The Slovenian Alps - A Ski Touring Paradise

On skis across beautiful, snow-covered mountains, which will never leave you indifferent.

By LAJF INC.

November 4^th, 2016

from January until the middle of April

I remember one ski touring season, a few years back, when there was truly a lot of snow. That season, we skied high up in the mountains until May, which was a bit hard to grasp. Spring was already blooming down in the valleys with numerous options for activities like mountain biking and rock climbing, but high up in the mountains, we skied on fluid and thrilling ski touring trails. I am a tactical person and I don’t go up the mountain until the conditions are excellent and offer great ski touring pleasures – mostly in deep snow – skiing from the very top of the mountain and deep into the snowy valley below… all this with a breathtaking winter backdrop. We usually get larger amounts of snow in our parts around January and then a lot more in February, which means that the ski touring season is guaranteed until the end of March. Later dates can be excellent for skiing as well, but usually only high up in the mountains – going down from the highest peaks of the Julian Alps. With some luck with the right weather, our mountains offer enjoyable skiing from January until the middle of April and sometimes, the season can be extended until May.

The Slovenian Alps - A Ski Touring Paradise

excellent ski touring ventures

I consider myself pretty lucky, to have the most marvelous views from my living room – the high peaks of the Julian Alps on one side and the Karawanken Mountains: Stol, Vrtaca and Begunjscica on the other. All are just right for ski touring and winter explorations. Slovenia’s geographical location is on the most eastern tip of the European Alps and we are proud of our national slogan that says it all: “On the Sunny Side of the Alps”. Rainfall usually comes from the west and that is why the western part of the Julian Alps is normally much more covered in snow. The northwestern part of the Slovenian Alps (Kamnisko Savinjske Alpe) can already expect a bit less snow. On a good winter season, Slovenia is an excellent destination for ski touring ventures, mountain researches and true backcountry ski touring exploration.

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one day and several day tours

Most days, I set out by myself on an express ski touring - in the manner of our fast living tempo. I rush from my home to the chosen peak, reach it in quick tempo, stop at the top, wait, enjoy and admire the views and then ski back down to the valley. Of-course, down the best possible slope. It is then usually time for me to then get back to work or rush to pick-up kids in kinder-garden and school. Slovenian Alps are excellent for this, for they are relatively easily accessible, not too high and manageable – orientation wise. Since I am passionate about ski touring, I also have longer tours on my list - one day tours and several day tours across the magnificent Julian Alps. Yes, it is hard to believe, but Slovenian Alps, as small as they seem, offer ski touring explorations, which can be several days long. There is not much infrastructure in winter time and one can rely only on his own resourcefulness, from knowing the mountains well to good skiing knowledge.

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for those who love pristine nature

One can sense a true ski touring renaissance in Slovenia, which is still, compared to the neighboring countries, felt in far smaller scale. That is why our mountains remain relatively intact. Well, the most popular ski touring spots are always full of mountaineers and skiers, but this does not apply to the secluded tours, the real ones. One is usually there all alone or in company of few fellow skiers, who think alike. This is good, for one can make his ski path in full take, listen to the magical winter silence and breathe in a large dose of fresh mountain air without any distractions. Yes, these are typical Slovenian mountains for ski touring enthusiasts and for those who love pristine nature. They are mysterious, un-crowded, always with an element of surprise and enable one to see and experience the most beautiful ski touring moments.