Guest Author - Julie Fredrick
Are you considering a snow skiing vacation in Europe this year? Are you looking for something a little different from the much-publicized western-European destinations? Then consider Slovenia. Located in Central Europe, Slovenia borders Italy on the west, the Adriatic Sea on the southwest, Croatia on the south and east, Hungary on the northeast, and Austria on the north. With modern cable lift facilities, diverse terrain and small size, skiers to Slovenia are in for a pleasant surprise.
Given that most of Slovenia’s ski centers are directly accessible from nearby urban cities and the lowlands makes it an attractive alternative to many ski resorts.
Slovenia’s best-known ski resorts are Kranjska Gora and Mariborsko Pohorje, which both also host Alpine Skiing World Cup races.
Overlooking the small town of Bovec in Western Slovenia, Mt. Kanin contains Slovenia’s highest ski slopes. With pistes reaching altitudes exceeding 2000m (6561 feet) above sea level, the skiing season can last until May. Fantastic views of the Alps and the Adriatic are possible on a clear day.
Bordering Slovenia, Austria and Italy and surrounded by the high peaks of the Julian Alps, the Kranjska Gora mountain resort is where many Slovenians have their first skiing experience.
Lying within 30 minutes from the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, Mt. Krvavec lies in pastureland and thus is not as dependant on large amounts of snowfall. The season here can easily stretch to 150 days.
Rogla Olympic and Ski Center conveniently combines a natural climactic health resort, thermal hot springs, and outstanding sports facilities.
More snow tends to fall at Mt Vogel than anywhere in the Alps of equal altitude. The mountain offers extraordinary panoramas over the surrounding area. The resort lies in Triglav National Park above Lake Bohinj, and offers visitors a year-round outdoor playground.
Slovenia is easily accessible from most of Europe. Trains and busses run to Slovenia every day from numerous European cities. There are also daily flights to Slovenia’s main international gateway, Ljubljana, including some low cost airlines. There are efficient intercity and stopping services. Train travel is generally inexpensive
Slovenia offers more than just skiing to the winter visitor. Snowmobiling, sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides and even dog sledding mix up the wintertime fun for adults and children alike.
For more great information on Slovenia, order Lonely Planet guide here
