In Kolašin, everything depends on the snow, in Žabljak the situation is much more complex because no one can say for sure whether the ski resort will operate at all after the recent accident in which a guest from Germany died.
This could be a summary of the (mis)opportunities in the two largest winter resorts in the country ahead of the New Year holidays, which traditionally mark the beginning of the peak tourist season.
Around 600 guests stayed in Kolašin at the end of the week, and the visit should be good, judging by the reservations for the New Year and Christmas holidays.
Director of the local Tourist Organization Zorica Milašinović, however, warns that everything depends on the snow because these are "last minute" offers, so reservations can be canceled up to 48 hours before arrival. She warns that the possibility of cancellation is high if there is no snow:
"However, since precipitation is forecast for the very end of the month, we are still hoping for a good visit. Of course, it is completely clear that, despite our efforts to complement the offer with rich amenities in the city, without snow Kolašin is less attractive to tourists at this time of year," Milašinović told "Vijesti". According to meteorologists, however, there is no significant snow in sight until the end of the year...
There is currently not enough snow on Bjelasica for skiing, and the state-owned Kolašin 1600 Ski Center will not have the possibility of artificial snowmaking this year either, despite earlier promises from the authorities - the Minister of Tourism Simonides Kordić from June this year and her colleague from the Department of Economic Development Nika Đeljošaj since March last year...
The ski resort, in which the state has invested tens of millions of euros, will be without the K7 cable car during the January peak season, because the damage caused a year and a half ago to one of the poles, during construction work on private plots owned by the Ski Resort Kolašin 1450 company, has not yet been repaired. Zoran Ćoć BećirovićWithout that cable car, practically half of the ski resort is out of operation, which "Vijesti" has written about on several occasions...
CANNONS HAVE ARRIVED IN ŽABLJAK, WHAT ABOUT THE CABLE CARS?
The possibility of artificial snowmaking, as in previous years, exists in a smaller part of the private Kolašin 1450 Ski Resort.
According to "Vijesti", snowmaking cannons for one slope at the Savin Kuk Ski Resort have arrived, but it is uncertain whether and which ski lifts will operate at all this season.
They also sought an answer to that question from the Žabljak Tourist Association on Thursday, but the public is not aware that any of the authorities have officially responded to them.
"This is urgent, the season is upon us and we have working days ahead of us, and the New Year begins on Thursday," emphasized the vice president of the Association Goran Radojevic for RTCG, five days after the accident in which a German citizen was killed on the Savin Kuk 2 cable car Sebastian Hertner.
He died after the basket he was in "slipped", and his companion was also seriously injured...
According to unofficial information from "Vijesti", the Savin Kuk 2 ski lift will not operate during the winter, and what will happen to the "unit" should become clearer today, when the position of Razvojna Banka - the owner of the Savin Kuk ski resort - is allegedly expected. Several sources told "Vijesti" that they expect at least two ski lifts to operate...
Unofficially, tourist reservations are significantly lower than in previous years, when more beds were requested during the New Year holidays.
"Vijesti" has confirmed that an ice rink will be open in Žabljak this year, but there will reportedly be none in Kolašin, despite earlier unofficial announcements.
MINISTRY OF TOURISM SEEKS INFORMATION
The Ministry of Tourism has requested information from the Development Bank about the safety status of the Savin Kuk I double-seater cable car and the measures taken in this regard, as well as the findings of the competent state authorities and inspections, the Mina-business agency announced yesterday.
They state that the Ministry requested this due to the tragic event that occurred on December 20th at the Savin Kuk II cable car, which "seriously shook confidence in the tourist offer and safety of the state-run ski resort on Durmitor ahead of the New Year and Christmas holidays and the winter season."
"The Ministry considers it necessary for the Development Bank, which is the founder and owner of the capital of the Durmitor Tourist Center, and the owner of the cable car, to take urgent action in order to implement all additional measures and activities of an extraordinary technical inspection of the Savin Kuk I double-seater cable car, which would involve all competent state authorities and inspections. The Ministry has requested that the Development Bank inform it of this as soon as possible. The Ministry requires this in order to mitigate the negative consequences of the unfortunate event on the tourist reputation of the ski resort in Montenegro, as well as on the economy of both Žabljak and the Durmitor area, as well as the entire Montenegro," Mina-business announced.
According to unofficial information from "Vijesti", officials from the Development Bank are expected to visit Žabljak today...
Bearing in mind that the safety of visitors and tourists is an absolute priority and the foundation of Montenegro's tourism offer and reputation, the Ministry believes that it is necessary for the owners of tourism facilities, as well as the competent institutions, to be as up-to-date as possible and undertake all necessary activities within their jurisdiction, Mina-business announced.
After an accident in which a German citizen died, the then director of the Durmitor Ski Center Marinko Purić He said that the cable car has all the necessary technical and legal documentation for operation.
"Before the start of the winter season, all regular checks and inspections were carried out, in accordance with applicable regulations and safety standards," said Purić, who resigned after the accident.
The winter tourist season at the Kolašin 1600 state ski resort opened on December 12th, with a music and entertainment program, activities for children, as well as the traditional Christmas Bazaar, which will be open until March 12th of next year.
Due to a lack of snow, there was no skiing at the ski centers on Bjelasica and Durmitor.
Both ski resorts had only about ten ski days last season, and none the previous season due to an unprecedented lack of snow...
Bazaar, music, entertainment and programs for children
Throughout the rest of the season, various activities will be organized in Kolašin, aimed at attracting different categories of tourists.
Milašinović says the Christmas Bazaar will be a central gathering place throughout the winter season.
A musical and entertainment program will be organized at the Fighters' Square every weekend until the end of January, as well as every day during the holidays.
January brings the fifth Winter Art Festival, a guitar festival, which will take place from January 12th to 18th. The audience will have the opportunity to enjoy performances by renowned guitarists Srđan Bulatović and Darko Nikčević, as well as a concert by the talent school. The festival will be officially closed on January 18th with a concert by Damir Urban.
"Kolašin also offers numerous activities for nature lovers. During the winter tourist season, various hiking tours and snowshoe walks will be organized, as well as the traditional Bjelasica Winter Marathon and Sinjavina Winter Marathon... In cooperation with the Municipality, the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro and the NTO, free bus transportation will be organized from the city center to the 'Kolašin 1600' ski resort, twice a day. The ski resorts of Montenegro will, as in previous years, organize joint programs for children and musical events throughout the winter season," announces Milašinović.
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