beginners, 61% (4.2 km) of the total trails being suitable for intermediate skiers and 16% (1.1 km) for the more advanced and expert of level skiers and snowboarders. This is all easily accessible with the 5 ski lifts. There are actually 3 ski resorts within the Zlatibor area; Tornik, Obudovice and Tic (Tic being more geared towards nordic sports)
This area is considered to be a great location for families and for those who are non skiers with loads to see close by, plus the tubing .. which would certainly keep us entertained for a long time! The gondola from Zlatibor enables you to stay down in the village centre and those not heading up the mountain can take the car and go exploring.
Even for those of you who are keen skiers, there is so much to see you might decided to take a day off or a couple of afternoons, to explore nearby. For example the Stopica Caves, the Sirogojo museum, Gostilje Waterfall, Dino Park, the caves of Prerast u Dobroselici, Transfiguration church or even check out the local factory outlets and farmers markets – pick up a hand knitted ski sweater!
And for those of you who are up for a bit more of an adventure, why not jump on the train. There is a train station in Zlatibor
Accommodation, like the other resorts is varied, from the 5* Grand & Sky Hotel through to privately owned guesthouses and Airbnb properties.
GRAND & SKY HOTEL (with rotating restaurant) really does live up to it’s name. I could be in any major city worldwide, it’s luxurious furnishing and facilities do not disappoint. Also offer play areas and entertainment for young children and relaxing spa facilities after a hard work out on the mountain.
With a score of 9.1 and Superb on booking.com you can be sure you are going to love your stay!
There really are some amazing apartments for rent, too many to be able to choose, but many have scored 9 and above on booking.com. But we loved EL PAS CITY. El Paso City is a bit like a wild west settlement (soooo incongruous with the area, but great all the same). It has a selection of accommodation available – scored 9.3 and superb – but some probably not ideal for winter – Teepees and canvas caravans for example! But this village is ideal for families with a playground in the village, that said, couples scored it a 10. Located in the village of Zlatibor, check it out and find the accomm type that suits you.
Personally El Paso reminds me of Jackson Hole, though of course I doubt the skiing is a match, but there is little skiing that matches the uniqueness of Jackson Hole, but they do have some brown bears so there’s another similarity!
We hope this information has been useful. Parking can often be a problem in ski resorts however because Serbia is not catering for the mass tourism that many major European resorts see (or not yet anyway, get there now before they do), parking in resort, next to lift stations and at your accommodation, is available, giving you the peace of mind of knowing that you will not have to ‘abandon’ your car a distance away from where you are.
Happy travels happy skiing/riding!
Sources:
Serbia Transfers
milestonemagazine.com
themagicoftravelling.com
tetongravity.com
planetskier.net
serbia.com
chasingthedonkey.com
B92.net
BBC.com
