Winter Vacation in Slovenia

Snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, rivers and waterfalls, lovely alpine cottages and numerous well-equipped ski-centres ensure you a memorable winter vacation in Slovenia.

Why Go on a Winter Vacation in Slovenia?

Whether you want an adrenaline-pumped holiday trying out activities like ice climbing, snow rafting or winter mountain biking or you'll rather relax in a fine mountain chalet with your family just skiing down occasionaly on the slopes; a winter holiday in Slovenia can provide you both. The location of Slovenia in Central Europe guarantees plenty of snow from December till mid-March especially in the mountain areas like the Julian Alps and Kranska Gora. In January-February the temperatures fall just below zero during the day which combined with the lots of sunshine the mountain slopes get make sure you pursue your winter activities within pleasant weather conditions.

At nights tempretaures usually drop well below zero allowing the lakes and waterfalls to froze enough so ice skating on them will be safe.

Other Reasons to Choose Slovenia as a Winter Holiday Destination: though the same mountain ranges cut through Slovenia than Switzerland, Austria or Italy the ski resorts are less crowded prices are more affordable than in the previously mentioned countries (ski passes are around 16-25 €/day). For a family of four an all inclusive one -week winter vacation in Slovenia costs roughly 1900 €. winter vacation centres, alpine accommodation facilities are offering quality and professinal service on par with that of the neighbouring nations with new esteablishments being developed year by year. the unique charm and hospitability of the Slovene people that is so charateristic of other Central and East European countries make you feel at home the ski resorsts can be easily reached from Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana

Winter Activities in Slovenia - Other than Skiing

A winter holiday is not just all about skiing the snow carpeted mountains and walleys have a range of other fun and excitement in store for you. Our son loved tobogganing though I have to tell you we enjoyed the snow ride just as much as he did. We especially enjoyed the night tobogganing. The shadows of the starlit mountain clearing race by you making you feel as if you'd been dropped down in an alien wonderland. The snowy joyride ends too soon. Gliding down with only a narrow light shaft from your head torch cutting through the dark is an experience you want to try at least a few times. A more relaxed way to enjoy the dramatic winter scenery is to go on a dog sled.

Snowshoeing or winter walking sounds like a physically demanding activity but in reality it's for everyone. The whole family can enjoy walking in the endless snow at Pokljuka plateau in the Julian Alps, through the Tamar valley or in the Karavanke Alps. Most snowshoeing trip organisers in Slovenia provide for equipment (special snowshoes) but it's best to check before your vacation so that you can pack the necessary things.

Snowbiking can be down on two wheels with bikes equipped with spiked wheels or on bikes which instead of wheels a skies have attached at the front and at the rear. It's in fact more like sledging than cycling because you use your feet to steer the vehicle on the snow.

Snowrafting is whole different thing than white water rafting but no less thrilling. Do I have to mention that you can snowraft at night too?

Top Winter Resorts in Slovenia

The best known Slovene ski centre is in Kranjska Gora a charming town at the foot of the Julian Alps in Triglav National Park. Here even the most unexperienced beginners can learn and enjoy skiing especially on the slopes at Vitranc, but Gozd Martuljek and Mojstrana are also good starting points for beginner skiers and for families with kids.

Mariborsko Pohorje near Slovenia's second largest town Maribor is also a favourite pick by ski lovers. Both Mariborsko Pohorje and Kranjska Gora host competitions of the Alpine Skiing World Cup which shows how excellent are the skiing conditions at the two places.

The highest spot in Slovenia (2000 metres above sea level) where you can ski is in the Kanin Ski Centre near the Italian border.

For those who want to be near the capital Krvavec is recommeded (30-minute drive form Ljubljana).

The Cerkno Ski Centre is a top-notch family friendly ski resort. While the little ones have winter fun in the snow kindergarten the grown-ups can conquer the skiing trails.

Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled resorts are just as picturesque in winter than in other season and around Christmas a series of festive events take place in the beautiful alpine region creating an exciting atmosphere.

On Christmas day the Legend of Sunken Bell- a magical tale is performed on the lake. On New Years Eve you can join the promenade around the lake.

Ljubljana is also a fine detianantion for a Christmas city break, especially if you plan to buy some traditional craftswork as Xmas presents on the Christmas Market along the Ljubljanica river. Find more tips for a Ljubljana Christmas Trip.

Most winter resorts have spa facilties and offer wellness treatments to really help you unwind during your winter break. Find more info on Slovenian spa resorts.

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