“Tourist Center (TC) Durmitor” is set to initiate a tender within the next two months for the acquisition of two artificial snow machines designated for the “Savin Kuk” ski resort, following the allocation of 182,000 euros from the Ministry of Tourism for this initiative. The project aims to provide snow cover for a 700-meter-long slope at the base of the ski resort.

This information was confirmed to “Vijesti” by Marinko Purić, the executive director of TC “Durmitor,” who emphasized the expectation of having artificial snow ready in this segment of the mountain by December. He also noted that they are currently gathering the necessary documentation to commence the project.

The Ministry of Tourism, led by Minister Simonida Kordić, informed “Vijesti” that this endeavor represents only the first phase, with intentions to expand artificial snowmaking to all essential locations within the ski resort, executed in accordance with UNESCO guidelines and the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommendations.

A reservoir for artificial snow production at Savin Kuk has already been established, as water sourced from Modro Jezera had previously been supplied to the ski center.

Last year, the government approved a plan to fund the construction and upkeep of multi-purpose sports and recreational facilities at the Savin Kuk ski resort, allocating funds to create a foundation for the sports and winter tourism season. Despite longstanding discussions about artificial snowmaking, this marks the first instance where the Ministry of Tourism has allocated funds specifically for this purpose.

No environmental permit required

In response to inquiries about potential environmental risks and the necessity for green permits related to Durmitor National Park, Purić clarified that there are no ecological barriers or restrictions in the area; the existing infrastructure is simply being modified and upgraded to accommodate new technical snow production systems.

He added that environmental impact assessments are not needed for this project, and the funds are already in use.

“The existing reservoir near the ski resort is more than adequate to support an artificial snowmaking system positioned midway up the mountain, specifically on critical slopes that are often lacking sufficient snow. Naturally, a tender will be announced for the procurement of the equipment, specifically the snowmaking machines, with expectations for this to occur in the first quarter (January, February, March) of this year. The funding allocated by the Ministry represents only a portion of the overall system that is intended to be deployed on specific areas of the slopes and mountain. The plan includes acquiring two snowmaking devices and upgrading the existing water supply framework for the ‘snowboard’ slope and lift 14. While these funds are not enough to complete the entire artificial snowmaking initiative, we anticipate the funds will be effectively utilized, allowing us to offer two operational snowmaking devices and the ‘snowboard’ slope by December 1, 2025,” Purić explained.

The Ministry of Tourism indicated that insufficient snowfall over the past two years has hindered winter tourism, recreation, and sports activities. Consequently, they assert the need for a project to develop a modern artificial snowmaking system for part of the Savin Kuk ski resort, particularly given the existing artificial reservoir at that location. They further noted that water supply was established through a state-funded project, financially supported by a donation agreement with the Center for International Cooperation and Development of Slovenia.

The Ministry has confirmed that the project’s budget was determined through a thorough analysis, ensuring sufficient funds for a temporary snowmaking system comprised of two modern machines.

They assured that the machines would be in place for the next ski season.

“This marks just the initial phase of the project aimed at establishing artificial snow cover at the ski resort. We are indeed planning a comprehensive development project to implement an artificial snow system across all key areas of the ski slopes at Savin Kuk, following the guidelines and recommendations of UNESCO and the Environmental Protection Agency. Future development activities for ensuring viable winter seasons will continue under the Capital Budget, with projections for additional investments to be presented to the Ministry of Finance in the application and financing request for the capital project,” stated the Ministry.

The Ministry reiterated that tenders would be conducted in compliance with the Public Procurement Law, confirming that TC Durmitor has already begun project work and that the funding is operational, all undertaken according to UNESCO and agency guidelines.

No expansion of the ski center

The Special Purpose Spatial Plan for the Durmitor Area (SPSP) outlines that the Savin Kuk ski resort includes the existing state-operated ski area and is designated as a location with a quality offering primarily aimed at sports enthusiasts. The government-adopted document specifies that a modernization of the entire ski infrastructure has been planned, which initially featured the development of new terrains, trails, and lifts.

This undertaking was later abandoned to align with UNESCO’s recommendations for the World Heritage Site of Durmitor National Park, following visits from representatives of that institution and the World Heritage Center’s Advisory Mission in 2018 and 2019.

“It is noteworthy that the Durmitor area encompassing the ski resort and additional sports infrastructure under development falls within a 325.19-square-kilometer intervention area of the National Park, while the protected National Park zone spans 595.24 square kilometers. Key motivations for the construction of ski and sports-tourism infrastructure in the Durmitor region include: the diversification of the tourist offer, extending the winter and summer tourism seasons, enhancing sports facilities for locals, organized management of the public ski resort, ensuring safety for current and future skiers, and the promotion and maintenance of infrastructure,” states the government document.

The existing reservoir near the ski resort is ample for establishing an artificial snowmaking system positioned at mid-mountain heights. Purić remarked that the tender for procuring the snowmaking equipment is expected to be launched in the first quarter (January, February, March) of this year.

AZK has approved the project

The Competition Protection Agency (AZK) determined in mid-December that the payment of 182,000 euros for constructing and maintaining multi-purpose sports and recreational infrastructure at the “Savin Kuk” ski resort does not constitute state aid.

The AZK stated in its decision that the Ministry of Tourism clarified that the funds are allocated for producing artificial snow for sports and recreational purposes, serving the public interest of all citizens.

“The Agency specifically considered the applicant’s assertions that the funds will be utilized for investments in multi-purpose and sports infrastructure, assuring free access to all users and not exclusive to professional athletes, thereby meeting the conditions outlined in Article 55 of the Commission Regulation (EU),” the decision confirmed.

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