SKI-ING IN  NORTHEAST SLOVENIA

Skiing opportunities are rapidly growing in Slovenia with new lifts and pistes being created. The scenery is spectacular and Slovenia offers excellent value for money with lift passes much cheaper than those in the French and Swiss resorts. The skiing is particularly good for families and there are excellent package deals catering for this market. Cheap flights to Slovenia and surrounding areas are now being offered by budget airlines such as Easyjet. 

 Not far from Maribor are to be found two of the largest ski resorts:

Rogla 1517m:

12km of ski trails and slopes mostly suitable for intermediate skiers, but there some that are easy enough for the beginner.

The Slovenian ski resort of Rogla has direct access to a total of 13 ski lifts.

Mariborsko Pohorje1347m:

Located in the Porhorje Mountains, near the city of Maribor and northeast Slovenia, Mariborsko Pohorje is the country’s largest ski resort and is well known for its fantastic slopes and beautiful scenery. There are 60kms of pistes, including Europe’s longest night trail, and numerous cross-country trails. The 60kms of slopes at Mariborsko Pohorje ski resort comprise 40 per cent beginner slopes, 35 per cent intermediate/advanced slopes and 25 per cent expert slopes. Access is provided by 21 lift systems and the longest run is seven kilometres. In addition, there are 28kms of cross-country skiing routes. Night ski-ing is also a possiblity.

Other winter activities and facilities at Mariborsko Pohorje include hiking, ice-skating, curling and horseback riding; while tennis, swimming and a spa resort complete the indoor activities. Excellent restaurants, a cinema, theatre, casino and numerous bars and discos make up the lively après-ski.

The mid-November to late March ski season at Mariborsko Pohorje ski resort has its best snow conditions from late January to late February.

In January, this is the venue for the Women’s World Cup Slalom.

NORTHWEST SLOVENIA

Due to the extensive mountain ranges in this part of the country, it is only to be expected that most of the ski resorts will located here.

Kranjska Gora 1611m:

A summer and winter tourist resort in northwestern Slovenia near the borders with Austria and Italy, Kranjska Gora touches Triglav National Park to the south. The imposing peaks of the Julian Alps, the vast forests stretching from Mojstrana to Rateče, and the ski areas among them attract hikers, alpinists, cyclists, and skiers. The Kranjska Gora ski lifts have the longest history in Slovenia. They are easily reached since they are located near international motorways, and because of their altitude (the lower station is at 813 metres) they offer favourable weather and snow conditions. The slopes are suitable for all levels of skiing skills. Beginners and recreational skiers will enjoy the slopes and trails in Kranjska Gora,  Gozd Martuljek, and  while the Podkoren trail is more demanding. The best skiers in the world compete annually on this run for the Vitranc Trophy in World Cup men’s giant slalom and slalom races.  Vitranc and Podkoren have slopes suitable for all levels within 30km of ski runs.

Krvavec:

As well as being voted best city break ski and snow board resort in Europe it has also been honoured with the award of best-organised ski centre in Slovenia. It offers more than 25 kilometres of excellent pisted conditions, covering an area of 110 ha. Ski buses transfer you to the lower cable car from both Ljubljana and Kranj where you can take the Gondola cable car to an altitude of 1450 to 1971 metres above sea level. There are six chair lifts and 6 T-bars. There is also a speed ski-ing track and a snowboard school. 

Vogel 1922m:

 A winter fantasy on more than 130 km of well-maintained ski slopes at 4 ski resorts,ensuring enjoyable ski-ing until the late spring. 10 km of FIS cross-country ski runs await you in the Bohinj Valley and on high-lying ski grounds. Those looking for adventure, are invited to join the ski tours, across the Julian Alps (Triglav National Park) which includes the Triglav glacier. All the necessary equipment can be hired. A ski school and a children's nursery are also available.

 The normal ski season here lasts from December to the beginning of May! Since Ski-resort VOGEL is situated in the mountain range closest to the Adriatic Sea, a great deal more snow falls here than at similar altitudes elsewhere in the Alps. The alpine ambience and stunning views give the ski resort a special charm. But the majestic surroundings do not mean that the Ski-resort VOGEL ski slopes are suitable only for skiing experts. The abundant sunshine, breath-taking views and the perfectly groomed ski runs are ideal for all those who simply take pleasure in skiing. Naturally, expert skiers will also have the chance to indulge in the fabulous weather, excellent skiing conditions and spectacular off-the-piste opportunities. 

Kanin 2300m:

 Located in the extreme northwest of Slovenia, near the Italian border, Kanin ski resort is the highest ski centre in Slovenia at 2,000m above sea level, and below it is the town of Bovec. Kanin’s slopes are generally uncrowded and the high altitude virtually guarantees good snow conditions and an abundance of sunshine.

The old town of Bovec serves Kanin ski resort and has a full range of facilities, including an excellent child care centre, and a varied and historical background, evidence of which is seen in its numerous old buildings and monuments. 
Kanin is a small ski resort but reliable snowfall ensures the 14kms of terrain offer great ski-ing and snowboarding throughout the season. All levels of expertise are catered for, from beginners at 430 metres to experts, at 2,300 metres with half of the field consisting of groomed slopes, and the other half made up of off-piste trails. A cable car, three chairlifts and 2 surface lifts provide piste access for up to 5,600 people per hour. The ski season at Kanin ski resort runs from December to early May and the most convenient means for getting here involves a flight to Ljubljana

Cerkno:

Where Gorenjska ends and Primorska begins, you’ll find the Cerkno Ski Center. The town of Cerkno is ten kilometres from the slopes and is linked to the ski center by ski bus. Road connections are very good from both Primorska and Gorenjska. The ski center boasts the only covered chairlifts in Slovenia: the Lom six-seat lift and the Brdo four-seat lift. The ski area lies on the slopes of 1291-meter Mount Črni Vrh; and prides itself on its ideal site and groomed terrain that can be completely covered with artificial snow when necessary (at least 70 skiing days guaranteed). The ski area is suitable for skiers of all skill levels, from beginners to the most advanced. Snowboards are welcome on all the slopes.  Cross-country trail: 5 km
Ski school: Alpine, Carving, Snowboard, Telemark ski-ing.
Altitude of ski center: 900 – 1300 m, Area: 65 hectares, Number of ski tows: 2, Number of two-seat lifts: 2, Number of four-seat lifts: 2, Number of six-seat lifts: 2, Capacity: 10.000 skiers per hour

Near Idrija and southwest of Ljubljana also some challenging slopes.

Aside from skiing down the slopes of the mountains there are other adventure sports to be enjoyed in this wonderful winter wonderland;

Tandem paragliding –

Enjoy a birds’ eye view of the landscape in the safe hands of expert paragliders, soaring over and around the stunning Mt Kanin.

Sledding –

A night-time magical experience along the slopes of Mt Kanin.

Snowshoeing –

Follow in the footsteps of the oldest mountain dwellers in Bovec, Trenta and Log pod Mangrtom.

Ice Climbing –

In deep winter when the waterfalls freeze over in the Koritnica Valley, ice climbing has become more and more popular.

There are opportunities for beginners to try this sport under careful supervision and instruction from an experienced guide.

Cross-country Skiing –

Either a gentle meander through the magical landscape or more strenuous exertions, there are numerous trails around Bovec, Trenta, Log pod Mangrtom and Cezoca.