When it comes to ski touring in Europe, France, Italy and Switzerland are the classic triad. But for skiers seeking to venture beyond the iconic destinations, there's a lot to explore on the less-traveled slopes.
Sitting at the crossroads of Austria and Italy, the Julian Alps in Slovenia provide thrilling opportunities for a budget-friendly ski touring holiday in spectacular surroundings far away from the crowds.
One of the most popular spots for ski touring in Slovenia is Kranjska Gora, featuring nine different ski areas with runs that range from intermediate to extreme. That's the place a group of friends chose to spend a ski touring weekend guided by Mitja Sorn, an IFMGA mountain guide they contacted through Explore-Share.
Located at a 1-hour drive from Ljubljana —the country's capital city— and only at a half hour from Bled, Kranjska Gora makes for a winter fairy-tale.
According to Mitja,
“The biggest advantage we have in Slovenia is that everything can be done without running into big crowds. Usually when I guide I don’t meet many other people anywhere”.
The 2-day guided trip around the Kranjska Gora Valley took the group through different itineraries, enjoying powder snow and unique descents. Mitja was also accompanied by guide Boris Lorencic.
Traveling with a certified mountain guide is one of the best ways to explore a new destination. Local guides know the place like the back of their hands and will lead you to the best spots based on your skills, your objectives and the weather and snow conditions. Plus, they can help you out with the logistics and moving around in a foreign country. You'll be safe and well taken care of: your only concern out there in the mountains will be to enjoy!
When he got back from their adventure in Slovenia, Guillaume, one of the skiers of the group, told Explore-Share: "Mitja is a great guide. He also gave us many good tips about accommodation and food. The valley is gorgeous. We had a blast!".
Ferdinand, who was also part of the group, said: "Great guide! Helpful, passionate and great company. Thanks for a great two days, and for lending me your ski crampons in my hour of need!".
For Guillaume, one of the best things about Slovenia was the feeling of being on a truly unspoiled environment:
"The welcome was very warm and the atmosphere much more authentic than what we experience in the major resorts in Switzerland. We really felt like we were lost in the confines of Europe: in quiet mountain villages, where mass tourism hasn't been installed yet".
For the group, another highlight of the trip was that it was very affordable: "the value for the money is excellent".
Guillaume hopes to return to Slovenia for a hut-to-hut ski tour: "I believe it will be much more wild and far from the crowds than the classic Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt", he said. The hut-to-hut ski tour in Slovenia traverses the stunning Triglav National Park.
Keep reading: The Top Ski Touring & Freeriding Adventures in the Julian Alps, Slovenia.
So, if you are looking for new ski experiences that take you away from your comfort zone, this might be just what you need!
Take a look at all the ski touring options in Slovenia and take your pick for a few days on the slopes in the company of a guide.
Still not convinced? Check out these ski touring pictures of Mitja in Kranjska Gora for some extra inspiration!
All the pictures in this post are courtesy of Mitja Sorn, Boris Lorencic and Guillaume Van Rijckevorsel.
