Winter sports in Slovenia
When you think of winter sports, do you immediately picture busy slopes in France or Austria? 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 hustle and bustle. As one enthusiastic traveller notes: “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 lovers. Here you won’t find overcrowded après-ski bars or long queues at the lifts. Instead, you’ll experience the calm of untouched nature and enjoy personal attention.
Ski passes are much more affordable than in other Alpine countries. For the price of one day of skiing in Switzerland, you can often ski here for a whole week. In addition, the distances are short, so it’s easy to explore several resorts during your stay.
The best ski resorts in Slovenia
Slovenia has several ski resorts, and during your holiday it’s easy to visit more than one.
Kranjska Gora
In north-western Slovenia, you’ll find Kranjska Gora. This village offers 30 kilometres of well-maintained slopes. The area is especially suited to beginners. The views of the surrounding mountains are truly spectacular.
Vogel
This ski area is located high above Lake Bohinj. Here, you ski between 570 and 1,800 metres in altitude. The panorama over the lake and mountains is unforgettable. Snow reliability is excellent thanks to the altitude.
Krvavec
You reach this beautiful ski area by cable car from ‘Cerklje na Gorenjskem’. This resort is on a plateau and offers 26 kilometres of slopes. The modern lifts and varied downhill runs make it popular with families. As you ski down, you’ll enjoy wonderful views across the flatter part of Slovenia.
Mariborsko Pohorje
This is the largest ski area in Slovenia. It’s in the east of the country, near the city of Maribor. With 64 kilometres of pistes, you’ll find challenges for every level. The resort has artificial snow, so you can be sure of skiing from December to March.
Alternative winter sports activities
Besides skiing, Slovenia offers a wide range of activities for the adventurous snow lover.
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is extremely popular, with the Pokljuka plateau and the Bloke plateau offering extensive networks of trails through magical snowy forests, perfect for beginners and experienced cross-country skiers alike. As one passionate skier said: “The silence and beauty of the forests while cross-country skiing in Slovenia are unrivalled.”
Snowboarding in Slovenia
Snowboarding is also rapidly gaining popularity in Slovenia. Several resorts have dedicated snow parks with challenging rails, jumps and halfpipes. The fledgling Slovenian snowboarding scene creates a lively, laid-back atmosphere you won’t want to miss.
Tobogganing
For families, tobogganing is an exciting choice. Many mountain huts are accessible via scenic toboggan runs. After a challenging climb to the top, you’re rewarded with a thrilling descent – an activity that appeals to young and old alike.
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 times, but still quieter than many other European destinations.
Ski equipment hire
You can hire ski equipment locally in all resorts. Quality is good and 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 hiring a car is very useful.
Culture and traditions
A winter sports holiday in Slovenia offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in 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. Slovenians are also proud of their rich folklore, which you can discover during winter festivals full of music and dancing.
The locals are friendly and helpful. Many speak English or German, making communication easy. They are happy to share their secret places and give tips for the best descents. As one traveller remarked: “Slovenian hospitality is heart-warming – it feels like coming home.”
Sustainable tourism and environmental protection
Slovenia is actively committed to sustainable tourism and protecting its natural beauty. Many resorts take steps to reduce their ecological footprint, such as using innovative snowmaking techniques and renewable energy sources. Visitors are encouraged to take part in eco-friendly activities and respect the protected nature. This way, everyone can continue to enjoy the untouched landscapes 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 tranquillity in a central location.
Plan your ski holiday to Slovenia. A completely different experience from the well-known ski areas in France, Switzerland and Austria. Experience the friendliness and enjoy Slovenia’s stunning natural beauty.
