Montenegro’s Ministry of Public Works opened a renewed tender on 4 November for two snow-grooming vehicles at the Hajla-Štedim ski centre near Rožaje. The €1.65 million estimated contract value excludes VAT. The vehicles are needed to prepare and maintain the slopes, one of the requirements for bringing the centre into operation.
Bids are due by 7 December 2026, and delivery is planned within 60 days of the contract being signed. The ministry’s revised technical specifications reflect the terrain and require the machines to meet European Stage V emissions standards. The selected supplier must also train at least six operators.
The renewed procedure replaces a tender launched in September 2025, in which Podgorica-based supplier Artek was initially selected with an offer valued at approximately €1.92 million. Competing company Xenergy challenged the procurement, arguing it had not received access to the complete documentation. Montenegro’s procurement appeals commission annulled the procedure, finding a material procedural violation because the contracting authority had failed to provide the required access. Artek has challenged the annulment before the Administrative Court.
The ski-centre investment programme is valued at more than €20.86 million, and construction began in 2018. The project includes slopes, lift infrastructure, snowmaking facilities and supporting buildings, but has yet to become fully operational. Rožaje’s local authorities have said that most slopes have been built and that the lack of equipment is among the obstacles to operation. Procurement procedures are also underway for a snowmaking reservoir, pipelines, conveyor equipment and a base-station facility.
The centre is intended to attract winter visitors, support investment in accommodation and generate demand for restaurants, transport companies and other tourism services. Further delays could leave the infrastructure unused for another winter season. The renewed tender is an implementation step, not a purchase, and does not guarantee an opening during the current season. The project’s economic return will depend on resolving outstanding procurement and infrastructure requirements and establishing a sustainable operating model.
