Kolašin sits up in the mountains of central Montenegro, and from Podgorica it's an easy run — about an hour and a bit, traffic- and season-dependent — that swaps the warm valley for cool alpine air and Bjelasica's peaks. It's one of the few places in the country where you can ski in the morning and that same week, months later, be hiking past glacial lakes. With your own car, you reach it on your schedule and stay as long as the weather rewards you.
Getting there from Podgorica
The drive north from Podgorica follows the Morača canyon — one of the most dramatic stretches of road in the country, with the river far below and tunnels punched through sheer rock. Plan on roughly an hour or a little more to reach Kolašin, though that's weather- and traffic-dependent; winter conditions and summer holiday traffic both add time.
The newer Bar–Boljare highway section (the Smokovac–Mateševo stretch) has taken much of the strain off the old canyon road, with long tunnels and viaducts that make the climb faster and calmer. A small toll applies on this section — keep some cash or a card handy. Beyond where the modern highway ends, you're back on the classic two-lane mountain road, so don't expect motorway speeds the whole way.
Winter: skiing on Bjelasica
Kolašin is Montenegro's most accessible ski base, with lifts climbing into the Bjelasica range right above town. The season typically runs from around December into March or April, snow-dependent — some years open early, some run late, so check conditions before you commit.
For winter driving, come prepared:
- Winter tyres are legally required in the cold months, and you may need to carry snow chains on higher mountain roads.
- Start early; mountain weather closes in fast and afternoon light fades quickly.
- Clear snow off the whole car, not just the windscreen, and leave extra following distance.
- Every Montrent car comes ready for the season, but tell us your plans at booking so we set you up right.
Summer: hiking and Biogradska Gora
When the snow melts, Bjelasica becomes one of the best hiking regions in the country — meadows, ridge trails and a string of glacial lakes. The jewel is Biogradska Gora National Park, home to one of Europe's last primeval forests and the gorgeous Biogradsko Lake, an easy drive and a gentle lakeside loop from Kolašin.
If national parks are your reason for renting, our guide to Montenegro's national parks by car maps out how to string several together on one trip. A small park entrance fee usually applies in season.
What to do, season by season
| Season | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Mar/Apr) | Skiing, snowboarding, snowy scenery | Winter tyres required; carry chains; days are short |
| Spring | Waterfalls, green meadows, fewer crowds | Trails may still be muddy or snow-patched up high |
| Summer | Hiking, Biogradska Gora, lake walks | Cool relief from coastal heat; book stays ahead in peak weeks |
| Autumn | Forest colours, quiet roads | First snow can arrive early at altitude |
Mountain-road notes
The roads around Kolašin and up into Bjelasica are scenic but demand respect. Expect tight bends, steep grades and narrow sections where two cars pass slowly. A few habits keep it relaxed:
- Use a low gear on long descents rather than riding the brakes.
- Pull into a lay-by to let faster locals past — they know the road.
- Fill up in town; fuel stations thin out once you're in the high country.
- Watch for livestock, cyclists and patches of gravel or ice in shaded corners.
A compact or small SUV handles all of this comfortably. With full-to-full fuel and pay-at-pickup, you're not locked into anything before you've seen the forecast.
Make it an easy trip
Kolašin works as a long day from the coast or a relaxed two- or three-night base any time of year. We meet you free at Podgorica or Tivat airport, support you in English, Russian and Turkish, and offer free cancellation if plans shift with the weather. Browse our cars and pick the one that fits your Bjelasica plans — winter or summer.