Ski Focus: White Powder Beacons from Kranjska Gora

“The lively adventures of the Julian Alps are waiting for you in Kranjska Gora” – this is how the resort of Kranjska Gora presents itself on the Web. But in all honesty, that’s not a fair description of what is really in store for you on the Sava Dolinka River.

Yes, it is lively, and surprisingly entertaining for this part of the world. It is also affordable. But what matters more, is that Kranjska Gora is so beautiful, that Argophilia staff has selected it as the top ski destination in Eastern Europe this year.

Zgornjesavska Valley stretches around the resort; a place of tradition, peaceful rural life, stunning nature and unique cultural heritage. There are many places of interest, and sights you shouldn’t miss, including the Slovenian Alpine Museum; the 300-year-old Liznjekova house in the centre of Kranjska Gora; the Pocar farm museum, inside one of the oldest homesteads in the Triglav National Park; the stunning Pericnik waterfall; and the list could go on. In other words, Kranjska Gora is a year round destination, however more popular during the ski season.

Why so popular in the winter? Mainly because the resort hosts the Vitranc Cup (slalom and giant slalom) an event in the Alpine skiing World Cup series, which puts Kranjska Gora in focus with the international ski community. But also because winters on these lands are full of magic.

A family-friendly resort, Kranjska Gora knows how to entertain young and old. With sled rides, ski kindergarten and skating for kids, not even younger visitors can grow bored. Skiers and snowboarders will find their challenge on the snow-covered slopes; daredevils will face Lucifer – a famous frozen waterfall in Martuljek – ready to challenge even the most experienced ice climbers. And for those who long for warmer days… there are Turkish baths, as well as in Finnish and infrared saunas.

Accommodation is available starting at 40 Euros for a single room, depending on the hotel, but it gets more expensive around Christmas and New Year’s. Studios and apartments are even cheaper. The best way to go is to book a package, which may include 3 nights with buffet breakfast and dinner; and free entertainment activities like walk with torches, access to the spa and so on. Such packages, for example, may be priced at as low as 125 Euros per person, or under 80 Euros for children between 6 and 12 years of age.