Winter sports in Slovenia
Do you immediately think of crowded pistes in France or Austria when you think of winter sports? Then you haven’t discovered Slovenia yet. This small Alpine country offers fantastic opportunities for an active winter holiday, without the crowds of tourists and commercial bustle. As one enthusiastic traveller observes: “Slovenia exceeds all expectations with its exceptional beauty and serenity.”
Why Slovenia is perfect for winter sports
Slovenia surprises with its authentic ski resorts and breathtaking mountain scenery. The Julian Alps form a natural playground for winter sports enthusiasts. Here you won’t find overflowing après-ski bars or long queues at the lifts. Instead, you’ll experience the peace of unspoilt nature and enjoy personal attention.
Ski passes are much more affordable than in other Alpine countries. For the price of skiing for one day in Switzerland, you can often ski here for an entire week. Plus, the distances are short, making it easy to explore several ski areas during your stay.
The best ski resorts in Slovenia
Slovenia has several ski areas, where it’s also easy to visit more than one area during your holiday.
Kranjska Gora
In the north-west of Slovenia you’ll find Kranjska Gora. This town offers 30 kilometres of well-maintained pistes. The area is especially suitable for beginners. The views of the surrounding mountains are truly spectacular.
Vogel
You’ll find this ski area high above Lake Bohinj. Here you ski between 570 and 1,800 metres altitude. The panorama over the lake and the mountains is unforgettable. Thanks to its elevation, snow reliability is excellent.
Krvavec
You reach this beautiful ski area by cable car from ‘Cerklje na Gorenjskem’. The resort sits on a plateau and offers 26 kilometres of pistes. Modern lift systems and varied descents make it popular with families. As you descend, you get stunning views over the flatter central part of Slovenia.
Mariborsko Pohorje
This is the largest ski resort in Slovenia. In the east of the country, close to the city of Maribor. With 64 kilometres of pistes, you’ll find challenges for every level here. The area is equipped with artificial snow, meaning you can ski from December to March, guaranteed.
Alternative winter sports activities
Besides skiing, Slovenia offers a broad range of activities for adventurous snow lovers.
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is hugely popular, with the Pokljuka plateau and the Bloke plateau offering extensive networks of trails through magical, snow-covered forests, perfect for beginners as well as experienced skiers. As one keen cross-country skier said: “The peace and beauty of the woods while cross-country skiing in Slovenia are unrivalled.”
Snowboarding in Slovenia
Snowboarding is also quickly growing in popularity in Slovenia. Several ski resorts have special snow parks with challenging rails, jumps and halfpipes. The young Slovenian snowboarding scene creates a lively, relaxed atmosphere that you won’t want to miss.
Tobogganing
For families, tobogganing is an exciting option. Many mountain huts are accessible via picturesque toboggan runs. After a hearty climb to the top, you’re rewarded with an exhilarating descent, an activity that will appeal to both young and old.
Useful tips for your ski holiday
The best season for winter sports in Slovenia is from December to March. Christmas holidays and February are the busiest periods, but still far quieter than other European destinations.
Hiring ski equipment
You can hire ski equipment on site at all ski resorts. The quality is good and the prices are reasonable. Do book in advance, especially during school holidays.
A car is a must
Public transport to the ski resorts is limited, so it’s handy to have a hire car.
Culture and traditions
A winter sports holiday in Slovenia is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy Slovenian hospitality. Try traditional dishes such as jota (sauerkraut soup) and kranjska klobasa (Slovenian sausage) in a cosy mountain hut. A warm mulled wine by a crackling fire completes the day. The Slovenians are also proud of their rich folklore, which you can discover at winter festivals packed with music and dancing.
The locals are friendly and helpful. Many speak English or German, making communication easy. They’re happy to share their secret spots and offer tips for the best descents. As one traveller noted: “Slovenian hospitality is heartwarming; it feels like coming home.”
Sustainable tourism and environmental protection
Slovenia is actively committed to sustainable tourism and protecting its natural beauty. Many ski resorts are taking initiatives to reduce their ecological footprint, such as using innovative snowmaking techniques and sustainable energy sources. Visitors are encouraged to take part in eco-friendly activities and respect protected nature. This way, everyone can continue to enjoy the unspoilt landscapes that Slovenia has to offer.
Staying overnight in Slovenia
Slovenia offers a range of accommodation, from cosy chalets to luxury hotels. Green Heart Suites is an excellent choice for those seeking comfort and peace in a central setting.
Plan your ski holiday to Slovenia. A completely different experience from the well-known ski resorts in France, Switzerland and Austria. Experience the friendliness and enjoy the beautiful nature of Slovenia.
