woensdag 30 maart 2011

Getting to Kopaonik

How to Get to Kopaonik

Located in south-central Serbia, Kopaonik is accessible via most major cities in Serbia.


By Air

Visitors to Kopaonik can fly into either Belgrade or Nis (read "Nish").

Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla International airport is located approximately 240 km from Kopaonik. The airport is a 2.5-hour drive to Kopaonik. There are 19 carriers in Belgrade offering 35 direct flights from several major European capitals.

Nis’s Constantine the Great airport is located 100 km from Kopaonik. It's closer to Kopaonik than Belgrade airport.

Nis Airport offers the non-stop flight to and from Zurich and is used as the airport for charter flights.

Link: http://nis-airport.com/en/


Flying from London to Belgrade takes approximately two hours and 40 minutes.

There are a number of car hire agencies at the airport.



By Car
Getting from Belgrade to Kopoanik

The following driving routes are recommended for reaching Kopaonik:

Belgrade- Kopaonik, via Lazarevac, Kraljevo and Josanicka Spa: 260 km

Belgrade - Kopaonik, via Kragujevac, Kraljevo and Josanicka Spa: 290km

Belgrade - Kopaonik, via Pojate, Krusevac and Brus: 279km


Tol fare for passenger cars:

Belgrade - Pojate 450 RSD (5€)
Belgrade - Batočina 290 RSD (3€)

Nonresident drivers are required to carry an international driver’s license and registration and insurance documents.



By Bus

Regular bus coach routes connect Kopaonik to all of Serbia.

Regular coach service to Kopaonik is available via Novi Sad, Belgrade and Nis.

Kopaonik is about 5-6 hours drive from Belgrade. There are two public buses per day to the mountain resort in Kopaonik from Belgrade. The bus fare is approximately €30 return. There are a number of bus lines available, but we recommend that you use the Lasta Beograd company, as it is a more reliable service.

Belgrade to Kopaonik - Bus Schedule

Bus company : Lasta Beograd (express)

Departs from Belgrade at 08:45

Arrives in Kopaonik at 13:30


Bus company : Jugoprevoz Raska (express)

Departs from Belgrade at 12:00

Arrives in Kopaonik at 17:15

Kopaonik to Belgrade - Bus Schedule


Bus company : Lasta Beograd (express)

Departs from Kopaonik at 13:30

Arrives in Belgrade at 18:30


- Nis - Kopaonik (1-2 hours by bus)


Trains to Belgrade from Western Europe go via Budapest.

donderdag 24 maart 2011

Have You Looked At Serbia For Your Next Ski Destination

Skiing in Kopaonik, Serbia is becoming a growing trend for skiers looking to move away from the commercial skiing facilities of Central and Northern Europe in search of more naturally occurring skiing trails.

With a snow range of 1770-2017 metres and a village positioned 5,000 feet above sea level Kopeonik in Serbia is seen as the answer to many skiers’ dreams. With a three hour journey from the nearest airport Getting To Kopaonik is surely worth the effort, having cross-country skiing, night skiing, skydiving, sleigh rides, ice-skating, indoor tennis and many other activities for the winter sports enthusiast to enjoy.

The mountain climbs 35,000 feet into the cold Serbian sky, whilst ski lifts only climb to 6,617 feet. The skiing facility is yet to host a major skiing event; despite being home to several international snowboarding competitions and cross-country skiing as well. The living quarters are apt for pricing that would delight the weariest of tourists. Skiers can experience national cuisine such as Burek (pastry, cheese, spinach) and Pljeskavica (grilled mince) for well under $10 a meal. The old favorites such as burger, chips and pizza are still on the menu, and the price of $1.50 a beer might delight some holiday makers looking to do slightly more than just ski!

The living area can handle over 5,000 tourists at the same time, whilst the bars and clubs around the area make the holiday destination more suited to the younger holiday-maker. Another issue that is quite prominent is the mistake that many make in travelling to Kopaonik to celebrate Christmas. The celebrations are of slight comparison to western culture, despite its labelling as a winter heaven.

Having 21 lifts and an uphill capacity of 15,000 (an hour) Kopaonik is more than capable of catering for its millions of visitors each year. With slopes facing N, N/E and N/W you can be sure to experience the densely populated villages that surround the region. Thriving from the tourism the mountain provides, Kopaonik has become home to two 4 star luxury hotels providing entertainment and accommodation to skiers and executives alike. Hotel Grand Kopaonik & Hotel Angella Kopaonik.

With the longest run covering 3.5 KM and expert tuition on hand, Kopaonik has recently benefited from its appointment of English speaking instructors across skiing and snowboarding disciplines. The advanced runs down the Kopaonik mountain-face are a primary incentive for many skiers to choose Kopaonik as their skiing holiday destination. The 6 runs that fit into this category must be epitomised by the Konaci – which a local holiday village was recently named after.

The Konaci has an angle of 79 degrees at a certain point, which it is said that – if you go too slow, and fail to position yourself correctly, it would be perfectly feasible to fall forwards merely travelling in a straight line. The Konaci sees skiers travelling at speeds of over 50 MPH and jumps that allow airtime of over 8 seconds. The Konaci is praised and feared by the top skiers from Europe and further a field. Despite this, the run featured in the 2005 snowboarding event that took place in the Kopaonik mountains.

With snow falling on the slopes between August/September all the way through to early March, skiers should plan their trip with that in mind. The slopes of Serbia and the warm generous nation make Kopaonik an ideal holiday destination for any traveler looking to have a good time on a set of skis. The package deals start from around $350 / € 250,- a week, whilst amazing savings can be made through booking online.
With its intention to develop further runs across every piste you can be sure that Kopaonik, Serbia will be a skiing location that will stay firmly on the map.

Hotels Kopaonik

The most popular Kopaonik Hotels are:


Hotel Grand ****
Hotel Angella ****

Hotel Putnik klub A ****

Hotel Ozon ***

Hotel Jugobanka
Hotel Junior **
Hotel Olga Dedijer **
Hotel Putnik **
Hotel Srebrnac **

Hotel Grand Kopaonik






donderdag 13 januari 2011

6 DAYS Kopaonik Ski School Prices/Rates

KOPAONIK – WINTER 2010/2011.

OFFICIALLY LICENSED SKI SCHOOL
La Scuola Di Schi by Predrag Lukač

PROMOTIONAL RATES FOR 6-DAY PACKAGE FOR PREPAYMENT


6 DAY - PACKAGE
SKI SCHOOL + SKI EQUIPMENT

Group lessons (8-12 persons)
6 days, 4 hours per day
Adults pay 105 euro per person
children 3-12 years pay 90 euro per person
Ski equipment hire (skies, ski poles, ski boots)
The rate does not include a 6 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)


6 DAY - PACKAGE
SNOWBOARD SCHOOL + SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT

Group lessons (8-12 persons)
6 days, 4 hours per day
Adults pay 105 euro per person
children 3-12 years pay 90 euro per person
Ski equipment hire (snowboard, boots)
The rate does not include a 6 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)


SKI SCHOOL (lessons only, 6 days x 4 hours)

Group lessons (8-12 persons)
Adults pay 60 euro per person
children 3-12 years pay 50 euro per person
6 days, 4 hours per day
The rate does not include a 6 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)

SNOWBOARD SCHOOL (lessons only, 6 days x 4 hours)

Group lessons (8-12 persons)
Adults pay 60 euro per person
children 3-12 years pay 50 euro per person
6 days, 4 hours per day
The rate does not include a 6 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)

RATES FOR PAYMENTS AT KOPAONIK

6 DAY - PACKAGE
SKI SCHOOL + SKI EQUIPMENT

Group lessons (8-12 persons)
6 days, 4 hours per day
Adults pay 130 euro per person
children 3-12 years pay 110 euro per person
Ski equipment hire (skis, ski poles, ski boots)
The rate does not include a 6 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)


6 DAY - PACKAGE
SNOWBOARD SCHOOL + SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT

Group lessons (8-12 persons)
6 days, 4 hours per day
Adults pay 130 euro per person
children 3-12 years pay 110 euro per person
Ski equipment hire (snowboard, boots)
The rate does not include a 6 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)


SKI SCHOOL (lessons only, 6 days x 4 hours)

Group lessons (8-12 persons)
Adults pay 80 euro per person
children 3-12 years pay 70 euro per person
6 days, 4 hours per day
The rate does not include a 6 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)


SNOWBOARD SCHOOL (lessons only, 6 days x 4 hours)


Group lessons (8-12 persons)
Adults pay 80 euro per person
children 3-12 years pay 70 euro per person
6 days, 4 hours per day
The rate does not include a 6 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)


RATES FOR PREPAYMENT

SKI EQUIPMENT HIRE & SNOW BOARD EQUIPMENT HIRE

full ski equipment hire-6 days (skis, ski poles, boots)
snowboard equipment hire-6 days (snow board, boots)
skis & poles hire-6 days
snowboard hire-6 days
ski boots hire-6 days
snowboard boots hire-6 days
helmet hire-6 days


SKI EQUIPMENT HIRE & SNOW BOARD EQUIPMENT HIRE
Rates are in €, per person
adults
children 3-12
full ski equipment hire-6 days (skis, ski poles, boots)
51
43
snowboard equipment hire-6 days (snow board, boots)
51
43
skis & poles hire-6 days
32
26
snowboard hire-6 days
32
26
ski boots hire-6 days
18
16
snowboard boots hire-6 days
18
16
helmet hire-6 days
9
9

SKI LESSONS & SKI TECHNIQUES
Basic techniques
  • Snowplough
  • Parallel turns
Advanced techniques
  • Carving turns
  • Skiing moguls (bumps on the slopes)
LESSONS
  • Individualna lessons
  • Group lessons
SCHOOL PROGRAME
  • School programe includes a 6-day lessons, 4 hours per day.
  • Homogeneous groups, formed in accordace with the age and the skiing level
PROCESS OF TRAINING


- Initial phase is the most important phase in the process of teaching (first contact with the snow on skis)
- One of the preconditions for overcoming the fear of the firt contact with the skis is to choose the good terrain for teaching the first steps as well as to performe the first ride slowely, on an easy slope.
- Application of methodological approaches according to the basic methodological principles:
   - easy to dificult,
   - familiar to unknown
   - slower to faster
-Pedagogical and didactic approach in teaching, using the following principles:
   - step by step teaching
   - clearness
   - systematic approach
   - variations
   - fun and entertainment
- Well done demonstration and rational approach in teaching, make skiing fun and provide great enjoyment to everyone.

2 DAYS Kopaonik Ski School Prices

2 DAY-PACKAGE  

SKI SCHOOL + SKI EQUIPMENT

Group lessons (8-12 persons)-2 days, 4 hours per day
+ ski equipment hire (skis, poles, boots)
Adults 40 euro per person
Children 3-12 years 30 euro per person
The rate does not include a 2-day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)
Lessons timetable: 10-12 a.m. &  13-15 p.m.


2 DAY-PACKAGE
SNOWBOARD SCHOOL + SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT

Group lessons (8-12 persons)-2 days, 4 hours per day
+ snowboard equipment hire (snowboard, boots)
Adults 40 euro per person
Children 3-12 years 30 euro per person
The rate does not include a 2 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)
Lessons timetable: 10-12 a.m. &  13-15 p.m.


SKI SCHOOL (lessons only 2 days x 4 hours)

Group lessons (8-12 persons)-2 days, 4 hours per day
Adults 30 euro per person
Children 3-12 years 20 euro per person
The rate does not include a 2 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)
Lessons timetable: 10-12 a.m. &  13-15 p.m.


SNOWBOARD SCHOOL (lessons only 2 days x 4 hours)

Group lessons (8-12 persons)-2 days, 4 hours per day
Adults 30 euro per person
Children 3-12 years 20 euro per person
The rate does not include a 2 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)
Lessons timetable: 10-12 a.m. &  13-15 p.m.

3 DAYS Kopaonik Ski School Prices

3 DAY-PACKAGE
SKI SCHOOL + SKI EQUIPMENT

Group lessons (8-12 persons)- 3 day, 4 hours per day
+ Ski equipment hire (skies, ski poles, ski boots)
Adults 50 euro per person
Children 3-12 years 40 euro per person
The rate does not include a 3 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)
Lessons timetable: 10-12 a.m. &  13-15 p.m.


3 DAY-PACKAGE
SNOWBOARD SCHOOL + SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT

Group lessons (8-12 persons)- 3 days, 4 hours per day
+ Snowboard equipment hire (snowboard, cipele)
Adults 50 euro per person
Children 3-12 years 40 euro per person
The rate does not include a 3 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)
Lessons timetable: 10-12 a.m. &  13-15 p.m.


SKI SCHOOL (lessons only 3 days x 4 hours )

Group lessons (8-12 persons)- 3 days, 4 hours per day
Adults 40 euro per person
Children 3-12 years 30 euro per person
The rate does not include a 3 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)
Lessons timetable: 10-12 a.m. &  13-15 p.m.


SNOWBOARD SCHOOL (lessons only 3 days x 4 hours)

Group lessons (8-12 persons)- 3 days, 4 hours per day
Adults 40 euro per person
Children 3-12 years 30 euro per person
The rate does not include a 3 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)
Lessons timetable: 10-12 a.m. &  13-15 p.m.

4 days Kopaonik Ski School Prices

KOPAONIK – WINTER 2010/2011.
OFFICIALLY LICENSED SKI SCHOOL
La Scuola Di Schi by Predrag Lukač
In cooperation with Welcome Reservations


PROMOTIONAL RATES FOR 2,3,4-DAY PACKAGE FOR PREPAYMENT

4 DAY-PACKAGE
SKI SCHOOL + SKI EQUIPMENT

Group lessons (8-12 persons)
- 4 days, 4 hours per day
+ Ski equipment hire (skies, ski poles, ski boots)
Adults 70 euro per person
Children 3-12 years 60 euro per person
The rate does not include a 4 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)
Lessons timetable: 10-12 a.m. &  13-15 p.m.

4 DAY-PACKAGE
SNOWBOARD SCHOOL + SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT

Group lessons (8-12 persons)
- 4 days, 4 hours per day
+  Snowboard equipment hire (snowboard, boots)
Adults 70 euro per person
Children 3-12 years 60 euro per person
The rate does not include a 4 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)
Lessons timetable: 10-12 a.m. &  13-15 p.m.

SKI SCHOOL (lessons only, 4 days x 4 hours )

Group lessons (8-12 persons)- 4 days, 4 hours per day
Adults 50 euro per person
Children 3-12 years 40 euro per person
The rate does not include a 4 day ski pass
(ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)
Lessons timetable: 10-12 a.m. &  13-15 p.m.

SNOWBOARD SCHOOL (lessons only, 4 days x 4 hours)

Group lessons (8-12 persons)- 4 days, 4 hours per day
Adults 50 euro per person
Children 3-12 years 40 euro per person
The rate does not include a 4 day ski pass
ski pass can be prepaid or paid at Hotel Grand ski store at Kopaonik)
Lessons timetable: 10-12 a.m. &  13-15 p.m.

Ski Destination Kopaonik

Kopaonik is the largest ski center in Serbia and one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in this part of Europe. With its 200 sunny days and 160 days under the snow throughout the year, Kopaonik has unique natural values. The top class terrains of the ski center feature more than 55 km of slopes for Alpine skiing and 18 km for Nordic skiing, providing an immense enjoyment to all categories of skiers, from the very beginners to the well experienced ones. Three slopes are in compliance with the FIS standards for slalom, giant slalom, super slalom and downhill. The ski center features well-arranged snow-board park while safari, a special ski challenge out of the arranged tracks is organised for the adventure seekers. Some of the slopes such as Karamen greben, Pancic peak and Duboka, dispose with snow-making cannons thus making skiing possible even in case of changeable weather conditions. In addition to the extensions of the snow-making system, 70% of ski area will be covered with artificial snow. Also, the resort will launch the brand new lift and two new slopes for the winter season 2011. 


Kopaonik is very popular among young people for its entertainment and fun. In addition to the sledging and ice-skating, families with kids can enjoy the great variety of games and activities in the snow park. For those who are making their first ski steps, the resort features kids-only lifts and special beginner teaching areas.
If you're searching for some great nightlife to compliment your active holiday on the snow, look no further. Kopaonik has a buzzing après ski scene that is developing a reputation to match the excellent skiing. Options vary from venues which cater for the crowd who want to carry on partying late into the night - to more intimate spots which welcome those wishing to swap cozy ski stories in more chilled out surroundings with good food.
Resort hotels are situated in the very heart of the tourist center, at 1.770 m, providing direct access to the ski slopes and the ski lifts Karaman Greben and Pancic express. For requests on availability and prices of hotels in Kopaonik mail the Balkan Travel Agency Welcome Reservations at info@welcomereservations.com.


Ski resort of Kopaonik 1.770 – 2.017 m (Pancic peak)
Altitude of the Ski Resort: 1770 m
The highest peak: 2017m (Pancic peak)
Total length of tracks for Alpine skiing: 55 km
Total length of tracks for Nordic skiing: 18 km
Blue runs (easy): 17
Red runs (medium): 9
Black runs (difficult): 7
Number of ski lifts: 24 with baby ski lift (13 chairlifts, 11 drags)
Total capacity: 33.000 skiers/hour
Max. altitude difference: 512m
The longest ski run: 3,50 km
Number of runs in compliance with the FIS standards: 3
Night skiing run: Small lake - 450m


Plans for the winter season 2011 in the Ski Resort of Kopaonik:
New chair lift for 6 persons at Karaman Greben, capacity: 3000 skiers/hour
Two new ski slopes and a new ski lift Cross.
The extension of the ski system, new 20km of ski slopes under artificial snow cover
70% of ski area will be covered with artificial snow


Access and distance:
Belgrade – Batocina – Kragujevac - Kraljevo – Josanicka banja - Kopaonik (290km)
or
Belgrade – Pojate – Krusevac – Brus – Kopaonik (300 km)


Access and distance from other cities in the country:
Novi Sad – Belgrade – Kopaonik (347km)
Nis – Kopaonik (118km)
Access and distance from other capitals in the region:
Podgorica – Kopaonik (420km)
Banja Luka – Kopaonik (570km)
Skoplje (auto putem E 75, isključenje Grdelica) –Prokuplje – Brus - Kopaonik (300km)
Ljubljana - Zagreb – Beograd – Kopaonik (817km)
Thessaloniki – Kopaonik (479km)