Guides and ideas for travelling in Slovenia, from the LetsVisit team.
Loading articles
Winter activities in Slovenia: skiing, snowshoeing, spas and excursions
Winter activities in Slovenia: skiing, snowshoeing, spas and excursions
The best winter activities and excursions in Slovenia: ski resorts, snowshoeing, sledding, frozen waterfalls, spas, Advent and food, with tips for a safe trip.
·12 min read
Translated from Slovenian
Winter in Slovenia has much more to offer than skiing: in a single day, you can go cross-country skiing on Pokljuka in the morning, relax in thermal waters in the afternoon, and stroll among the lights of Ljubljana’s Advent celebrations in the evening. This guide brings together the best winter activities and excursions across Slovenia’s regions, from ski resorts and snowshoe trails to sledding, frozen waterfalls, couples’ wellness experiences and winter cuisine, along with practical tips on how much time to allow and what to look out for.
At a glance
Skiing: Mariborsko Pohorje and Areh make up Slovenia’s largest winter resort, Krvavec is the closest major option to Ljubljana, while Vogel and Cerkno stand out for their views.
Nature without skis: snowshoeing on Pokljuka and in Bohinj, cross-country skiing in Bloke, and Peričnik Waterfall are the best winter excursions for those seeking peace and quiet.
Families: sledding, ice skating and indoor water parks such as the winter Thermal Riviera in Čatež are great options even on snow-free days.
Couples and food lovers: wellness with a view of Lake Bled, thermal spa packages in Laško, and Advent celebrations and food tours in Ljubljana.
Before you set off: always check the weather forecast and snow conditions, as conditions in the mountains can change quickly.
Skiing and snowboarding: where to hit the slopes
Slovenia has a skiing tradition stretching back more than 300 years, and the ski resorts are close enough together for you to visit two or three different ones in a week. The best choice depends on whether you’re looking for long runs, night skiing, a family-friendly atmosphere or great views.
Ski resort
Region
What makes it special
Best for
Mariborsko Pohorje and Areh
Styria
approximately 35 km of runs, 13 lifts, Slovenia’s longest night skiing
multi-day skiing and night skiing
Krvavec
Upper Carniola, above Cerklje
30 km of groomed runs at elevations of 1,450 to 1,971 m
a day trip from Ljubljana
Vogel
Bohinj
approximately 22 km of runs between 1,535 and 1,800 m, above Lake Bohinj
those who love the views and a quieter winter
Cerkno
Littoral
18 km of runs with views of Triglav, the Karawanks and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps
families
Kranjska Gora
Upper Sava Valley
FIS World Cup venue
combining skiing with an alpine village atmosphere
Mariborsko Pohorje and Areh together make up Slovenia’s largest winter resort, with approximately 35 kilometres of runs, 13 lifts and three conveyor belts. Its standout feature is the country’s longest night skiing, which runs from the upper station of the circular cable car all the way down to the valley via the Čop run and Snow Stadium. After skiing, stop at one of the spots on Pohorje, such as MES Pub or Bar Tamara.
Krvavec sits at an elevation of 1,450 to 1,971 metres and offers 30 kilometres of groomed runs. It has been named Slovenia’s best ski resort by skiers, and its proximity to the capital makes it an excellent choice for a spontaneous day on the snow.
Vogel above Lake Bohinj has approximately 22 kilometres of runs at elevations between 1,535 and 1,800 metres. Snow is fairly reliable from December to March, and sometimes into April. The views of the lake and the Julian Alps from the slopes are among the most beautiful in the country.
Cerkno is a popular family ski resort with 18 kilometres of groomed runs and views of Triglav, the Karawanks and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Along with Krvavec, it is one of the less crowded options, while Kranjska Gora is known for hosting FIS World Cup races.
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking
For many visitors, the best part of a Slovenian winter is the silence of a snow-covered forest. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing don’t require much prior experience, so they’re great options even for those who don’t enjoy downhill skiing.
Pokljuka (Triglav National Park). It offers well-marked snowshoe trails through alpine forests, as well as numerous cross-country ski trails of varying difficulty. Allow two to three hours for a shorter loop. For a full-day trip, bring a hot drink and a snack.
Snowshoeing in Bohinj. With experienced guides, you can take a four-hour snowshoe hike around Lake Bohinj. A guided hike is a smart choice for your first time on snowshoes, as your guide will choose a route to suit the day’s snow conditions.
Bloke Plateau. It is known for its long skiing tradition and cross-country ski trails, while Lake Bloke becomes a popular natural ice rink in winter. The area is also known for snowkiting, which you can watch from the shore on windy days.
Lake Krn. The trail to this lake in the Julian Alps is popular in winter too, but calls for extra caution and suitable equipment. It is best suited to experienced winter hikers who know how to assess conditions.
Sledding, ice skating and fun in the snow
When children (and adults) are mainly after speed and laughs, sleds and skates are a sure bet.
Night sledding at Krvavec: in recent seasons, it has been available every Friday and Saturday during the winter season, from 16.30 to 19.00, on a floodlit run. Check the ski resort’s official website for the schedule before setting off.
Bohinj: as well as skiing at Vogel, it offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and ice skating, including on synthetic ice, as well as winter horseback riding. When you need to warm up, Bohinj Aquapark awaits with pools, saunas and massages.
Lake Bloke: after a long enough cold spell, it becomes a natural ice rink in the middle of the plateau. Only go onto the ice when it is officially open or locals have confirmed that it is safe.
Velika planina: sledding among the shepherds’ huts is a popular outing for groups of friends. Check whether the cable car is operating and what conditions are like before setting off.
Ljubljana and the surrounding area: you don’t have to go far for ice skating in the city or sledding in the nearby hills, making this a convenient option for a short afternoon outing.
Winter excursions to frozen waterfalls
Frost transforms Slovenia’s waterfalls into something quite different. Peričnik Waterfall above Mojstrana often turns into an ice sculpture in winter, drawing photographers and families. One advantage is the short walk from the car park, but the trail can be icy, so microspikes or at least shoes with good grip are essential.
Go in the morning, when the light is soft and there are fewer people, then continue your outing to Kranjska Gora or Mojstrana for a warm meal. Find more ideas for visiting waterfalls throughout the year in our guide to waterfalls in Slovenia.
Adrenaline and views from above
For those who want more than sledding, winter also opens the door to more challenging experiences. One of Slovenia’s winter activities is ice climbing, which beginners always do under the supervision of a qualified guide and with rented equipment.
#zimske aktivnosti Slovenija
#zimski izleti Slovenija
You can also see the snow-covered peaks above Upper Carniola from the air. Tandem paragliding is available from several locations, including Krvavec, Ambrož pod Krvavcem, Kriška gora, Potoška gora and Zaplata. Packages include transport to the launch site, a safety briefing, all flight equipment and photos of the flight. Winter flights are always weather-dependent, so leave some room in your schedule in case you need to reschedule, and dress warmly, as it is much colder at altitude than in the valley.
Winter activities for families with children
A successful family winter day means a short journey, a varied activity and somewhere warm nearby. Here are a few tried-and-tested options:
Terme Čatež: the Thermal Riviera is the largest water park in Central Europe, covering more than 12,000 m². Its winter Thermal Riviera offers more than 6,500 m² of indoor water facilities. It is open every day of the year from 9.00 to 21.00, making it ideal for a day when the snow doesn’t come or the children have had enough of the cold.
Bohinj: winter in Bohinj is perfect for families who want to show their children a proper winter, with snow, skiing and sledding, without the noisy entertainment scene.
Cerkno: a family-friendly ski resort with clearly laid-out runs, where younger skiers can feel safe too.
Polhov Gradec Hills: short hikes and sledding close to Ljubljana, ideal for a half-day outing.
For children, plan shorter activity sessions (one to two hours) with a warm break in between. Find more ideas for all ages in our guide to family activities in Slovenia.
A romantic winter weekend for two
Winter may be the loveliest time for couples to get away: fewer crowds, more peace and quiet, and cosy evenings.
Bled: Spa Park at Hotel Park offers panoramic saunas with views of Lake Bled and the castle, as well as pampering experiences for two. Walk around the lake in the first light of morning or an hour before sunset, when the lakeshore is at its quietest.
Bohinj: a quieter alternative to Bled, with snowshoeing during the day and a warm dinner by the lake in the evening.
The coast: Piran is lovely for seaside walks even in winter, and on clear days the sunsets are beautiful. Find a plan for two in our article A romantic weekend in Piran.
Winter cities, Christmas markets and local cuisine
When the mountains are covered in clouds, it’s time to explore the cities. In winter, Ljubljana offers a Christmas market in Prešeren Square and a beautifully lit old town. Predjama Castle and Škofja Loka are also highlights for cultural outings. We keep dates, stalls and visitor tips up to date in our guide to Christmas in Ljubljana, and for rainy afternoons, we recommend the best museums in Ljubljana.
Winter is also the season for slow, comforting food. Here are a few suggestions for anyone looking to sample local flavours:
Food tour of Ljubljana: guided tours combine sightseeing with tastings of traditional Slovenian dishes and local wines. Allow two to three hours.
Pohorje and Styria: after skiing, head down into the valley, for example to Framski hram.
Primorska: near Nova Gorica, you’ll find Restaurant Pr Tini, a great starting point for a winter food outing in the west of the country.
Plant-based cuisine: if you eat a fully plant-based diet, you’ll find options in our guide to vegan food in Ljubljana.
Getting ready and staying safe on a winter outing
Winter in Slovenia calls for respect: conditions outdoors can’t be taken for granted, so check the weather forecast before every trip into nature. Here’s a quick checklist:
Weather and snow: check the official weather forecast the day before and again on the morning of your outing. Check piste conditions on the ski resort’s or tourist organisation’s website.
Getting there: mountain roads may be snow-covered, so make sure your car has winter tyres and carry snow chains in the boot. Check whether the cable cars are running.
Equipment: wear several layers and bring gloves, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. For icy paths, such as the route to Peričnik, bring microspikes.
Timing: it gets dark early in winter, so plan your outing to be back before nightfall, and tell someone where you’re going.
More challenging terrain: for high-mountain hikes, such as the route to Krn Lake when there’s deep snow, go with a mountain guide who knows the conditions, avalanche safety equipment and the terrain.
Our take: plan winter outings around the day, not the season
At LetsVisit, we see the same thing every day: the best winter outings don’t follow a plan made a month in advance. They follow a plan adapted to the weather that morning. If fresh snow falls on Pokljuka, it’s a day for snowshoeing. If fog rolls over Gorenjska, it’s the perfect time for a thermal spa or the Christmas market in Ljubljana.
That’s why we created Rok, our AI assistant. Tell him who’s travelling, how much time you have and what you enjoy, and he’ll suggest winter activities to suit your preferences and schedule. You can ask him very specific questions too, such as where to go sledding with a five-year-old within an hour of Ljubljana, or where to get a good meal after skiing on Pohorje.
We believe Slovenia is at its best in winter when you experience it all: mountains, thermal spas, cities and cuisine in one place. That’s what we bring together, from your first question to booking an outing.
Jaka
Plan a winter outing with Rok
Not sure whether to choose a ski resort, snowshoeing or a thermal spa? Rok, LetsVisit’s AI travel companion, will create recommendations in seconds based on your preferences, who you’re travelling with and how much time you have, and help you plan a trip around Slovenia.
Once you’ve decided, you can book trips and experiences in the categories Water, Adrenaline, Tickets and attractions, Tours and day trips, and Food and wine, all in one place.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for winter activities in Slovenia?
The main winter season usually runs from December to March. At higher-altitude ski resorts such as Vogel, snow is fairly reliable during this period, sometimes even into April. Skating on natural ice, for example on Lake Bloke, requires a prolonged cold spell, so it’s only possible during the coldest weeks and when the ice has been officially opened.
Which ski resort should I choose for a day trip from Ljubljana?
Krvavec is one of the most popular choices, with 30 kilometres of groomed pistes and night skiing. It’s a great option for a day trip: you can set off in the morning and be back in the city by evening.
What can I do in Slovenia in winter if I don’t ski?
There’s plenty to choose from: snowshoeing on Pokljuka or in Bohinj, cross-country skiing in Bloke, sledding, visiting the frozen Peričnik Waterfall, thermal spas in Čatež or Laško, and Christmas markets and food tours in Ljubljana. Many of these activities don’t require any prior experience.
Do I need a guide for snowshoeing?
Most visitors don’t need one for marked trails on Pokljuka, provided they have the right equipment and check the weather. If it’s your first time, a guided hike, such as a four-hour snowshoeing hike in Bohinj, is more enjoyable and safer. For more challenging high-mountain terrain, always go with a mountain guide.
