10 Best Winter Activities to Experience in Slovenia

Finding yourself in Slovenia as the snowflakes are dancing in the sky is a wonderful treat. Amidst the freeze, you’ll find yourself looking for things to do. There are so many winter activities in Slovenia that you need an entire list for them.

Enjoying winter in Slovenia is a matter of finding the right activity to pass the time. If you’re an outdoorsy type, skiing in Slovenia is a must-try experience. If you’re someone who likes some calm, you can also visit the Christmas markets in Ljubljana. There’s something for everything, and you can find something you want.

From eating, drinking, celebrating to snow hiking, the limit to your activities is your imagination. Here are 10 winter activities to experience in Slovenia.

Finding Winter Activities in Slovenia

Before going to Slovenia for winter activities, it’s best to keep tabs on what you want to do. Different locales offer a variety of activities for the busy tourist. You need to know what you want to do and how long you’ll stay.

Like any capital, you’ll find a ton of tourist activities in Ljubljana. It’s a mecca for people dreaming of a white Christmas, and holidays in Ljubljana are for the happy and laidback. There are so many things to do in and out of the city.

Another place that you would want to visit around this time is Lake Bled. Lake Bled is a fairy tale locale, offering grand lakes and mountain views. There are picturesque backgrounds and frost-covered forests as far as the eye can see.

The karst plateau is also wonderful this time of the year, with a ton of outdoor experiences you can do. There are many sports facilities available in the area, with sports festivals and resorts ready for you.

Enjoy Cross Country Skiing

When you think about winter in Slovenia, the number one activity for everyone is cross-country skiing. You’d think it’s for the seniors, but Slovenia has you covered. People don’t think of it too much until they try it.

Slovenia is an expansive locale full of fields, meadows, forests, and everything in between. Once snow covers much of the land, cross-country skiing trails become some of the best ways to lose yourself to nature.

There’s a vast network of skiing trails around Slovenia, many amidst unspoiled nature trails. The trails are well maintained, so you’ll find it easy to move around. Many are available in ski resorts, and they can be a memorable experience for you and your family.

Exploring snow-covered landscapes is excellent, whether it’s night or day. You can even find cross-country skiing challenges in several locales.

For cross-country skiing, the Pokljuka Plateau is among the best options around the country. You’ll find more than 20 miles (32 km) of trails that connect several parts of the plateau itself.

You’ll find the Rudno polje Sports Center if you want to watch world-class biathlon competitions. The spruce forests and mountain pastures will give you an exceptional vista of the Julian Alps too. 

Go Skiing in Slovenia

Slovenian ski resorts offer all kinds of activities that you’ll surely love. Whatever your age, physical fitness, or skiing abilities, there are slopes that are right for you. There are even trainers who can help you learn how to ski for the first time!

Newbie skiers can start learning their first turns with skiing schools in Slovenia. Both children and adults can play fun games as they learn how to bob and weave. You’ll even find local fairy tale characters that you can watch ski around.

For intermediate skiers, snowboarding and freestyle skiing is just for you. You can pump the adrenaline with nicely-angled snow parks, with different types of facilities you can use. There’s a ton of winter shenanigans you can do with friends and family, so we’re sure you’ll love it.

For advanced skiers, many of Slovenia’s ski resorts will take you off your feet. You will find ways to use several peaks and valleys to your advantage as you rush through the white snow.

You can visit the Upper Sava Valley, with trails that will lead you from the center of Kranjska Gora to Planica Nordic Centre. You can see other places include the beautiful Tamar Valley, Gozd Martuljek, Zgornja Radovna, and Mojstrana.

Enjoy Different Vistas Atop Slovenian Mountains

If you’re not the type who likes getting that adrenaline rush, there’s something for you! You can still enjoy the Slovenian snow by viewing different vistas from several locales. Many ski resorts focus more on the view than the sport itself.

For starters, Krvavec should be on the top of your list for the best winter views. It’s the only place where you can soak up some of the most epic mountainside views. You’ll overlook Lake Bohinj, which is beautiful around this time of the year.

Kranjska Gora is also gorgeous when the sun is up. While the locale is beautiful when the winter comes, it’s still as gorgeous in the winter. The endless beds of snow with peaks of blue mountains will inspire something in your heart for sure.

If you love snow, you’ll see snow as far as the eye can see, with trees lying around. For days where there is mild snowfall, you’ll see a winter wonderland, unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Ride A Snow Bike or Snow Mobile Around The Hills

Not everyone can ski. If you’re older or have injuries, you likely wouldn’t want to ski around. Even then, you would still like to enjoy the snow without putting unnecessary strain on your body. Why not ride a snow bike or a snowmobile?

The Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park may not have as many slopes as many snowy French slopes. Even then, Slovenia makes up for it with the number of places you can visit with different transport methods.

For example, several Kranjska Gora areas let you ride snow bikes and snowmobiles on them. Whether you’re young or adult, you’ll enjoy soaking up the sun as you zip through the plains.

Inside the Triglav National Park, you’ll see the Vogel Ski Center, a great place to visit. You want to zip around and watch the cold winds blowing on your face.

Visit Traditional Inns

If you’re in smaller villages in Slovenia, you can expect a good time once you leave the slopes. You’ll see a warm welcome, especially in smaller, more traditional inns. If you like enjoying a quiet night with family, why not spend it around a bonfire?

Many inns offer something special for their guests, usually as a way to get a taste of traditional Slovenian hospitality. Traditional inns will have some food waiting for you once you arrive, including a hearty Ričet or bean and barley soup.

You’ll likely get the chance to taste homemade mulled wine or mulled apple cider. There’s also some fragrant tea that will be delicious for sure. What will make your day, however, are hearty traditional Slovenian meals.

Žganci is a simple, traditional Slovenian meal that uses buckwheat flour garnished with cracknels. For the longest time, Žganci is peasant food, eaten by families who work on the farm. It’s healthy and very heavy without making you feel bloated.

As for desserts, there will be something like a potica or gibanica that is easy to reach. You can eat it with your hand as you enjoy the warmth from the bonfire as you tell campfire stories with friends and family.

If you have time, you can taste local beers that will make your night superb. Slovenia’s traditional inns are more chill spots than traditional nightlife. While bigger resorts will have clubs, a smaller inn is a place of solemn bonding.

Dare To Do Some Ice Climbing

Ice climbing can be a great way to challenge yourself in Slovenia. If you are an avid mountaineer or ice climber, Slovenia is the place that you can test yourself. Even if you’re not a big climber, this can be your best opportunity.

At least once in your lifetime, the best climbers must climb the Lucifer. The Lucifer Waterfall in Martuljek forest is not an entrance to hell, but it’s one of the most famous waterfalls. This frozen waterfall is unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Lucifer Falls and other frozen waterfalls under the Prisank Mountain and in the Tamar Valley are best visited with a guide. You can try them too with cursory training under your belt. If you accept the challenge, this is a crucial opportunity for you.

Pick one of the many Slovenian frozen waterfalls to be your playground for the day. You can start in the morning and expect to finish a little later in the day. You’ll see one of the most magical winter sports in the region and learn how to conquer it.

If you get a tour, your guide will likely have all the technical equipment you’ll need. As you dress warmly, they’ll teach newbies how to do basic ice climbing techniques. They’ll familiarize you with the do’s and don’ts, and you’re ready to go.

Once you conquer the frozen waterfall, you’ll get the best reward for any hiker. You’ll see a breathtaking view and a level of satisfaction, unlike anything you’ve felt before. The air is fresh, and the winter wonderland that is Slovenia is below you.

For beginners and curious people, you can also test yourself in the Mlačca Gorge in Mojstrana. There is a unique ice climbing center that offers safety equipment at your disposal. You can rent equipment and even finish the climb easily enough.

Go Hill Sledding 

As we’ve seen, there are so many outdoor activities that you can do in Slovenia. If you want another wholesome family activity, why not try sledding? In addition to skiing, cross-country skiing, and going on winter hikes, a sled should be right up your alley.

You can visit almost any ski resort and rent a sled down a hill. You don’t need prior knowledge to go sledding – just rent the equipment and have fun! It doesn’t matter if you’re young or young at heart, as long as you’re enjoying yourself.

Although you only need snow and a simple hill and you can sled in no time. Even then, a few select locations can give you some extra rush.

As always, Kranjska Gora lets you go sledding down its hills – it doesn’t even matter if it’s night or day. If the weather is good, you can go night sledding in Gozd Martuljek and Krnica under the Vršič Pass. You can also visit the ski slope in Mojstrana. The beautiful Tamar Valley is a prime location too.

Velika Planina is charming, too, especially at night. Its well-maintained and consistently illuminated sledding hills are the best on weekends if you have time. You can ride a chairlift that takes you from the gondola to the start.

Once you reach the hill, you can expect a marked and secured location, so there’s very low risk for you and your family. Finish your sledding adventure in one of the inns on Velika Planina to give you time to rest.

Mellow Out With Holiday Activities in Ljubljana

If you’re tired of all the extreme outdoor adventures, it’s time to mellow it out in the city. Come back to Ljubljana and enjoy this dreamscape of a year and start enjoying many of the city’s events. Depending on when you come, you’ll surely see something for yourself.

Ljubljana is a beautifully frosted dreamscape every winter, especially with the joyous Christmas lights in December. The air is both happy and romantic, especially with the extra winter festivities in the locale.

You can visit small corner shops and find beautiful trinkets and souvenirs for the people at home for starters. The Christmas Lights On Festival is one of the biggest for the season, together with Saint Nicholas Day and Christmas Eve.

Around this time, you will see several fairs in Ljubljana for the entire family. Tourists, as well as local people, can go around, buy gifts, and enjoy some of the local fare. Every year, local artist Zmago Modic creates fresh new designs for the lights display in the several squares around the city, especially in Preseren Square.

The entirety of December is full of free events. There are concerts everywhere. If you’re around, there’s a magnificent New Year’s Eve countdown party in the city you’ll find in the public squares.

If you visit the medieval Ljubljana Castle, you can visit its cobblestone streets with locals relaxing for the season. See the nativity scene in Ljubljana and enjoy looking at all the winter decor.

Shop in Ljubljana Christmas Market at the Festive Fair

While you’re in Ljubljana, you’d want to do some shopping yourself. Taste the seasonal fare and enjoy some slow, quiet time with your friends and family. The top destination for this is always the Christmas Market.

The Festive Fair in Mestni Square is one of Europe’s best Christmas Markets. It starts during the Christmas Lights On festival and spreads around the entire city. You’ll see stalls along the Ljubljanica River and even around the Trznica.

What should you expect from the festival stalls? You’ll see rows upon rows filled with artisanal goods and beautiful handicrafts. You’ll see everything from candy cane and mints to handknit sweaters and jackets.

The biggest draw for the stalls, however, is the seasonal food. As you peruse the stalls, you’ll get the scent of gluhwein or mulled wine, which is perfect for a cold winter night. You can enjoy some bites of tasty Kranjska klobasa, the delicious Carniolan sausage.

Enjoy Regional Winter Foodie Trips

While we’re on the topic of food, foodie travels around Slovenia is a great way to enjoy the winter. The cold winter means you’d want to eat more hot delicious food, freshly made pastries, and delicious regional fare.

For starters, stalls in Ljubljana can give you a fix for delicious potica and tasty roasted chestnuts on the side. You’ll find several pastries like tasty struklji and even get your hands on honey and schnapps.

If you’re in Bled, you can taste a delicious Bled Cake while overlooking the fairytale lake and the majestic mountains. There’s also Blejska grmada that you can taste if you have a sweet tooth.

For those who find themselves around the Bela Krajina region, pogača is another treat for you. It’s a simple yeasted flatbread, but it somehow works as a simple breakfast or dinner bread. It’s soft, aromatic, and a bit of salt makes it perfect.

For the meat lovers out there, a delicious dinner of Karst prosciutto, pancetta, and the Karst zašinek will likely sate your palate. You will find this delightful meal almost anywhere while you look out your window and see the winter snow falling.

Conclusion

There are more winter activities in Slovenia than meets the eye. Depending where you are and how much you want to do, you will find more things to do in this beautiful season. 

Slovenia is beautiful throughout the year, but there’s a level of charm to it in the winter. Whether you choose to go skiing in the Kranjska Gora or stay and smell the hot meals in Ljubljana, there is something for everyone.

Are you going to Ljubljana in the winter? What are you planning to do? Check out other activities in Slovenia you can do year-round. There’s so much culture, outdoor activities, food, and drinks waiting for you.

Talk to us today, and we’ll help you look for something that suits your needs. There’s a whole world to discover right here in Slovenia.