Challenges of winter tourism under climate change conditions: Perceptions of employees in ski centers of Northern Montenegro

This paper examines employees' perceptions of the impacts of climate change on winter tourism in the ski centers of Bjelasica and Durmitor in Montenegro, utilizing a comparative approach. The research was conducted using a quantitative, cross-sectional research design. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire from a sample of 213 employees engaged in various sectors and job positions within the ski centers. Descriptive statistical methods and Pearson's chi-square test were used for data processing and analysis. The research results indicate a high level of awareness among employees regarding climate risks and their consequences for winter tourism. Respondents perceive winter seasons as shorter, less reliable, and increasingly unpredictable, which directly affects operational planning, economic stability, and tourism demand. The majority of employees believe that artificial snowmaking systems cannot fully compensate for the lack of natural snow, particularly under higher temperature conditions. The results also point to the need for diversifying the tourism offer outside the winter season and adapting destinations to contemporary trends in tourism demand. The comparative analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between the observed destinations, confirming that climate challenges are perceived as a regional phenomenon. The paper emphasizes the importance of the employees' perspective for creating sustainable adaptation strategies in winter tourism.