Bjelasica Mountains
Montenegrin mountain range and ski area with lakes
Rounded alpine peaks and glacial lakes north of Montenegro's central range make Bjelasica a year-round outdoor area; visitors hike in summer and ski around Kolasin in winter.
Bjelasica at a Glance#
About Bjelasica#
Bjelasica is a rounded mountain range in central Montenegro, known for its forested slopes and alpine pastures. It is one of the country’s main areas for hiking and alpine recreation.
The area offers extensive marked trails, gentle ridgelines and a developed ski sector centered on the Kolasin 1450 plateau, with runs and lift access at high elevations. Hikers and mountain bikers use routes that cross open meadows and forest, with multiple small lakes and viewpoints across the range.
Historically the slopes have been used for summer pasturing and timber; in recent decades tourism infrastructure expanded to support skiing and outdoor recreation. Traditional mountain villages and shepherding areas remain scattered across the lower slopes.
The range sits in northern-central Montenegro just above the Tara and Lim valleys. The town of Kolašin is the principal nearby settlement and base for visitors; the range borders or lies close to Biogradska Gora National Park to the south.
- Access point: Access is most convenient from the town of Kolašin, which serves as the main gateway for lifts, guides and accommodation.
- Best times: Ski season typically runs in winter months while high summer is best for hiking and wildflower meadows, with alpine trails usually snow-free in July and August.
What to See#
- Kolasin 1450: A small network of ski lifts, trails and guest facilities clustered around the Kolasin 1450 plateau, used as the main base for downhill skiing and mountain biking on Bjelasica.
- Biogradsko Lake: A glacial lake on the northern slopes that sits near the boundary with Biogradska Gora National Park and is a common start point for hikes into nearby forests and meadows.
How to Get to Bjelasica#
Accessible from the nearby towns of Kolašin and Bijelo Polje. Regional buses run from Podgorica and Žabljak; local taxi services and trailheads are common from Kolašin.
Tips for Visiting Bjelasica#
- Explore the network of marked trails and mountain huts; the Bjelasica area is managed for hiking and cross-country skiing.
- Local guides can arrange horseback rides and introductions to highland pastures used for summer grazing.
- Weather is changeable-check local forecasts and listen to shepherds' knowledge of pastures and routes.
Best Time to Visit Bjelasica#
Summer for hiking and pastures, winter for skiing; both seasons offer distinct mountain experiences.
Weather & Climate near Bjelasica#
Bjelasica's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -8°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1062 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -8° - -1° | -9° | 80 mm | overcast | 93% | 3.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| February | Poor | -8° - -1° | -10° | 76 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| March | Poor | -5° - 2° | -6° | 79 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -2° - 6° | -2° | 89 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 3° - 13° | 6° | 98 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.4h |
| June | Good | 5° - 16° | 11° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.1h |
| July | Very Good | 7° - 18° | 13° | 75 mm | some cloud | 69% | 2.7 m/s | 2.0 very high | 14.8h |
| August | Very Good | 7° - 18° | 12° | 79 mm | some cloud | 64% | 2.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Acceptable | 4° - 14° | 7° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 1° - 10° | 2° | 93 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Poor | -3° - 4° | -4° | 112 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 3.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| December | Poor | -6° - 1° | -7° | 98 mm | partly cloudy | 91% | 3.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |