Town/City
Kopaonik
Serbia's largest ski resort, with the most developed lift infrastructure in the country and reliably good snow given its elevation.
Founder, from Ruma, Serbia
Kopaonik is Serbia's largest and best-equipped ski resort, set on a high plateau in the south of the country. Pančić's Peak, the highest point, reaches 2,017 metres, and a network of modern lifts serves around 60 kilometres of runs.
The slopes suit every level, with plenty of intermediate cruising, good beginner areas and a handful of steeper runs for experts. Snowmaking covers much of the area, and the elevation keeps conditions reliable through the season. The ski village has a lively après scene, especially around New Year.
Ski pass prices for 2026/27 depend on the date: an adult day pass costs 5,600 to 6,500 dinars (about €48 to €55) and a 6-day pass 24,900 to 27,100 dinars (about €212 to €231). That makes Kopaonik the most expensive resort in Serbia but still far cheaper than the Alps. To save, buy online in the presale from 1 to 15 November (15% off) or ski the opening days in early December, when passes are usually 30% off. See how it compares with other resorts in our guide to the cheapest ski resorts in Europe.
The season runs from December to April, busiest over New Year and the early January holidays, when village hotels sell out first. Kopaonik is three to four hours from Belgrade by car and under three hours from Niš, whose airport has budget flights from several European cities, and transfers run from both in season. In summer the area is Kopaonik National Park, with hiking and mountain biking across the open plateau. Serbia's other big mountain bases, Zlatibor and Tara, sit in the west of the country.
When to go
December through March, with the resort's elevation giving it reliably good snow across the season.
Kopaonik in winter
Kopaonik is Serbia's biggest ski resort and one of the liveliest places to spend New Year in the Balkans, with around 60 km of runs, modern lifts and the most reliable snow in the country.
The season usually opens in early December. New Year week and the Orthodox holidays on 7 and 13 January are the busiest and most expensive dates: an adult day pass in 2026/27 costs 5,600 to 6,500 dinars (about €48 to €55), with the lowest prices early and late in the season. The online presale from 1 to 15 November takes 15% off.
It is three to four hours from Belgrade, so stay at least one night. If you don't drive, a full-day ski trip from Belgrade is an option. See our guide to skiing over New Year.
For a rest day, Lukovska Banja sits on the southeastern slopes of Kopaonik, with thermal springs up to 65°C. More options in our guide to hot springs in the Balkans.
Getting there
Roughly 3 to 4 hours from Belgrade by car.
Plan your visit
What it costs, how long to allow, and where to base yourself.
Day pass €48 to €55 (2026/27)
3 to 7 days
Kopaonik ski village
Belgrade, 3-4 hrs
Trips you can book here
Guided tours run by local operators. Open a trip to see the price, what’s included and how the day runs.
Where to stay in Kopaonik: village hotels and quiet bases
Stay in the Kopaonik ski village, where the hotels sit steps from the main lifts and the après scene. Skiers who want first lifts and a pool after the last run should book in the resort centre. For quieter nights, Hotel Putnik sits in Sunčana Dolina with a free shuttle to the centre. Lift passes cost more over New Year and mid-February, so ski outside those dates to save.
Gorski Hotel & Spa
Hotel
Price Range:
Upscale
Steps from the main lifts, with an indoor pool and spa waiting after the last run.
130 m to the ski centre
Hotel Grand Kopaonik
Hotel
Price Range:
Mid-range
Right in the heart of the resort, so you are on the snow minutes after breakfast. Spa on site for tired legs.
In the resort centre, steps from the slopes
Hotel Putnik Kopaonik
Hotel
Price Range:
Mid-range
Quieter base in Sunčana Dolina with an indoor pool and spa, plus a free shuttle to the resort centre.
15 min walk to the centre and lifts
Who it's for
Best for: Intermediate skiers and anyone who wants reliable snow in Serbia. The high plateau setting, modern lifts and extensive snowmaking make it the most dependable resort in the country.
Skip it if: You want quiet. Kopaonik is Serbia's flagship resort and gets packed over New Year and the early January holidays, with prices to match. It is also a long drive from Belgrade.
Nearby places
Easy to combine on the same trip.
Kopaonik questions
Is Kopaonik Serbia's best ski resort?
Yes, it's Serbia's largest resort with the most developed lift infrastructure in the country.
Why is the snow reliable here?
The resort's higher elevation compared to other Serbian ski areas gives it more consistent snow through the season.
How far is Kopaonik from Belgrade?
Roughly 3 to 4 hours by car, making it a feasible weekend trip from the capital. Niš is a little closer, under 3 hours away, and its airport has budget flights from several European cities.
How much is a Kopaonik ski pass in 2026/27?
In 2026/27 an adult day pass costs 5,600 to 6,500 dinars (about €48 to €55) depending on the date, and a 6-day pass costs 24,900 to 27,100 dinars (about €212 to €231). Buying online saves 15% in the 1 to 15 November presale, 10% during a later promotion (dates to be announced) and 5% for the rest of the season. At Ski Opening, 3 to 6 December 2026, the first day is free and passes are 30% off for the rest of the weekend. That is the most expensive in Serbia but well below Alpine rates.
When is the ski season?
December to April, with the most reliable conditions in January and February. The plateau's elevation plus extensive snowmaking keeps the season longer than at other Serbian resorts.
Is Kopaonik worth skiing?
Yes if you are skiing in Serbia. It is the country's largest and best-equipped resort, with around 60 kilometres of runs and the most reliable snow, plus a lively village scene.
How big is the ski area?
Around 60 kilometres of runs served by a network of modern lifts, the largest and best-equipped ski area in Serbia. Pančić's Peak, the high point, reaches 2,017 metres.
Is Kopaonik worth visiting in summer?
Yes. The area becomes Kopaonik National Park, with hiking and mountain biking across the open plateau and far fewer visitors than in winter.
Is Kopaonik good for New Year's Eve?
Yes, it is Serbia's top New Year destination, with the biggest ski area and a lively village. It is also the busiest and most expensive time, so book accommodation by October or November.
When does Kopaonik open for the season?
The 2026/27 season opens with Ski Opening from 3 to 6 December 2026. The first day is free, and 1 to 4 day passes are 30% off from 4 to 6 December. Check the resort's official site in case the weather moves it.
Ready to ski Kopaonik?
Hotels in the ski village sell out first over New Year. Compare prices and book a base steps from the lifts.
