Austria, France, and Switzerland – are probably the first countries people would associate with winter sports and breathtaking mountain views. But Serbia? Most people have never heard about ski resorts in Serbia and that winter sport is a thing here. That´s why we wrote this blog post in which we compare the 4 best ski resorts in Serbia and provide the ultimate guide to skiing in Serbia.
And yes, Serbia has some fantastic ski resorts, which are still more affordable than ski resorts in western or central European countries. We were surprised to learn that going to the mountains in the winter is for many locals a family tradition. So, it´s no surprise that many Serbs are very good on the slopes, as they learn it from a very young age. One can say that there is a culture of doing winter sports.
But many foreigners, just like us back then, have no clue about ski resorts in Serbia.
If you want to go to an unusual location for your next winter holiday, have an authentic local experience, avoid the crowds in better-known destinations, and have a good value for money, then Serbia is a good option for you.
4 best ski resorts in Serbia - overview
In this post, we are going to compare the four best ski resorts in Serbia: Kopaonik, Stara Planina, Tornik, and Divcibare. Sure, there are also some other places and mountains where one can do winter sports but these areas are either too small or the infrastructure is not yet well-developed, hence we will not mention these here.
We will provide all the necessary information you need about the four best ski resorts in Serbia: how to get there, where to stay, and what you need to be aware of.
So let´s get started with the ultimate guide to skiing in Serbia!
Table of Contents
Kopaonik - Serbia´s biggest ski resort
Kopaonik is Serbia´s biggest and most famous ski resort. No wonder, it made number 1 in this ultimate guide to skiing in Serbia compared to other ski resorts.
See below why it´s our best ski resort in Serbia:
Quick facts
- Peak Pancic 2.017m
- 55 km ski slopes
- 960m elevation gain
- 26 ski lifts
- Location: western Serbia
How to get to Kopaonik
The ski resort is located in western Serbia in the heart of the National Park Kopaonik at the border with Kosovo. The ski resort is about 277km away from Belgrade.
You can reach Kopaonik ski resort either by renting a car, taking the bus, or booking a shuttle (a minivan) that will take you and other passengers to ski.
Get there by car
The ski resort can be reached by car in about 4 hours from Belgrade. However, you should be an experienced driver, as there is a lot of snow reaching the destination. It’s very important to have tire chains in the car, in Serbia, they are compulsory under specific weather conditions.
Get there by bus
If you intend to only be on the slopes, and not drive around, you can go to Kopaonik by bus. But you should be sure about the location of your accommodation. Book accommodation that is very close to the ski village, so that you can reach the slopes easily. If you book accommodation further away from the ski center, then you´ll need to move around by taxi or shuttle, which is also available. But you won´t be flexible as you will depend on the shuttle´s schedule. You can find the bus timetable here.
Get there by organized minivan
A popular way of transportation is to book a minivan. There are agencies, such as Geatours that provide this service. The benefit is that they pick you up in front of your door and leave you at the exact destination you provide to them. We have done this and it was a great experience, as we could just relax on the van and enjoy the journey. Be sure to book them a few days in advance to have a seat.
Pros of ski resort Kopaonik
Sport & Party
If you are looking to have some fun outside of the ski slopes, then Kopaonik is the place to be for you. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs available. Kopaonik is THE hot spot for Serbia´s wanna-be ´creme de la creme. It´s a place to see and be seen.
The best dining experience we had after a long day of skiing and snowboarding was at the restaurant Camelot. We also like to drink a shot of cooked rakija (kuvana rakija) or wine (kuvano vino).
Serbia´s biggest ski resort
Kopaonik is Serbia´s biggest ski resort with 55km of slopes. Nowhere in the country you can find more slopes to try out. If you are very experienced on the slopes, then Kopaonik will be your number one choice in Serbia.
Good choice for all levels
Whether you are experienced on the slopes or a beginner – at Kopaonik you can find the right ski track for you. 30km blue track, 19km red track and 6km black track as of the time of writing.
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Cons of ski resort Kopaonik
Increased prices
The main disadvantage of this ski resort is the high prices for ski passes, accommodation, and food. While it´s normal that prices increase from time to time, especially during these times, it is just scandalous how much more expensive everything has gotten in Kopaonik in a short amount of time.
We have been to Kopaonik for the first time in 2015 and since then not much has changed in terms of infrastructure improvements. What has changed is the huge amount of new build luxury hotels, bars, and restaurants. That seems to be the main reason for the ever-increasing prices in Kopaonik.
Wanna-be fancy vibes
Now, this is something more complicated to explain, but let us try: Kopaonik has become something like a hot spot for Serbia´s jet-set and wanna-be fancy people. For many, doing winter sports is not the main reason to visit Kopaonik but rather to ´see and be seen, and to go to the expensive bars, restaurants, and clubs.
There are still true sports enthusiasts out there in Kopaonik but you should be aware of this if you wish to visit Kopaonik.
Other useful information about ski resort Kopaonik
Night tracks available
If you want to ski during the evening, you can buy another ski pass that will grant you access to three night tracks.
Other fun activities
Other fun activities available are a children´s park, snowpark, gondola, and zipline.
Stara Planina - the old mountain
Stara Planina means the old mountain, and is one of the most secluded ski resorts that covers the south eastern part of Serbia and the northern western part of Bulgaria.
Quick facts
- Peak Babin Zub 1.758m
- 13 km ski slopes
- 517m elevation gain
- 6 ski lifts
- Location: southern and eastern Serbia
How to get to Stara Planina
The ski resort Stara Planina is located in the south eastern part of Serbia and is 311km away from Belgrade.
The closest, biggest city close to Stara Planina is Pirot. Pirot is connected to Belgrade by a brand new highway, and you can reach it in 3 hours.
You can reach ski resort Stara Planina by car or organized minivan.
Get there by car
The ski resort can be reached by car in less than 4 hours from Belgrade.
Get there by bus
We do not recommend you going there by bus. You can try but it will be difficult. You could take the bus from Belgrade to Pirot which is the closest city to Stara Planina, and from there get a cab to the ski resort. However, Pirot is about 70km away from the ski resort, and you would need to book a cab to get to Stara Planina.
Get there by organized minivan
A popular way of transportation is to book a minivan. There are agencies, such as Geatours that provide this service. The benefit is that they pick you up in front of your door and leave you at the exact destination you provide to them. Make sure to book them a few days in advance to have a seat.
Where to stay at Stara Planina
The only available accommodation just next to the ski center is the Hotel Stara Planina. However, prices can be a bit unfriendly there. An alternative would be to book private accommodation through Booking.com in nearby villages in Crni Vrh, Kalna, or Custina. If you decide to do this and not to stay in the hotel, then make sure to have a car, as you won´t be able to reach the ski resort otherwise.
Pros of ski resort Stara Planina
Experience untouched nature and tranquility
The area around Stara Planina is highly secluded and not commercialized. You only have the ski center, the slopes and the hotel close by. It´s the perfect place if you want to enjoy some quiet time in the mountains.
It´s a good place for beginners
This ski resort is perfect for beginners or mid-levels who want to improve their skills on the slopes. The longest track is for beginners with 7km, and 3km for intermediate and difficult each.
Very family friendly
If you intend to travel with small children, then this is the perfect place. It is a small ski resort and is very child-friendly.
Cons of ski resort Stara Planina
It may be boring if you are an advanced skier
As said, this ski resort is very small. There are red and black tracks but the black tracks feel like red ones and the red ones feel like blue ones. If you are a good skier / snowboarder, the off-tracks might be more attractive if you are looking for a good challenge.
Not best suited for snowboarders
You need to pay attention that there are some parts of the resort with no suitable chairlifts for snowboarders.
Lack of infrastructure
If you are looking for some fun after skiing or snowboarding, then Stara Planina is not the right place for you. Besides the hotel, there is nothing around the ski center. You need a car to reach nearby towns.
Ski resort Stara Planina - the perfect weekend get-away
Ski resort Tornik - Zlatibor
Quick facts
- Tornik
- 7km ski slopes
- 380m elevation gain
- 5 ski lifts
- Location: western Serbia
How to get to Tornik - Zlatibor
You can reach Tornik – Zlatibor by car, bus or minivan. The ski resort Tornik is located about 10km from the city center of Zlatibor.
From Belgrade to Zlatibor it´s about 225km and it will take you around 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach your destination.
How to get there by car
You can reach Zlatibor and the ski resort easily by car. There is a brand new highway that connects Belgrade with Zlatibor.
How to get there by bus
It is also easy to reach Zlatibor by bus. Take a bus from Belgrade, which will take you directly to Zlatibor. From the bus station you won’t have issues to call a cab to bring you to your accommodation.
How to get there by minivan
A popular way of transportation is to book a minivan, same as with Kopaonik and Stara Planina. There are agencies such as Geatours that provide this service. The benefit is that they pick you up in front of your door and leave you at the exact destination you provide to them. Make sure to book them a few days in advance to have a seat.
Where to stay at Tornik - Zlatibor
Most options for accommodation are in the city center of Zlatibor. There are plenty of options available, as Zlatibor is a top destinations for locals both during summer and winter.
If you stay in the center of Zlatibor and you don´t have a car, then you will need to pay a cab to bring you to the ski resort.
There are also options very close to the ski resort but you need to be lucky to find them. We were once lucky enough to find an accommodation just a few meters away from the ski slopes, so we could walk there and back.
Pros of ski resort Tornik
Located in a picturesque part of Serbia
The western part of Serbia is simply breathtaking. The area around Zlatibor is worth visiting in summer and in winter.
Good infrastructure
While in Zlatibor, you won´t have any issues when it comes to places to stay or to eat. Quite on the contrary: Similar to Kopaonik, Zlatibor is expanding with more hotels, restaurants and bars. The city is a big tourist attraction in Serbia.
At the ski center itself there is one restaurant only with limited options. But in Zlatibor you can find many options. Our recommendation for a good restaurant is Grand.
Good value for money
Unlike Kopaonik, Zlatibor is very affordable.
Cons of Zlatibor
Small ski resort
If you are mid-level or higher on the skiis, then you will finish all the tracks in a few hours and get easily bored after that.
Not necessarily suitable for absolute beginners
Yes, Tornik is small but it doesn´t mean that it´s very suitable for beginners. There is a ski school for the ones who have never been on skis before. Depending on your skills, you may hit the slopes as a beginner but be aware that the tracks are quite steep.
If you need more time to lose your fear and feel more comfortable on the slopes, then we would recommend either Stara Planina or Kopaonik with much better beginner´s tracks.
Divcibare - the smallest ski resort on our list
We have been many times to Divcibare but never to do winter sports. The areas in and around Divcibare is very beautiful and one of our most favourite hiking spots. Being so close to Belgrade it makes it the perfect day trip destination.
Quick facts
- Crni Vrh
- 1km ski slopes
- 221m elevation gain
- 1 ski lifts
- Location: western Serbia
How to get to Divcibare
The closest and biggest city to Divcibare is Valjevo, which is 38km away from Divcibare. Divcibare can be easily reached with or without an own car.
Getting there by car
Divcibare ski resort is the closest to Belgrade with a distance of 104km.
Getting there by bus
There are regular bus transfers from Valjevo and Belgrade directly to Divcibare.
Getting there by Blablacar
From Belgrade, we have tried Blablacar many times and the experiences couldn’t get better! We recommend you to check this option as well when planning your trip.
Where to stay in Divcibare
Divcibare is small but you won´t have an issue to find accommodation through Booking.com.
The ski resort is located 2.5km from the city center of Divcibare with plenty of options to book a stay.
If you are without a car you can book a cab to bring you to the ski resort. As it is so close by, it won´t be expensive.
Pros of Divcibare ski resort
Enjoy the picturesque nature
Divcibare is one of our favourite mountain resorts to spend some time at.
Good infrastructure
Even though the ski resort is small, you have everything you need in Divcibare with great infrastructure.
Perfect for a day trip or weekend trip from Belgrade
Being so close to Belgrade, it is the perfect weekend getaway.
Cons of Divcibare
It´s very small
Yes, obviously it´s a tiny ski resort with hardly 1km of ski slope. You can get easily bored.
The 4 best ski resorts in Serbia - which one will be your choice?
We hope that you got a good overview of the four best ski resorts in Serbia.
Which one is your favorite ski resort?
Would you consider doing winter sports in Serbia?
If you have any suggestions for this guide to skiing in Serbia, then drop us a comment below. We´d love to hear from you.
