Kranjska Gora Ski Resort

The resort covers 130 hectares on the slopes of Vitranc, stretching through the entire valley from central Kranjska Gora through Podkoren to Planica. Its 20 km of slopes are served by 5 chairlifts and 8 surface lifts. About 70 hectares have snowmaking capability, ensuring operation even in low-snow winters. Slopes range from green runs for beginners (Kekec, Mojca) and intermediate blues to black runs for experts, including Podkoren 3 – Slovenia's steepest groomed run at 30.5° incline.

From hotels in central Kranjska Gora, it's literally across the road to the lifts (the area known as "Snow Beach"). The setup is compact: ski schools for children and adults, multiple equipment rental shops at the slope base, and mountain restaurants. Night skiing (Monday–Saturday until 7 PM) is a popular option, with a separate pass. The Podkoren section hosts the annual Vitranc Cup – World Cup slalom and giant slalom races.

Just 2 km from the slopes, the Planica Nordic Centre features the world's second-largest ski-flying hill. It also houses a snow tunnel and a zipline. Cross-country enthusiasts can enjoy 40 km of trails in the valley.

Slopes – 20 km of terrain, 18 runs at 810–1,295 m elevation, 485 m vertical drop

Lifts – 5 chairlifts + 8 surface lifts, capacity ~18,000 persons/hour

World Cup – hosting FIS World Cup stages since 1968; the Podkoren run has a 30.5° gradient

Night skiing – Monday–Saturday, separate pass at €36 (~$40)

Planica – Nordic centre with a ski-flying hill and zipline (2 km from the slopes)

Cross-country – 40 km of trails in the valley for classic and skating techniques

On 29 November 1948, Slovenia's first ski lift was opened in Kranjska Gora – a 960 m surface lift with a 265 m elevation difference. In 1961, the first Vitranc Cup was held – international FIS giant slalom and slalom races. From 1968, the resort became a permanent World Cup venue. In 1982, Bojan Križaj scored a historic home victory for Slovenia, beating Ingemar Stenmark on the Podkoren course.

In the decades that followed, infrastructure was modernized: four-seater chairlifts, snowmaking systems, and a snow park were added. The resort became a member of Club5+ – an elite group of classic World Cup venues alongside Kitzbühel, Wengen, and Val d'Isère. Just 2 km from the slopes, the Planica Nordic Centre hosts world-class ski jumping and ski-flying competitions.

From Ljubljana (90 km, 1 hour):

– By rental car via A2 through Jesenice. Vignette required. In winter – winter tires or chains mandatory

– Arriva bus – €9–11 (~$10–12), ~2 hours, 5 departures/day

From Bled (40 km, 35 minutes):

– By car via the highway through Jesenice

– Bus – €5–7, ~45 minutes

From Brnik Airport (LJU, 80 km):

– GoOpti shuttle directly to your hotel (from €30–40 / ~$33–44)

– Car rental – best option for exploring the region

On site:

Lifts start right from the town center. Most hotels are 50–200 m walk from the slopes. No car needed in Kranjska Gora itself.

Season: December–March. Best snow in January–February. Snowmaking active from December.

Time of day: Morning (9:00–11:00) – fresh corduroy, minimal queues. After 11:00 – busier. Night skiing – atmospheric experience on weekdays.

Duration: 1–3 days of skiing for intermediate skiers. Advanced skiers may find the 485 m vertical drop limiting.

Avoid: Weekends and holidays (January) – peak crowds. Late March – unreliable snow in warm winters.