The ski resort, which was supposed to be the driving force behind the development of Kolašin and the entire north, is empty this winter.
The lack of snowfall has raised questions about the justification of multimillion investments, which have not yet been completed. The state has so far invested around 100 million EUR in new ski resorts, and meteorological projections for the upcoming period are not encouraging.
Although this season was expected to see record numbers of skiers visiting the Kolašin ski resorts, there was barely enough snow for snowball fights this winter. And it used to be different, says the former director of the former Bjelasica Ski Center.
- The lack of snow is an elemental disaster for Kolašin. We really found in all the studies we did to get investment for this ski resort, and in all the literature, that snow in Kolašin falls from November to May – says former director Luka Medenica.
Although there was no shortage of snow in the 90s, money clearly was lacking in the state ski resort’s coffers. It was privatized in 2007 as unprofitable and sold for 550,000 EUR. On the other hand, a decade later, the state builds anew on the sunny slopes of Troglava and invests over 30 million.
While snow delays are becoming more common due to global climate change, it is not precisely answered whether Montenegrin meteorologists were consulted regarding these projects at the Institute of Meteorology and Seismology. They explain that the results of analyses on climate change are found in Montenegro’s National Reports sent to the World Meteorological Organization, and current projections do not favor winter sports.
Tourism expert Petar Golubović says that over the decade, the average temperature has risen by one degree, so investments must be seriously considered, although he believes that the previous investments in the north are justified.
The head of the government’s tourism department says that weather conditions cannot be influenced, but they will address the consequences.
- At the end of the season, we will assess the situation and see what we can do in the future – said Minister Vladimir Martinović.
While there is less and less snow, municipalities in the north expect the completion of investments in ski resorts.
Several tens of millions more need to be invested in Bijelo Polje, Mojkovac, and Rožaje. In Kolašin, over nine million is needed for water supply and snowmaking at our largest ski resort.
Whether ski resort projects were the best option for the development of the north will be shown by time and weather conditions influenced by climate change.
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