An old workshop belonging to the Glišović family in Rudine is the setting for a special chapter in Serbian skiing history: the first skis in Serbia were made there. This story sits alongside a gentle landscape shaped by pastures and the development of a local ski club. Rudine’s natural character and winter sports history can therefore be seen as two distinct aspects of the destination.
A Landscape of Pastures and Hills
Rudine is known for its abundant sunshine. Gentle landscapes, extensive pastures and characteristic rolling hills define the area. Rudine is also considered an oasis of unspoilt nature. The pastures and hills refer to specific features of the landscape, while the description of its natural character conveys the broader impression. For travellers who consider nature and scenery when choosing a destination, this combination offers several specific points of interest.
The History of Skiing
In the 1920s, residents of the Zlatibor villages began making their own skis because of the deep snow and impassable roads. Most of those involved came from Rudine. This history is therefore part of Rudine as well as the wider story of the Zlatibor villages.
The Rudine Zlatibor Ski Club was founded in 1938. Its founders competed in skiing themselves and passed their knowledge of the sport on to younger generations. Alongside the earlier ski-making, the transmission of knowledge is therefore also part of the area’s sporting history.
The different connections to the area tell distinct parts of this story: ski-making in the 1920s was a response to heavy snowfall and impassable roads; the old workshop represents a specific place of production, while the club represents community skiing and the passing on of knowledge. This distinction links regional developments with Rudine’s own historical connections.
Cheese and Other Regional Products
The Mišović family produces aged Zlatibor cheese on their ancestral family land under the name “Zlatne Rudine.” A 2018 description characterises the cheese as a full-fat hard cheese made from whole milk and aged for a long time. A 2019 report mentions young, medium-aged and mature varieties, as well as seasoned versions with truffles, chilli peppers, curry, garlic and basil.
Buckwheat is another traditional food from Rudine: flour made from buckwheat grown there is used to make pancakes, pastries and bread. While the cheese is notable for its family production and long ageing period, buckwheat flour has a range of different uses in the kitchen.
Getting Around and Planning Your Trip
Rudine is 6 km from Zlatibor, in the direction of Sirogojno. The traditional folk fair in Metaljka near Rudine has a long history. If you are planning your trip around the fair, check the specific dates in advance.
When looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider whether the landscape, skiing history or regional products should shape your stay. This will help you choose a destination based on the aspects of Rudine that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Zaovine, Drijetanj, Mitrovac, Rosići, Bajina Bašta, Sjenica, Rastište, Ljubis
Return to the regional travel overview: Zlatibor District.
