If you’re planning a ski getaway to Serbia, you probably have your eyes on Kopaonik, the country’s biggest ski resort center. There are 55 kilometers of ski slopes available and 23 lifts bringing skiers to those runs, some at altitudes up to over 2,000 meters.
Kopaonik is easily the most modern ski resort in Serbia, with lots of natural snowfall (plus artificial snow capabilities in case of a weak winter) as well as modern amenities like chair lifts with seat heaters.
Plus, Kopaonik is a bit of a hidden gem amongst Balkan ski enthusiasts — the Kopaonik ski resort sees mostly Serbian tourists, whereas neighboring countries like Croatia and Bulgaria see a lot of Western European tourists in ski season, inflating the prices quite a bit!
Here are our picks for the best ski resorts in Kopaonik on any budget, as well as rental apartments, holiday homes, and guesthouses!
Want to save this post for later? Click to Pin!
Budget Hotels & Ski Resorts in Kopaonik
AS Apartments
AS Apartments offers a cozy B&B that’s perfect for a family or a couple traveling. They have just recently renovated the property this year, so expect extra comfortable and up-to-date features. All rooms are simple, but there is nothing to complain about, and it is also very clean. No need to think about what’s for dinner at night, since it is also included in your stay!
Apartment choices range from singles to quintuples, so there’s undoubtedly a room configuration perfect for your group size. Ski storage is available for proper safekeeping of equipment (rentals are also available as well if you don’t feel like bringing your own). First-time skiers can gain some basic knowledge at their ski school, whereas skiing veterans will love the proximity to Kopaonik’s 55 kilometers of pistes.
First-time skiers can gain some basic knowledge at their ski school, whereas skiing veterans will love the proximity to Kopaonik’s 55 kilometers of pistes.
The private bathroom comes with a vanity mirror (perfect while you’re doing your make-up). Free toiletries and towels provided by the property will also allow you to pack more clothes and ski gear in your luggage or bag.
There’s a small indoor playground for kids where they can play with some toys and relax on the bouncy bean bags. If you need to exchange some currency, it is also possible on-site. The 24-hour service desk can cater to family demands from housekeeping to laundry needs, so it’s perfect for people who want the comfort of an apartment-style accommodation in Kopaonik with all the amenities of a hotel.
Do note that it’s about 1 kilometer from the ski lifts, but there is a shuttle bus to the lifts in ski season, so it’s hardly an inconvenience.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at AS Apartments here ««
Guesthouse Šejn
This is one of the most unique guesthouses in Kopaonik. The guesthouse is made from wood and rocks that give it a very charming look! They have very affordable prices for groups of 4, which can go as low as from around $56 USD for a night (doing the math would make it just $14 USD per head) – that is such a steal!
Breakfast is not included, but you can get one inside for $13 USD (a bit pricy for Serbia, but you may find the convenience worth it). You can also order other a la carte Serbian dishes on request. On the other hand, you can always explore Kopaonik and find cheaper breakfast choices.
The rooms are spacious and come with a wooden bed frame, and some bedsheets are decorated with animal prints. Someone who wants a fireplace should book a duplex room, which is super cozy! The ensuite bathrooms have natural lighting, and the shower area is enclosed in glass walls.
Expect a good view of the woods from your balcony, since the property is located just behind an undeveloped area. This is one reason why it is also peaceful and a little isolated. Don’t worry about the travel time to the ski slopes, as there are several within 3 kilometers of the hotel, though it is better to have your own car, as I’m unsure if a shuttle service to the slopes is provided.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Guesthouse Šejn here ««
Villa Kostic Kopaonik
This budget pet-friendly apartment is perfectly nestled on top of a hill so you can get a good view of the houses downhill and the snow-covered trees. You can choose from a twin room or an apartment-type room complete with a living area and a mini kitchen. All beds are comfortable with clean white sheets and bed covers.
You can optionally get their breakfast for only $3 USD (a real steal!) and you can also order other home-cooked local dishes. Both room types have private bathrooms with a shower and free toiletries. There is also a shared living room and kitchen for all guests to use.
Ski storage is free and you can optionally take a class in their ski school. Other activities can be organized by their staff for you such as racquetball, horseback riding, bowling, cycling, hiking, and other sports activities, though keep in mind many of these activities are seasonal.
Booking early will give you the bonus of getting a room for as low as $18 USD for a night — that’s for two! The owner is very nice and you can sometimes be invited to have some tea with him in the lobby. Pets are also allowed for free upon request.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Villa Kostic Kopaonik here ««
Mid-Range Guesthouses & Ski Resorts in Kopaonik
Apart Hotel Mamut
This ski-to-door hotel was named after the Mammoth, one of the Ice Age’s most famous extinct creatures. It offers breakfast and lunch included in each night of stay, so all you have to pay for is dinner and of course, any apres-ski drinks you want to avail yourself of.
All apartment-type rooms have an ensuite bathroom inside. You will also see décor that has been inspired by nature, like gorgeously printed wallpaper or framed prints of the forest. The rooms are spacious and make use of modern yet minimalist furniture.
This is one of the mid-range apartment hotels with superb facilities for skiers. There are boot dryers and locker cabinets where you can keep your equipment hassle-free. Skiers can also prepare in this area without any disruptions.
The Mamut Restoran serves half-board meals and a la carte dishes inspired by local cuisine, but everything is done in a more gourmet manner by their talented chefs. There are plenty of options and you can eat your heart out as much as you want!
There is ample free parking on the property and you will feel secure with their 24/7 surveillance cameras. No reservations needed; you can just park your car and let them monitor it for you. During spring and summer, they usually open the summer terrace as a perfect place to see the beautiful views or to have a sip of some warm or even iced coffee or tea; in winter, you’ll have gorgeous panoramic views of the Kopaonik mountains.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Apart Hotel Mamut here ««
Kopaonik011 Konaci
The property just started its operations in December of 2018, so expect brand spanking new facilities and amenities. It is located on the fourth floor of the 4-star Angella Hotel. The room doesn’t have a balcony, but it surely gives you wonderful sights of the city and the mountains through its windows!
Aside from the wide bed they have, you can also use the extra fold-up sofa bed for extra guests or small kids. The private bathroom comes with toiletries and a hairdryer. Towels will be an extra charge, so it is best to include it when you pack if you want to avoid the fee. A mini fridge and an electric kettle are provided.
There’s also some ski equipment for rent and a ski school that will make you feel more confident before you go down the slopes. Ski storage is provided courtesy of the hotel too. Kids can play indoors in their area filled with toys and fun stuff.
However, there’s no WiFi in the property, and it can be quite small for a group of 4 people. This is best for solo or couple travelers who don’t mind unplugging a bit during their stay.
Since the apartment is located in a hotel, you can use their amenities and facilities for an additional charge (spa, sauna, and pool!). The hotel’s lobby has a concierge desk where you can ask them to organize activities as well as shuttle services to the airport or ski lifts. There’s also an ATM and currency exchange center – up to you which one you prefer, but most likely the ATM will give you better rates!
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Kopaonik011 here ««
Kopaonik Milmari L37
This apartment is located within the Milmari Resort & Spa. It’s a small but well-equipped studio, with a dining table and a mini kitchen.
The private bathroom is a bit small, but there is a separate wet and dry area. The bedroom has geometric prints for its bed cover and a comfortable headboard so you can sit in bed and read easily. The combination of browns and blues keep the color scheme in harmony with the hardwood floors.
Due to its location in a resort and spa complex, you can also use some of its amenities for a fee like the sauna, swimming pools (indoor and outdoor in season), hot tubs, and hammam. Spa services like treatments and massages have packages that you can check if you want to indulge in a little TLC!
Equipment for skiing can be rented on-site, and you can optionally add on ski storage or attend their ski school for a refresher course (or a first-time introduction to the sport). You can check with their 24-hour service desk for more information about anything in Kopaonik you need help with.
Kids can play around at their kid’s club safely while a staff keeps them monitored. There’s also an outdoor playground for them so you don’t have to pay extra to keep your kids entertained. Families or couples who are visiting Kopaonik on a road trip can park their cars in their spaces available for free.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Kopaonik Milmari L37 here ««
Luxury Hotels & Ski Resorts in Kopaonik
Grand Hotel & Spa
Grand Hotel & Spa have multiple room choices to choose from. All rooms are simple and elegant and most of all spacious. It is amazing how well-maintained the property is, since it started its operations a long time ago. You don’t see much signs of age, despite being a huge hotel!
Free toiletries and slippers plus a shower cabin are available in their luxurious ensuite bathrooms. The minibar is also well-stocked with bottled water and some drinks. One handy feature of their rooms in winter is a temperature controlling system that will allow guests to heat the room exactly to their liking.
While there are two restaurants inside, the Grand Restaurant and the a la carte Garden Restaurant, you can also enjoy the view complemented by the warm fireplace (and/or some wine!) at their Forest Bar.
There is a sports hall where you can play basketball, volleyball, and football (soccer). This is one of the hotels in Kopaonik with the most complete gym equipment in their fitness center. The hotel has its very own bowling center with 8 lanes where friends and family can kick back and enjoy a few friendly rounds of bowling.
The wellness facilities are amazing: an entire villa where you can book exclusive massage and wellness treatments, or avail yourself of wellness amenities like their infrared sauna, hot tub Finnish sauna and a steam room. They offer traditional and exotic massages at the Grand Oaza Spa & Wellness Center.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Grand Hotel & Spa here ««
Grey Hotel Kopaonik
The Grey Hotel is a sleekly designed hotel which uses top-quality Italian furniture and ceramics to finish the look of the rooms. You can choose from a double room or a deluxe or premium suite.
The rooms mostly have the same perks, aside from the size of the rooms – the suites have dedicated living spaces like a seating area with a sofa (which you can extend and turn into a bed). All are equipped with an ensuite bathroom, coffee and tea making facilities, heating, and a wardrobe to organize your clothes. Unfortunately, there are no fireplaces in the rooms.
Dine and savor the different flavors of the two restaurants on-site, the Grey Gourmet and Grey Vista restaurants. The Grey Gourmet restaurant has two floors. The lower level is where you can dine with a roaring fireplace and enjoy your free breakfast. The latter is a terrace where skiers can lounge or have some drinks and snacks after a tiring but thrilling adventure down the slopes.
Snowboarding and skiing in the powdery snow will be very convenient because the hotel has its own ski pass vendor, so you can skip the lines just to purchase passes. Rentals are also available, and every stay has an inclusive storage where you can keep your ski gear dry and safe. While you’re enjoying the snow sports, you can also get a babysitter for your kids.
A collection of books is also available at the library, where you can stay and read and relax if you’re not a skier (or just want a day off from the slopes). Wellness facilities like pools, fitness center, steam room, hot spring bath, hammam and massages are all available at their spa.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Grey Hotel Kopaonik here ««
Gorski Hotel & Spa
Gorski Hotel & Spa offers rooms with big windows capable of allowing natural light to enter, which have the dual perk of showcasing the beautiful panoramic scenes of the mountains.
You can choose from a single, double or deluxe type of room or suite, which can cater to singles, couples, or families traveling. All rooms have modern minimalist furniture and the private bathrooms have walls that look like expensive granite (they have separate wet and dry area too).
Breakfast and dinner (half-board) is included so you won’t have the hassle to look for places nearby to dine — a great feature after a long day of skiing. It also features facilities for guests with special needs like grab rails and wheelchair-accessible rooms and an elevator.
Some spa facilities are currently on hold due to the renovations they are doing. They want to give the best possible amenities to their guests since it is one of their major attractions. You can still visit their pools, sauna, salt room, cold and hot shower, ice fountain, Finnish sauna, tepidarium and Vichy showers, though — those are still in operation! These are all additional services and may incur a fee.
The guests loved how the staff were so friendly and they were always there to assist them for any needs. The front desk is available 24/7 to assist you. Overall, the past experience of guests here were overwhelmingly positive and they loved how close it was to key locations in Kopaonik
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Gorski Hotel & Spa here ««
Best Villas and Holiday Homes in Kopaoanik
Holiday Home MB
Even if you’re just on a short vacation, the homey feel here will make you want to stay longer! It has been built to bring warmth and comfort to every guest.
Up to 6 people can stay here – great for smaller groups of friends and families. The common bathroom has a shower cabin and washing machine, as well free toiletries provided. You can use their towels and sheets so you can save space while packing.
There are 2 soundproof bedrooms inside, and there is also a balcony where you can see spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Skiers can store their storages in the locker room for free, which is in front of the house. There is also a dedicated area in the house where you can keep your ski boots dry and warm. However, there are no free shuttle services, but the hosts can arrange transport services for you to get to the slopes. Guests who have brought a car can park their vehicle within the property (at no extra cost).
Free WiFi is available on the property. Someone who is planning a longer stay will be happy because there is a fireplace, washing machine, dishwasher, a well-stocked kitchen — basically all you need to feel at home!
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Holiday Home MB here ««
Planinski Biser
This holiday home offers 5 spacious bedrooms and a living room equipped with a traditional fireplace (not electric but with real wood and a chimney). Don’t worry as there is chopped wood ready for you upon your arrival, so you don’t have to go out and chop your own! A comfortable sofa is also in the living area where the fireplace is, ready for fireside chats and relaxation.
There is strong WiFi in the entire property – this is sometimes unavailable with other villas or holiday homes. The attic has been converted into a comfortable room with three beds. The wooden beds have thick comforters to keep you warm during the cold season – perfect to make each night cozy and comfortable!
The sun room has you lovely views, plus it has wooden chairs and tables where you can lounge or dine. You can drink coffee or eat your breakfast at the bar in the kitchen as well. A space for storing your ski equipment is also inside the property. Guests who have young kids and infants who love to crawl can request baby gates.
Those who brought cars with them should be informed that the location of the property is on a hill, so it can be difficult for cars to get through especially when after heavy snowfall.. The host will also inform you of this, but it is better to be prepared than to be sorry otherwise. Parking is free in the property and reservations aren’t necessary. Cash is also the only mode of payment accepted by the property but you can make reservations online.
»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Planinski Biser here ««
What to Pack for Serbia in Winter
We have a full Serbia packing list, but in case you just want the quick version, here are a few essentials you shouldn’t forget to pack!
A good guidebook: While travel blogs are great, we still think a good guidebook is always handy. Lonely Planet Western Balkans is the main guidebook we recommend for Serbia, as it covers the country well plus others in the region.
One or two swimsuits: While swimsuits may not come to mind for ski season, if you’re staying in a ski resort with a sauna, indoor pool, or steam room, you’ll likely want one! We suggest bringing two so you never have to put a cold wet one back on. We love this one.
Plenty of winter clothing: You can check our packing list above for our full winter packing suggestions for men and women. At a minimum, you’ll want to bring a warm winter jacket (I love this North Face parka), cozy snow boots, warm wool socks, touch-screen friendly gloves, a scarf, and a winter hat.
Any ski equipment and clothing: We’re not skiers ourselves, so we don’t have specific ski gear equipment, but special ski clothes — waterproof pants and jackets, goggles, etc. — and ski gear obviously should be on your packing list, unless you have decided to rent it all when you arrive at your Serbia ski resort.
Moisturizer: Travel will beat your skin up in the best of times — and winter travel in addition to skiing will really do a number on it! If you use a moisturizer at home, bring it. If you’ve never used a moisturizer before, you really should start. You’ll be happy to give your face a boost before heading outside in the cold all day.
Sunscreen: We strongly suggest wearing sunscreen when you spend time outdoors, no matter the weather outside. The higher altitudes combined with the reflection of the sun off the snow can lead to unexpected sunburns. I love this solid Neutrogena sunscreen – it’s mess-free, works well in carry-ons, is ultra-protective, and blends in well.
More Serbia Travel Resources
Planning to visit Serbia this winter? You’ll want to check out our guide to Belgrade in winter if that’s on your itinerary, as well as what to pack for Serbia (including winter).
For Serbia travel planning, check out our guide to planning a trip to Serbia and Serbia travel advice.
If Belgrade is on your itinerary, we have tons of material to help you out with! Check out our guide for things to do in Belgrade, the most Instagrammable spots in Belgrade, and the best Belgrade street art. We also have a Serbian souvenir guide if you want to do some shopping.
If you want to get out of the city for a day, here are our guide to Belgrade day trips and what you should know before renting a car in Serbia. We also have lists of our favorite places to visit in Serbia and the best Serbian towns and cities if you need more day trip inspiration.
We have tons more Serbia and Balkans resources, and we publish new content nearly daily. Bookmark our Serbia and Balkans travel pages so you can find any new resources that come out before your trip!
Headed to Serbia? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
If you’re planning a trip to Serbia, it’s a good idea to travel with a valid travel insurance policy, so that you will be covered in case of an emergency. Travel insurance covers you in case of theft or an accident, which can save your trip if there’s an incident, fall (a big winter risk!), or cancellation or trip interruption.
Keep in mind that lower tiers of travel insurance may not cover winter sports and you may need to purchase a premium plan. This is true for World Nomads which only covers winter sports at the “Explorer” level of their plan, so be sure to read the fine print!
For travel insurance, I use World Nomads. I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and I’ve never had an issue when making a claim. I’m happy to refer them to anyone I meet.
Originally from California, Allison has been living in Bulgaria for the last two years and is obsessed with traveling around the Balkans. She has been published in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, Matador Network, and the Huffington Post. She loves befriending dogs, drinking coffee, geeking out about wine, and cooking food from around the world.
