by stewart newark, december 2003

Slovenia has some great skiing to offer on well-equipped and serviced areas in the alpine region, on compact and varied ski slopes which are suitable for families, first time skiers, recreational intermediates, advanced skiers and off piste. A variety of ski areas are spread over the Gorenjska (alpine) region. Slovenia is a also a cheaper destination for skiing compared to neighbouring countries with ski hire, ski school and lift passes all being less expensive although still good quality with excellent service. Slovenia's ski areas also escape the endless queues, not only for the lifts but also in the restaurants. The pistes are virtually empty on weekdays, which makes for excellent skiing without overcrowding.

Kranjska Gora is an excellent area for first time skiers, families and recreational intermediates. The gentle slopes at the back of the village are ideal for learning to ski - without skiers whizzing past you - leaving you free to concentrate with ease on your skiing technique. Leading across from here are the more challenging slopes of Kranjska Gora - the blues and reds, wide-open runs to carve and put in plenty of turns. A new high-speed chairlift gives access to the higher runs. Connecting to Kranjska Gora on the Western side is the area of Podkoren. Here you will find a variety of red runs and the World Cup down hill run.

All hotels, pensions and the village centre are located within a few minutes walking distance from the lower ski areas. The gentle slopes under the hill of Vitranc are a haven for learning to ski and snowboard - gentle and gradual slopes with the added bonus of a selection of restaurants and other attractions, such as ice skating, at the base of the area. Kranjska Gora shares its slopes for one weekend of every year with the World Cup down hill skiers, which takes place at Podkoren in the far west corner of the ski area.

Krvavec is situated in the Karavnake Mountain Range, with the magnificent Kamnik Alps acting as a stunning backdrop. Skiing is situated at 1491m, with access by gondola up to 1971m. A good selection of wide-open, well pisted runs, the longest being 4.5km. A separate area on Krvavec is constructed for snowboarding, containing a half pipe and a number of jumps. The area has a good choice of mountain restaurants with bands performing on a regular basis. The Krvavec logo is the smiling sun - renowned here in Slovenia as being the sunniest area to ski.

Vogel (Bohinj) is regarded as one of the most enjoyable skiing areas in Slovenia, with excellently serviced slopes and facilities looking down onto Lake Bohinj and up to the ridges dividing Gorenjska and the coastal region of Primorska. A newly constructed gondola from the base station rises up to 1535m, with skiing up to 1880m. Lake Bohinj is a recreational delight. Having installed the new gondola, Vogal is really opening up for some good intermediate skiing on its high snow-sure slopes. Combined with neighbouring Kobla, skiing is available until late spring.

Kanin offers the highest skiable area in Slovenia and is situated close to Bovec in the Soca valley. Skiing starts at 1650m up to 2300m. Not only is there long and wide runs spread across the face of Kanin, there are numerous off piste opportunities. Kanin is a haven for powder skiing and blue skies.

Accommodation: in each area there is a selection of 4 or 3 star hotels on a h/b or b&b basis, as well as small village pensions or group hotel/pensions. Ski school, ski safari and winter activities are available in all three areas - see the contact information below for more details.

Ski Instruction: Humanfish.com & Koren Sports have a fully operational ski school at Kranjska Gora. The instructors are trained at the highest level, some of whom are members of the Slovenian Demonstration Team. The ski school ranges from group lessons, 2 hrs daily (no more than 8 per group), to private lessons to off piste and the Slovenian ski safari. Lessons are available for those who have never skied before as well as those who want to learn higher level techniques.

Ski Touring / Alpine Skiing: miles upon miles of virgin snow, untouched and stretching down as far as the eye can see. No ski lifts, just towering snow-capped peaks. Total silence broken only by the cry's and whoops of delight from the descending skiers and snowboarders. A number of days can be spent touring the backcountry areas here around the Julian Alps and the Karavanke mountain range, staying in traditional mountain huts after spending the day travelling through, up and down some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alpine areas in Slovenia. Packages typically offer accommodation in mountain hostels on a half board basis, with equipment, mountain guide / instructor and transport all included.

Other Outdoor Adventures: Winter is not just for skiing! You will also find winter walking and climbing programs along with the standard winter sports program. These activities take you right into the heart of the mountains. Guides will take you to hidden valleys with frozen waterfalls for ice climbing, to high mountain areas with stunning panoramas for tour skiing (1 day - 5 days) or crampon walking and snow-shoeing (1 day - 5 days). It's not only the mountains that offer stunning scenery and hold endless opportunities for winter activities. The underground world of the Karst is home to Krizna Jama. With its beautiful lakes and breathtaking stalagmite formations 100 meters below the earth's surface, this natural water cave can be explored on foot and by raft.

Winter Hiking: there are various mountain trails accessible during the winter months that lead to open views and mountain meadows. Debela Pec, situated in the Julian Alps standing at 2014m, offers a great panorama as it reward, with Mt. Triglav on the ridge opposite. Alternative trails lead throughout the Karavanke mountains overlooking the Gorenjska region of Slovenia and into Austria also.

Ice Climbing: frozen waterfalls, natural river falls, towering ice sculptures and climbing walls in alpine winter valleys. Experience the natural and liberating environment of ice climbing. With varying degrees of difficulty, there are tours suitable for beginners or experienced climbers alike. Daily climbing can be taken in a choice of environments or on a course over a period of 3 days, starting on the lower valley walls, to the ultimate possibility of climbing a frozen waterfall!

Snow Shoeing: tracks of the abominable snowman were found on a regular basis in the valley of Tamar - until it was discovered that people were strapping on, clipping in and hiking along the valley floor, admiring the picturesque landscape, the frozen rivers and waterfalls and surrounding peaks whilst knee deep in powder snow! Why not try hiking along the valley of Tamar yourself, starting from 940m - 1108m, stopping in Dom v Tamarju with Mojstrovka and Mt. Jalovec above, for a warming lunch before heading back down the valley past the world famous ski jumps of Planica, the longest and highest in Europe.

Overall, Slovenia’s alpine areas offer good variety and choice for all winter sports enthusiasts, Offering a real alpine atmosphere without the usual crowds, it is a perfect skiing destination for those who will be learning to ski, as well as families or anyone wishing to indulge in recreational skiing. And with a wide range of other activities and outdoor “adventure programs”, it can truly be said that there is something for everyone!

----------------

Skiing - Ski School - Slovenian Ski Safari

Winter Activities - Ice Climbing - Ski Touring

Information

www.humanfish.com

[email protected]

Tel:. 00386 (0) 51 321 383 / 00386 (0) 31 513 645

Fax:. 00386 (0) 45 949 150

Koren Sports d.o.o.

Home | Search | Contact Us | Services

Copyright © 2003, Wagner & Associates and Ljubljana Life Magazine.
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.