You would like to stay active in winter but you don’t ski? We have an activity for you! Have you ever tried snowshoeing? If you didn’t, this winter is a perfect chance to do it. Be careful, it is easy to fall in love with walking on deep snow!

In the past, snowshoes were essential tools for fur traders, hunters and other people whose life or living depended on the ability to get around in areas of deep and frequent snowfall. Old style, wooden snowshoes had a shape as tennis rackets and it is possible to see them in many restaurants, mountain hotels and ski rentals today as a wall decoration. Modern snowshoes are made of lightweight metal, plastic and synthetic fabric. There are two places at Kopaonik where you could find snowshoes with hiking poles and gaiters for rent: Ski servis Stiv i Ski servis Gala Sport.

Snowshoes work by distributing the weight of the person over a larger area so that the person's foot does not sink completely into the snow. It is recommended to have hiking poles for better balance while walking and for strengthening upper body muscles. Snowshoeing is a form of hiking and in appropriate conditions is a relatively safe and inexpensive recreational activity. There are no special skills required for this activity and it is really easy to learn. The only preconditions are good health condition and adequate winter cloth for being out in the nature. As a great winter workout and bit more demanding than walking, while snowshoeing you can burn more than 400 calories for an hour.

Snowshoeing is getting more and more popular within people who like going outdoors, by hikers and runners who like to continue their hobby in wintertime. As a blend of recreation and nature, it is also attractive for tourist who would like to escape from the crowds of the ski resorts. Enjoyment starts when you experience the silence of pine and spruces forests and when mountain guides show you an amazing winter views and landscapes. This activity is available for all ages.

Kopaonik mountain is perfect for snowshoeing. Ski resort it is located at around 1.700 m from the sea level. Wide plateau of Ravni Kopaonik offers many possibilities to go snowshoeing usually between December and April, when level of snow is big enough. Minimum required level of snow is 15 cm, and when is above knees level, real enjoyment is guaranteed. You can check weather conditions at this link (measured at 1750 m of altitude). Places we usually go are following localities: Mushroom Trail, Markov kamen – circular trail, Treska Peak, night ascent to the Pancic Peak, Gobelja peak, Metodje geyser, Kukavica peak... It is good to know that snowshoeing is considered as eco friendly activity and supports small business.

If you don’t use GPS devices and you don’t know the mountain, you can hire a licensed mountain guide to take care of your safety and to make your day. Mountain Guides will take appropriate selection of equipment and choose a track suitable to your group abilities. They will teach you different techniques of walking uphill and downhill, tell you local stories about attractions you visit and show you hidden gems of the mountain. Snowshoeing tours usually lasts from 2 to 7 hours, depending on chosen route, length of breaks and pace of the group. There is always time for playing, taking photos on viewpoints and other places that are convenient for rest. Night snowshoeing is something very special ! If you decide to go without a mountain guide please avoid alpine skiing slopes, snowmobile routes, foggy days and first zone of protection of the National Park. Write down Mountain Rescue Service number: +38162464646.

Avoid waiting in the line to have winter fun with your family and friends and go into the unspoilt nature of a National Par.k Experience winter scenery and absolute peace of coniferous forests and viewpoints with snowy fairy tale landscapes. At the end stay active if you don’t ski or make a break between skiing days and join us at the favorite winter activity at the Kopaonik Mountain!