Winter wonderland experience in Slovenia

When snowflakes dance in the sky and create a wonderful winter landscape, it is time to have some fun on the snow. Enter the world of unforgettable adventures on snow and ice at Slovenia's well-maintained ski runs.

When snow covers meadows, fields and forests, cross-country skiing trails are arranged in many places around Slovenia. Surrounded by the idyllic image of snow-covered forests and neighbouring mountain peaks, breathe in the peace and quiet of the mountain world in the Pokljuka Plateau, where one can find a biathlon polygon. Cross-country skiing in Planica Nordic Centre is an exceptional experience of winter nature. Some 40 kilometres of trails will lead visitors from Kranjska Gora and Rateče past the ski jumping and ski flying hills all the way to the magnificent Tamar Alpine Valley, where they can also enjoy snow in the summer. Numerous trails in Bohinj also invite cross-country skiers.

In the Bovec region, visit the trail in Log pod Mangartom, surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of majestic mountains. The beauty of the Kamnik and Savinja Alps wrapped in a blanket of snow can be enjoyed on maintained cross-country skiing trails in Jezersko and the Logar Valley. A popular spot for cross-country skiers is the Bloke Plateau, which is considered the cradle of skiing in Slovenia. Maintained cross-country skiing trails can be found near ski centres, e.g. in Kranjska Gora, Rogla, Pohorje, and Kope. Travellers can also step on cross-country skis in the immediate vicinity of Ljubljana, where among other places they can cross-country ski on trails in Logatec and Medvode.

Track across a snowy landscape
What can be more tempting than to enjoy a winter fairytale landscape far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Put on snowshoes and venture on a walk across blindingly white snow. Trudge your way among the dreamy herdsmen’s cottages in Velika Planina, and explore unspoiled snowy spots near Bled and Bohinj. Discover the beauty of the snow-clad mountain world surrounding Bovec and Kranjska Gora. Enjoy the winter idyll while walking in Golte, Rogla, Krvavec, Kope and Pohorje.

Descend into the valley through virgin-white snow
Peace and quiet far away from the commotion of the maintained ski runs: though the ascent is enjoyable, nothing beats the experience of descending on intact white slopes – this is paradise for ski tourers. The best locations for ski tours can be found in Jezersko, the Logar Valley, and on the peaks surrounding Tržič. A true mecca for tour and free skiers and snowboarders is Kanin. See the beauty of the Julian Alps and rest eyes on the mighty Mt Triglav and Lake Bohinj from Vogel. Excellent starting points for ski touring are the slopes surrounding Kranjska Gora, Pokljuka, Krvavec and Golte. But be careful – to safely enjoy the snowy slopes, first check the snow and weather conditions.

Winter adrenaline experience
Enjoy an unforgettable ride on a snowmobile or a dog sleigh in Rogla; skijoring  is also something special. Ride a snowbike or descend along the snowy surface on a mountain bike. Biking adventures on snow await you in Kranjska Gora and Krvavec. Descend on a snow raft in Bohinj on lumps and bumps of snow-covered slopes.

For those who prefer climbing steep slopes rather than staying on solid ground, there are a few natural and artificial waterfalls where ice climbing is possible. While observing suitable winter conditions, one can engage in ice climbing on frozen waterfalls; the most known ones are in the Tamar Valley and near Martuljek, in the Trenta Valley and the Logar Valley. A favourite artificial ice climbing spot is the Mlačca Gorge near Mojstrana.

Sit on a sleigh
Sledding is one of the most popular activities on snow for all generations. It is possible to descend from a hill on a sleigh in almost every part of Slovenia. Venture down the slopes of Velika Planina, and discover popular sledding terrains in Pokljuka, Soriška Planina and in the vicinity of Bohinj. Enjoy the view of the thousands of Ljubljana city lights as seen from Krvavec. The excitement of sledding will also overcome visitors in Kranjska Gora, Golte, Rogla, Pohorje and many other places.

Feel the water beneath the feet
When temperatures drop below freezing for several consecutive days, ice is formed on lakes, and when the layer of ice is thick enough, it becomes an excellent ice skating surface. One of the most popular natural ice skating locations is Lake Planšarsko jezero in Jezersko, where the surrounding hills and mountains add extra charm to the activities on ice. A special experience is also ice skating or merely a walk on the ice-covered Lake Bled all the way to the island, but only when the ice is thick enough. Ice skating in the natural environment presented by Lake Cerknica is also exceptional. Lake Jasna in Kranjska Gora is a natural ice skating site located next to the road leading to the Vršič Pass.

To spite unpredictable winter weather and provide the opportunity to have fun on ice to as many residents and visitors as possible, ice skating rinks are being set up in many tourist towns and cities, where it is possible to listen to music while skating and later warm up with hot beverages.

Recently, Slovenia Tourist Board (STO), in cooperation with travel partners from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, has launched a ‘Kids Ski Free’ campaign to promote Slovenia as an ideal winter holiday destination for families seeking ski packages, snow adventures and fun experiences.

The ‘Kids Ski Free’ package spans four nights/five days and includes an overnight stay at a four star property including breakfast and dinner, double bed room with free additional bed for kids, complimentary hotel entertainment and recreational programs, three full day ski pass for two adults, winter activities such as: water aerobics, guided walks including Nordic walking basics, rural delicacy market tour, evening walks with torches, live music evenings, creative workshop for children, complimentary ticket at Zlodejevo Slidding Area, during which two children per family under the age of 11 can enjoy a three-day complimentary ski pass plus an array of activities, food, accommodation and other experiences on complimentary basis.

The ‘Kids Ski Free’ packages are available for booking from April 2017 until December 2017 with travel date options beginning January 2 to 15, 2018 or any date between February 19 and March 19, 2018.

Over 30 partner travel agencies, hotels and resorts ranging from luxury four-star to stylish three-star accommodation are participating in the campaign, as are popular ski hotels and resorts including Rogla Ski Resort, Ski Resort Krvavec Ski, Cerkno Ski Resort, Vogel Ski resort and many more. - TradeArabia News Service