The Municipality of Kolašin has presented two major projects to UAE investor Mohammed Alabbar: a new ski resort on Bjelasica mountain featuring an indoor skiing hall, and eco-hotels combined with healthy food production on Sinjavina mountain.
Alabbar visited Kolašin recently and left with a positive impression, according to Vasilije Ivanović, Vice President of the Municipality. A quick return and future investments are expected.
Bjelasica 365: Year-round mountain resort
The “Bjelasica 365” project envisions a mountain center offering year-round tourism facilities, integrating existing ski centers and a planned gondola lift connecting Kolašin town with ski areas. The gondola route, valued at around €60 million, will span several stations and is expected to be built over multiple years.
The new resort, named “Bjelasica ESCAPE,” would cover 16,000 hectares with a built-up area of 215,000 square meters, accommodating approximately 2,800 beds. Facilities will include a tourist village, hotels, villas, sports and recreational centers, and commercial zones located at gondola stations.
A standout feature is an indoor ski hall measuring 500m by 100m, enabling skiing all year round regardless of weather. This facility aims to position Kolašin as a unique destination in Southeast Europe, combining mountain skiing with Mediterranean coastal proximity. It would also serve as a training center for professional athletes and ski schools.
Additional attractions planned include an alpine coaster (bob sled track) and facilities for Nordic skiing.
Eco-friendly development on Sinjavina
Sinjavina is envisioned as a natural gem focused on sustainable tourism, organic food production, and sports tourism. Plans include Nordic skiing, a biathlon center, and accommodation through eco-lodges, ethno-villages, and small luxury mountain hotels built with eco-friendly materials and powered by solar energy.
The project also promotes livestock farming and dairy production, local food branding, and support for farmers, with organic meat processing facilities and specialized farms. The goal is to create economic prosperity for local communities and attract tourists worldwide.
Local concerns and calls for transparency
The “Green Kolašin” initiative criticized the process surrounding these projects, accusing local authorities of non-transparent and rushed decisions that exclude citizens from meaningful participation. They expressed concerns over potential environmental damage and infrastructure shortcomings.
They emphasized the need for a clear, democratically agreed development vision that prioritizes environmental protection, respects local communities, and ensures transparency and fairness.
The initiative warned against large-scale construction projects without adequate infrastructure, noting that existing ski hotels on Bjelasica remain empty due to poor access and services.
They called for an immediate halt to processes that exclude public input and damage nature under the guise of development, highlighting the importance of responsible, long-term planning for Kolašin’s future.
