Kopaonik National Park

Kopaonik rises to Pančić's Peak at 2,017 metres and carries a broad open summit plateau, which is what makes it work as a ski area: the resort at around 1,700 metres has the largest lift system in Serbia with runs on gentle to moderate terrain, and the season typically runs from December into April with snowmaking. The mountain was mined for centuries, which gives it its name, and it holds a notable flora with several endemic species, including Pančić's daisy named for the botanist who catalogued the range. Summer brings walking, mountain biking and a lift running for the view. Development at the resort has been heavy and largely unregulated, which is a live conservation argument given the national park status.

History

The Romans dug the first proper mines here, and by the 14th century Kopaonik was the main mining area of Serbia; Emperor Dušan visited the Silver Mountain in August 1336, and Despot Stefan Lazarević's Law on Mines of 1412 lists its gold, silver, iron, copper, lead and zinc. The botanist Josif Pančić first explored it in 1851, the highest point was renamed Pančić's Peak in his honour in 1951, and the central plateau became a national park in 1981 (Wikipedia, Kopaonik).

What you'll find

• The ski area - the largest lift and piste network in the country.
• The summit plateau - open ground around Pančić's Peak.
• Endemic flora - species found on this massif and few other places.
• Old mine workings - traces of the centuries of mining on the slopes.

When to go

December to March for skiing, with best snow in January and February. June to September for walking and flowers. The shoulder months are quiet and many facilities close.

Before you go

Building at the resort has been intense and much of it is unattractive; the contrast with national park status is stark. Winter weekends and holidays are extremely crowded with long lift queues. Snow reliability has become variable. Summer facilities are limited compared with winter.

Nearby

Studenica lies northwest; Novi Pazar is southwest.

Key facts