Boban Stojanović from Brezovica: Everything escapes from man

From Pristina toward Uroševac and further along the road to the Sirinićka Župa and Prizren, embraced by the Šar Mountains, lies Brezovica, one of the oldest and largest Serbian villages in Kosovo and Metohija. A few kilometers uphill from the village is the ski center of the same name, once widely known among skiing enthusiasts during the former Yugoslavia. Abandoned hotels, restaurants, children’s resorts, closed shops, rusty ski lifts, and dilapidated cottages create a strong nostalgic and somber impression of abandonment. Yet, as you ascend, this view abruptly shifts to luxury villas, apartments, and untouchable, illegal settlements within the national park. However, the mountain is ruled not by power or wealth, but by respect and submission to its laws. That is why Serbs, though confined to a few small villages along its slopes, remain its true hosts.

Remnants of Brezovica

Boban Stojanović: Guardian of the Region

Among its youngest mountaineers is Boban Stojanović a young geographer, ski instructor, and guide through the vast Šar Mountain landscapes. An ecologist by conviction and education, he believes life is most beautiful and meaningful when lived in harmony with nature and God a union that grants freedom and independence from transient political and social circumstances. He explains:

“First, we must always motivate ourselves. Invest in your land and community, don’t sell it. My goal is to lead by example and inspire other young people, rather than simply complain or wait for others. This land values such efforts and rewards them in time.”

In under ten years, through social media, nature lovers across Serbia and the region have come to know Boban, his dog Max, and Brezovica. During winter, many flock here for the thrill of extreme skiing on wild trails, while young children attend Boban’s ski school.

Boban Stojanović

Trails for Ski Enthusiasts

“Most visitors come from central Serbia, some from Montenegro, mostly locals. I’m satisfied. Throughout the season, there’s always someone in the cabin. I built it myself, by hand, over 2.5 years, with help from friends. I wanted it to be an authentic wooden mountain house, with a small living room and fireplace, a kitchen, a bathroom, and an attic for sleeping. I decorated it with old family photos and household item lanterns, rugs, and traditional tools”.

In addition to lodging, Boban offers photography and guided mountain tours, catering to what people seek today: fairytale simplicity, a connection with untouched nature, and, of course, stunning photos for memories and social media.

“Šar Mountain is one of the richest in this part of Europe, home to over 2,000 plant species and diverse wildlife, and among the richest in water resources. Isn’t that impressive?”

He explains what makes this mountain special and why a young man would dedicate his life to it:

“The soul. Those who come often can feel the soul of the mountain. The people, the history, everything that has happened over the centuries in the Šars… It’s not perfect, but it’s worth fighting for”.

Boban Stojanović

Nature in Fear of Humans

Investment in the ski resort and mountain infrastructure is minimal—no walking paths, parks, or promenades. Boban believes this is for the best; otherwise, the mountain would suffer the fate of other ruined peaks turned into small, polluted towns.

“It’s better that nothing was done, the mountain would have been destroyed like others. Our problem is the mini-hydroelectric plants—there are nine on the mountain. For over two years, we protested daily, alongside Albanian locals. Everyone fought together, but power prevailed. Now, we can only hope nature doesn’t retaliate catastrophically, as it sometimes does.”

Life on the mountain fosters community and mutual respect. Serbs and Albanians often help each other or work together. Yet, KFOR’s presence is constant, with helicopters overhead daily. Locals, accustomed to the noise, explore the mountain, discovering hidden spots and transcending imposed borders, thanks to people who still protect them.

“I wouldn’t advise exploring Šar Mountain alone, but there’s so much to see: glacial lakes, the hermitage of Saint Peter of Koriša, peaks… You mostly hike through forests, with limited access for off-road vehicles. Tours last 8-9 hours, walking all day, but each destination is unforgettable. Bears, wolves, lynx, wild goats may appear… People ask if I’m afraid. No. At first, excitement arises, then you get used to it.”

Mostly, it’s a world away from humans!

Don’t touch me—I won’t touch you.” But people have grown alienated from nature and fear it. They fear shadows or cockroaches, not bears. That’s human nature.