Unlike neighboring Croatia and Montenegro, which are more focused on developing beach resorts, Serbia is landlocked, which is why it has the opportunity to focus on developing ski slopes and winter recreation for guests. “The infrastructure of Serbian ski resorts is better than in Montenegro and Croatia, and is more similar in quality and level of development to resorts in Slovakia and Bulgaria.” The slopes here are well-groomed, equipped with snow cannons to create snow cover in the absence of natural snow, and there are no queues at the lifts, as on some popular European slopes.

Serbian ski resorts offer schools for beginners and night skiing for advanced skiers.

In general, the Serbian guest industry, according to experts, fully meets modern requirements: recently, many new hotels with swimming pools and spas have opened in the resorts, all hotels have wireless Internet. The only downside is that the ski slopes are far from the arrival airport (Belgrade), and the travel time to them takes from four hours. However, this disadvantage is compensated by other advantages – Ukrainians do not need a visa to travel to Serbia, and the flight to the country is carried out by direct flights and takes no more than three hours. At the same time, Serbia has more affordable prices with a European level of infrastructure and service.

Ski favorites There are several ski resorts in Serbia. The youngest and most promising are Stara Planina and Zlatibor with its center “Tornike”. Stara Planina is a wonderful resort, but for a secluded and quiet holiday. It has one hotel, surrounded by a large forest, and this circumstance does not allow this resort to be actively promoted. If tourists are not embarrassed by this, then it will please them with attractive prices. The ski center “Tornike” in Zlatibor is suitable only for beginner skiers and children, and one of the inconveniences is that you need to get from the hotels to the slopes by regular bus.

In addition, these resorts, in principle, have few slopes and not so many lifts. But if you have to choose between them, experts recommend Zlatibor for those who do not want to be bored, as there is more entertainment there, and the Stara Planina resort for those who prefer extreme sports, as its slopes are ideal for this.

The most modern and popular resort is considered to be Kopaonik. It was built back in the era of the then Yugoslavia, and is a traditional vacation spot not only for the Serbs themselves, but also for all foreigners. In short, if we are talking about a ski vacation in Serbia, then it is associated with this place. Kopaonik is the most popular resort with a well-developed infrastructure: numerous accommodation options, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, which is optimal and suitable for all categories of tourists.

Another advantage of the Kopaonik resort is that most of its hotels are located within walking distance of the ski lifts and provide high quality service.

In addition, the resort has specialized slopes for snowboarding, downhill skiing, giant slalom, and all conditions for recreation with children have been created. By the way, recently our compatriots have become increasingly interested in Serbia, although the palm tree in this matter still belongs to the Europeans. But experts unanimously note that this direction has great potential to become popular on the Ukrainian market. At the moment, the country is, of course, not as popular as Austria, Andorra, Bulgaria or France. But every year the demand is growing, attracting skiers with pleasant prices, hospitality and excellent cuisine.

1. Kopaonik

This is the largest mountain range in Serbia, located 290 km from Belgrade. The snow cover here lies from November to May. This is one of the most popular ski resorts, which is among the top ten in Europe (BritishTelegraph version). There is something to do on Kopaonik for both beginners and experienced athletes. Several ski schools offer their services, including a children’s one. Ski and special equipment rental is available. Accommodation at the resort is possible both in comfortable hotels (from 2 to 4 stars), and in villas, cottages or apartments. Kopaonik’s tourist infrastructure is one of the most developed in Serbia. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs. In addition to skiing, guests of the resort will also be interested in excursions organized by local travel agencies. After all, Kopaonik is also a natural park and a place of concentration of the rich cultural heritage of Serbia.

General characteristics.

Maximum elevation difference – 512 m

Highest point – Pančičev Vrh (2017 m)

Total length of trails – 70 km

Trails: 6 black (difficult), 9 red (medium difficulty), 21 blue (easy).

FIS super-G, giant slalom and slalom trails

Cross-country skiing trail – 20 km

Nordic skiing trail – 12 km

Snow park (freestyle trail for skiers and snowboarders) – 450 m

Lighted trails for night skiing – 450 m.

24 lifts, 4 of which are specially designed for children.

More about Kopaonik ski resort

2. Tornik – Zlatibor

A ski resort in Zlatibor, just 9 km from the town of Zlatibor and 208 km from Belgrade. The starting point of the ski lift is at an altitude of 1110 m. On a sunny day, you can see Avala in the north, Durmitor in the south and the Bosnian mountains in the west. Four trails (Čigota, Tornik, Ribnica and Zmajevac) are equipped with an “artificial snow” system. The town of Obudojevica is an ideal place for biathlon and Nordic skiing enthusiasts. National and international competitions are often organized here. Tornik is great for both family and youth recreation. There are numerous restaurants, cafes and nightclubs. There are special price offers for families with children, including ski passes. You can stay in a hotel (from 2 to 4 stars), as well as rent an apartment or villa.

General characteristics.

Maximum elevation difference – 396 m

Highest point – Tornik (1496 m)

Total length of slopes – 8 km.

Slopes: 1 black (difficult), 2 red (medium difficulty), 3 blue (easy).

Longest slope – 2550 km

Lifts and elevators 3.

More about the Tornik-Zlatibor ski resort

3. Kosutnjak-Belgrade

The only ski slope in the Serbian capital, which has a long history – more than twenty years. Its length is 300 m, altitude above sea level is 274 m. The slope is well lit, there is a ski lift. In addition to skiing, you can snowboard or sled (separate descent). The Aleksandar club has a ski school and rental. So that winter sports enthusiasts do not depend on weather conditions, an artificial snowmaking system is in operation.

4. Divčibare

Located on Mount Malen (1100 m) 120 km from Belgrade and 37 km from Valjevo. The mild climate, beautiful nature and snow cover 100 days a year make this place attractive not only in summer but also in winter. The maximum height difference is 180 m. The longest red run (850 m) is located on the northern side of Crnog Vrh. The “Center” run (600 m) is located in the immediate vicinity of the Pepa Hotel and Divčibare Castle. The lifts operate from 10.00 to 16.00. Lighting allows skiing at night. Near the recreation areas “Zmaj”, “Stevan Fiilipovič” and “Strazhara” there are three more small slopes of 300 m each with children’s ski lifts. There are ski equipment rentals and a skiing school. Divčibare is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Serbia with a well-developed infrastructure. You can stay in one of the hotels or rent an apartment or villa

5. Crni Vrh-Bor

The Crni Vrh ski center is located 30 km from Bor and 244 km from the Serbian capital. Its highest point is at 1043 m. The maximum altitude difference is 143 m. The winter season lasts from December to March. The mountain hut (mountain tourism center) was built in 1952, and Tito himself came here. The old red-blue ski slope (Jelenska Gora 1A) is 903 m long and is equipped with a ski lift, one of the fastest in Serbia. At one point, a new black-red slope 1500 m long (Jelenska Gora 1) begins from it. You can get to it by a special lift. The ski center is open from 10:00 to 16:00. It is possible to rent ski equipment or buy new ones.

6. Tara

A mountain in western Serbia, 180 km from Belgrade. Its highest point is Kozijrid (1591 m). The favorable climate and relief features have made Tara popular among lovers of active recreation. In summer, it is running, climbing, horseback riding, cycling, etc. In winter, downhill skiing. There are four ski centers on Tara.

“Bili Bor” has two red runs, the longest of which is 380 m long. The maximum height difference is 60 m. Two ski lifts operate. Snow cover usually reaches 50 cm. A hotel of the same name has been built here.

“Nagramak” is a new ski center. The length of the red ski slope here is 860 m, the maximum height difference is 97 m. There is a ski lift. Ski equipment rental, a cafe are available. Lighting allows skiing at night.

“Shlivovitsa”. The local ski club “Sunčana padina” is engaged in training lovers of this sport, regardless of their age and level of training. Local slopes are suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes. There is an opportunity to go carving (on skis and snowboarding). A ski lift is available.

“Mitrovac”. Three blue wide slopes have been laid here, and three children’s ski lifts of 50, 150 and 200 m, respectively, are available. The maximum elevation difference is 55 m. The longest track is 250 m long.

7. Iver-Mokra Gora

Mokra Gora is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Serbia. It is located on the border between two mountains – Tara and Zlatibor. The local ski center is called “Iver”, as is one of the peaks of Tara. It is located 8 km from Mečavnik and 210 km from Belgrade. Every hour there is a shuttle from Mečavnik to the ski center. In total, there are 4 red and black tracks from 900 to 1100 m, two of which are covered by an artificial snowmaking system. The tracks have received FIS certification. The 1100 m long lift connects two points – 1496 and 1230 m above sea level. You can stay at the Mladost hotel, built in the style of a “log cabin” (a Balkan relative of a hut), right at the resort. There is a restaurant, cafe, gym, SPA center. Ski equipment rental is available.

8. Kraljevica-Zaječar

South of the city of Zaječar, 244 km from Belgrade, there is the Kraljevica forest park with the sports center of the same name. Zaječar is one of the few Serbian cities that can boast its own aerial cableway. The length of the illuminated ski slope is 650 m with a height difference of 82 m. Artificial snow and a ski lift make it quite attractive for winter sports enthusiasts. The Kraljevica Ski Club organizes night races and snowboarding competitions.

9. Zlatar-Nova Varoš

The city of Nova Varoš is located in the southwest of Serbia, 140 km from Belgrade. The local mountain air has special healing properties, which is why in 2006 Zlatar was declared the air bath of Serbia. The Briejda ski center (1200 m above sea level, maximum height difference 214 m) has recently opened here. The length of the illuminated slope is 955 m. You can climb to its top in five minutes by ski lift. 200 m from the Panorama Hotel there is a ski lift leading to the 800 m long slope. It meets all international requirements and often becomes a venue for competitions. Of particular interest to tourists is the “Night Slam” by torchlight. The lift is open from 10:00 to 15:00, night skiing from 19:00 to 22:00. We can say that the resort is located in the center of the city of Nova Varoš, so there are no problems with accommodation and recreation

10.Senica

One of the “highest” communities in Serbia. It is surrounded by several mountains: Jadovnik (1734 m), Zlatar (1627 m), Gilova (1617 m), Javir (1520 m) and Golija (1833 m). The distance to Belgrade is 260 km. Senica has three ski centers, the most famous of which is “Zhari”. It is located 6 km south of the city of Senica and is considered an ideal place for winter sports. Part of the ski center is occupied by a 5.5 km long Nordic skiing track. It is fully equipped for biathlon competitions. In the summer, the track is used for roller skating. The second part of the center is entirely dedicated to alpine skiing. The track is 850 m long, with a height difference of 270 m. The lift operates daily from 9:00 to 16:30.

11. Suva Planina

Suva Planina or Suha Gora is located in southern Serbia, 260 km from Belgrade. The highest point is Trjem (1810 m). There are several small ski centers here, which, unfortunately, cannot boast of a rich infrastructure. However, they have good prospects, since the snow cover on Suva Planina does not disappear for 3-4 months. The four main ski slopes – Bojanine Vodi, Sokolov Kamen, Pantina Staza and Studenac – are surrounded by dense forest. Ski lifts are operating. The altitude above sea level is 920 m.

12.Stara Planina

The Stara Planina ski resort has 9 slopes for skiing, of which 2 are of the maximum level of difficulty, 3 are of medium difficulty, and 4 are of easy difficulty. This is the youngest and most modern resort in Serbia. Here you will find everything for different types of skiing, and you can also relax in the evening in local nightclubs and bars. Stara Planina will appeal to both beginners and professional skiers.

If you are interested in ski resorts in Serbia, tours, then coming here, you can get great pleasure from skiing, taste national Serbian cuisine, and enjoy the local landscapes.

More about the ski resort Stara Planina