A History of Skiing in Montenegro

Skiing, one of the most popular winter sports, holds a special place in the history and culture of Montenegro. This country, renowned for its mountainous beauty, is not only a paradise for nature lovers but also the cradle of skiing in the Balkans.

Before skiing became a popular sport and recreational activity, Montenegrins used "podplate," primitive precursors to modern skis, primarily for practical purposes in their snowy mountains.

However, the history of modern skiing in Montenegro begins with the arrival of the Norwegian Captain Henrik August Angell in 1891. He brought a pair of skis with him, significantly contributing to the introduction and development of skiing as a sport in the region.

Born in Norway in 1861, Captain Angell was a military officer with a thirst for adventure and exploration. His mission in Montenegro was to get to know a people renowned for their fight for freedom and independence. However, his arrival in Cetinje in 1893 and his encounter with the local population significantly altered his mission.

When Prince Nikola heard about the unusual traveler who descended snow-covered slopes on boards, he invited him to his residence to demonstrate skiing. Impressed by Angell's skills, the prince quickly ordered a dozen pairs of skis from Vienna for his officers. He also instructed his tribal leaders to facilitate the Norwegian guest's travels throughout various parts of the country. In Nikšić, Angell's skiing feats attracted significant attention from the local inhabitants.

His book, "Through Montenegro on Skis," published in 1895, not only describes his skiing adventures through the Montenegrin mountains but also attests to his contribution to the spread of skiing as both a sport and a practical skill among the Montenegrins.

In addition to Angell, a French professor from the French Embassy in Cetinje played a significant role in the development of skiing. He founded the "Cetinje Ski Society" in 1892. This society was instrumental in organizing skiing as a sport and recreational activity.

Henrik Angell, traveling throughout Montenegro, brought skiing to many of its regions. In Nikšić, for example, he performed skiing feats that delighted the locals. A local carpenter was so impressed that he made the first pair of skis in Montenegro the very next day.

Today, skiing in Montenegro is not only a vital part of winter tourism but also an essential component of school and university sports education. Henrik August Angell, who died in 1922, deserves credit for introducing and popularizing skiing in Montenegro, making this country a significant center for skiing in the Balkans. His legacy lives on today through various ski centers and ski schools that attract enthusiasts from around the world.