Despite government promises to equip the upcoming winter season with artificial snow systems, Kolašin 1600 ski resort in Montenegro will again have to rely on natural snowfall, which has been scarce over the past two winters. At best, only a single 400-meter slope may receive artificial snow, a limited measure given the state’s multi-million-euro investment in the resort.
Bojan Medenica, CEO of Ski Resorts of Montenegro (SCG), emphasizes that even this small upgrade depends on promised state funding, which has not yet been delivered. Preparations, including servicing lifts and snow grooming machines, cannot proceed due to financial constraints.
Government officials, including Tourism Minister Simonida Kordić and Minister of Economic Development Nik Đeljošaj, previously announced investments in snow-making technology and water infrastructure, but delays and local protests have stalled progress. A key project involves channeling water from the Ljevaja River to support snow-making for Kolašin 1450 and 1600.
SCG projects total revenue for the next year of around €3.1 million, nearly 60% of which would come from state aid. Without this support, the resorts would operate at a loss. While summer visitor numbers rose 30% compared to last year, the increase is insufficient to ensure financial stability.
Additionally, infrastructure projects such as the water pipeline require expropriation of private land, which is in process but dependent on state institutions to complete. The combination of high maintenance costs, lack of artificial snow, and delays in state support poses a serious challenge to the upcoming winter season and the financial viability of Kolašin ski resorts.
