Kranjska Gora ski resort

About Kranjska Gora

Kranjska Gora is one of Slovenia’s best known resorts, located less than 6.5km (4 miles) from both the Austrian and Italian borders, it is an annual host of a major World Cup downhill race that draws the media and spectators from around the world to this small resort each March.

Nevertheless, that World Cup status is a bit misleading in the modern era; Kranjska Gora’s skiing was established in the late 1940s when ski areas topping out below 2,000m (6,561ft) were the norm. In the modern era, the resort’s low top lift height and very limited terrain mean that its main appeal is for beginners and early intermediates looking for an unintimidating area.

But it's not just about downhill at Kranjska Gora; cross-country trails follow the lower slopes westward to the ski jumping hill at Planica. What's more, visitors will find ample facilities for tobogganing, ice skating and ice climbing here as well as the best choices of accommodation and après-ski activities of any ski resort in the country.

Location:

Some 90km (56 miles) northwest of Ljubljana, Kranjska Gora sits in the Sava Dolinka valley separating the Karavanke Mountains from the Julian Alps. The borders with Italy and Austria are only 6km (3.7 miles) to the west and northwest respectively.

Website:

Slopes

On the slopes

The ski season in Kranjska Gora officially lasts from mid-December to mid-April but in recent years has not stretched far beyond the later half of March. Snow-making cannons (covering three quarters of the ski slopes) are used to top up Mother Nature's efforts when required, provided it is cold enough.

The slopes at Kranjska Gora cater to skiers of all levels of ability, but only 2.5km (1.6 miles) of the runs are designated 'difficult' – these are mostly racing pistes at Podkoren, 3km (2 miles) to the west. The majority are suitable for beginner skiers and less experienced intermediates, with 10km (6 miles) of runs classified as blue. Freestyle snowboarders can make use of the resort’s terrain park, while cross-country skiers have around 40km (25 miles) of trails to explore.

The resort's lifts are mostly drags; but there are an increasing number of fast chairlifts, including several quads.

A number of companies offer ski tuition and rental equipment, including Skipass Travel (tel: +386 4 582 1000; www.skipasstravel.si). In total, there are four ski schools in Kranjska Gora ski resort that offer a range of lessons and courses for both skiers and snowboarders. The resort holds a strong reputation for the quality of its teaching.