Savin Kuk
One of the most famous and relatively inexpensive skiing centers in Montenegro is located on Mt. Savin Kuk in the Durmitor massif. Ski slopes start almost at the very top, at an altitude of 2.213 meters. The height difference reaches 750 meters, and the length of the main track is 3,5 kilometers. There are 4 rope tows, 2 chairlifts and 2 children’s lifts.
Skiers and snowboarders of different levels of training will find the slope tracks to their liking – for beginners, for athletes, also for recreation and kids. Fans of cross-country skiing are offered routes ranging from 3 to 12 kilometers. Separate slopes are reserved only for snowboarders. Some of the trails are equipped with lighting for evening rides.
In winter, there are several equipment rental points with a good choice, ski schools, rescue and medical aid points. The height of the snow cover exceeds 1 meter throughout the season: from December to April.
History says that the name of the mountain – Savin Kuk – was given by the Serbian prince Rastko Nemanic. In the monastery, where he hid from the hardships of mundane life, he was named Sava and also canonized as a saint during his lifetime. In Serbia, he is still revered as a spiritual leader. The prince liked to climb Savin Kuk, which strengthened him, gave him food for thought, and inspired him to pray. On one of the slopes of the mountain, Saint Sava discovered a healing spring, which is nowadays frequented by tourists. Sava’s Source, according to legend, has healing properties. It flows slightly below the peak of Durmitor. If you wash yourself in it or drink a sip of melted glacial water, you can get rid of diseases – as the legend says. Below, at the foot, lies a nature reserve forest. It has many rare plants, birds and animals that are protected by local law.
The most famous hiking route to Savin Kuk starts at the Black Lake in Zabljak and runs along the path that King Nikola I of Montenegro himself climbed at the beginning of the 20th century. There are several more climbing options, the easiest of which is to use the cable car, which operates not only in winter, but also in summer. In addition to hiking, the area around Savin Kuk can also be interesting for trail runners, as the video below shows.
