Artificial snowmaking crucial for Montenegrin ski resorts

The key problem in the development of skiing on Bjelasica is the lack of water and artificial snowmaking systems, said Dragana Bećirović, PR consultant for the Kolašin 1450 ski center, and added that without this, there is no stable and predictable ski season.

"Kolašin is practically the only ski resort in Europe that operates without an artificial snowmaking system, which represents a serious limitation for tourism development and business planning," Bećirović told the Mina-business agency.

The Ski Resorts of Montenegro, which, among other things, manages the Kolašin 1600 ski center, also believe that the lack of an artificial snowmaking system is one of the key challenges, and that its functioning would enable more stable and long-term planning of the season.

"If such a system were in place, the season could start earlier, and the organization of work and the tourist offer would be much more predictable, without relying solely on natural precipitation," the PR service of the Ski Resort of Montenegro told the Mina-business agency.

Bećirović recalled that the water supply and snowmaking project was declared a matter of public interest, but that it did not go beyond that.

"The tender for the construction of hydrotechnical infrastructure was announced at the end of 2022, however, the works have not yet been completed. Of the 160 liters per second that, according to the existing project for the water supply of Kolašin and snowmaking for ski resorts, need to be taken from the Ljevaja water source, 110 liters are intended for the urban area, 50 liters for the mountain - 30 liters for hotels, and 20 liters for artificial snowmaking," Bećirović specified.

The Ski Resorts of Montenegro also emphasized that the artificial snow system is the European standard for modern ski resorts, and that its construction is one of the most important projects for the further development and positioning of Montenegrin ski resorts on the regional and international market.

"The project task for this system has been completed, and we expect the first phase, which includes about 8,5 kilometers of trails along the main lifts, to be implemented next winter season. The project for night lighting of the trails has also been completed, which will enable night skiing from next season, i.e. extended stay times and additional facilities for visitors," said the PR service of the Ski Resort of Montenegro.

Bećirović also warned about the electricity supply, which is provided through an old transmission line, which can occasionally cause interruptions. This means that any serious storm or load on the network can lead to power outages and disruptions in the operation of ski lifts and snowmaking systems.

She said that eight meters from the ski center there is a T35 substation, built to provide stable power supply, but that the ski resort has not yet been connected to that infrastructure.

"The lack of infrastructure also affects the development of hotel capacities at the ski resort. The Grand Chalet Hotel, with 116 accommodation units in the ski center area, has been completed and fully equipped, but its commissioning depends precisely on the provision of adequate infrastructure, which is unreasonably delayed in all phases - from land expropriation to the construction of an access road to two hotel facilities, water and electricity connections, and wastewater," explained Bećirović.

This, she added, means that completed and equipped hotel capacities are unused, even though utility fees have been duly paid for them, which shows that the key to the development of Kolašin is not only in private sector investments, but above all in the construction of basic public infrastructure.

"Winter seasons in ski centers should last from 100 to 120 days, and that will not happen on Bjelasica without snowmaking and water supply. Only then will Kolašin be full throughout the winter, and it will be possible to sell capacities in advance from December to April," Bećirović said.

The Ski Resorts of Montenegro believe that an additional challenge for the season was that the K7 cable car was not working due to the necessary repair of pillar number 4, where the ground shifted.

"The public procurement procedure has been carried out and a tender for the works has been announced, and the completion of the renovation is expected during the summer season, after which the cable car will be put back into operation. Despite this, we have tried to maintain the continuity of the ski season through the organization of work and available capacities and provide the best possible conditions for visitors," stated the PR service of the Ski Resorts of Montenegro.

When it comes to this year's results, Bećirović said that the season was solid in operational terms, primarily thanks to good natural snow conditions. Revenues and attendance in certain segments are, according to her, better than last year, which is not the result of systemic development, but the fact that there was more natural snow this winter.

"In other words, the growth compared to last year is primarily the result of natural conditions, not the systemic development of ski infrastructure," said Bećirović, adding that in real market conditions, without a stable artificial snowmaking system, the season's results are not fully comparable with other European ski centers.

She stated that this is precisely the reason why they cannot sell the ski season in advance on the Western European market, given that it is impossible to guarantee its start. However, in the case of an artificial snowmaking system, the season could start around December 20th at the latest, as is the case in most European ski resorts.

"Without that, we are forced to rely solely on natural snowfall," said Bećirović, adding that the slopes are still excellent, but that there are fewer skiers, because it was impossible to predict whether there would be snow in March.

The Ski Resorts of Montenegro reminded that this year's winter season at the Kolašin 1600 ski center began on January 10, and that the highest attendance was recorded during the winter holidays and weekends, which is a common dynamic when it comes to ski tourism.

"The results are certainly significantly better compared to the previous season. Last winter we had only about 20 days of skiing, while this year we are recording a more stable season with continuous operation of the ski resort. Bearing this in mind, we are satisfied with the current results and the fact that skiing at Kolašin 1600 is still available to visitors," stated the PR service of the Ski Resort of Montenegro.

They reminded that the lifts and cable cars of the Kolašin 1600 ski center are of the latest generation from renowned manufacturers Leitner and Doppelmayr, which means that this infrastructure does not require major additional investments, apart from regular maintenance and service.

"When it comes to improving the quality of the slopes, the technical snow system is a key step, as it would enable a more stable season and more reliable planning of the ski resort's operations. In terms of content, various events are continuously organized at the ski center, and Open Bar 2035, which is located at the exit station of the K8 cable car and has become recognizable for its apres-ski parties and unique panoramic view, stands out," said the PR service of the Ski Resort of Montenegro.

They added that they regularly organize thematic, sports, and cultural and artistic events at the base of the base station, while during the summer season they carefully develop a calendar of events to further enrich the offer.

When it comes to development plans, the Montenegrin Ski Resort announced that the development of the main project for glazing the terrace of the Troglava restaurant is underway, which will expand the capacity of the facility and improve guest service during the next season.

Their development strategy is based on continuous improvement of the quality of service and the overall experience of staying at the ski resort, which is confirmed by positive guest reviews. In parallel, they work on additional visitor entertainment through promotional offers, as well as a diverse program of events that enriches the offer.

"We follow modern tourism trends and strive to adapt our offer to them. Kolašin 1600 is already recording an increase in the number of guests from the region and Europe, which confirms the potential of northern Montenegro as a winter tourist destination. Our goal is to further develop the infrastructure, primarily through the implementation of an artificial snowmaking system and additional facilities that extend the season, so that Kolašin 1600 becomes a stable and competitive regional ski destination," said the PR service of the Ski Resort of Montenegro.

According to Bećirović, the development plans of the Kolašin 1450 ski center are realistic and adapted to the existing infrastructure limitations. In the coming period, they plan to continue developing the ski infrastructure, expand and improve the trails, modernize the equipment and further enrich the offer on the mountain.

"The opening of the Grand Chalet hotel and the development of its area represent one of the important priorities within the Kolašin Valleys mountain resort, which extends along the slopes of the 1450 and 1600 ski centers. However, the development of private investments directly depends on the construction of basic public infrastructure, primarily the water supply system, access roads and utility networks," Bećirović stated.

She said that without resolving these issues, it is not possible to realize the mountain's full development potential.

"Bjelasica has exceptional natural predispositions for the development of winter tourism - the configuration of the terrain, wide slopes and the quality of snow that is highly appreciated among skiers. Our long-term vision is for Kolašin to become a modern mountain destination that attracts international skiers and develops year-round tourism," Bećirović said.

She believes that for such development and investment in the next hotel facilities, it is crucial to resolve key infrastructure problems, primarily the construction of a water supply system that would enable artificial snowmaking, as well as the completion of access infrastructure and utility networks.

"Private investors have already built significant hotel capacities and tourism infrastructure. In order for these projects to fully come to life, it is necessary for the development of public infrastructure to keep pace with private investments. Only then can Bjelasica realize its full potential and become a serious international ski destination," concluded Bećirović.