Serbia: Value-For-Money Skiing Plus Family-Friendly Resorts -
This once war-torn country is emerging as a popular year-round tourist destination. Serbia is making a name for itself as a cheap, no-frills ski destination. It holds particular interest for beginner and intermediate skiers who will find plenty of wide gentle pistes.
Serbian ski resorts are known for their good snow coverage and stunning mountain backdrop. Some of the most popular resorts include Kopaonik, Brezovica, and Tara.
The purpose-built Kopaonik is the main ski resort in Serbia. It is known for its gentle beginner slopes, English-speaking instructors, and family-friendly atmosphere. It offers 60 kilometres of terrain reaching a height of 1770 metres and includes 29 runs: 15 runs for beginners and intermediates and 14 for the more accomplished skier.
Kopaonik has good snow coverage between November and May. Two new four-person chairlifts were recently added to its stock of 21 chair and drag lifts. The resort has earned a reputation for its warm, friendly atmosphere and is particularly popular with families seeking a cheaper alternative to resorts in France, Austria, and Switzerland. There are around 2500 beds in the area, including hotels, apartments, and pensions, many with ski-in/ski-out facilities.
Kopaonik offers a lively après ski scene with most of the entertainment set in or around the main square. Relax over a glass of rakija (traditional fruit brandy) after a tiring day on the mountain, and enjoy the live music played in many of the bars in the square. Other winter activities include sleigh rides and tobogganing.
Situated in the Sterpce municipality of southwest Kosovo, Brezovica is a popular mountain resort boasting peaks up to 2500 metres. Its 14 ski slopes stretch over 16 kilometres and have a capacity for 50,000 skiers. The average length of its ski runs measure 3000 metres. Brezovica has FIS slopes (meeting international racing standards) for slalom, giant slalom, downhill, and Super G.
Tara lies on the western edge of Serbia. This ski resort is surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country. Stara Planina in Eastern Serbia is home to one of the most beautiful and highest mountains in the country. Its highest peak is Midzor at 2169 metres followed by Babin zub at 1780 metres. The 100 kilometres of piste can accommodate 14,000 skiers. You’ll also be delighted to find lift passes that are about half the price of those in Kraljevo.
Flying from London to Belegrade takes approximately two hours and 40 minutes. The national airline is Jat Airways. There are a number of car hire agencies at the airport. Trains to Belegrade from Western Europe go via Budapest.
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