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Kranjska Gora Ski Resort
Near the Italian and Austrian borders and on the edge of Triglav National Park, Kranjska Gora’s a traditional Alpine town - church steeple and all. The Pišnica and Sava rivers meander to either side, the glittering Lake Jasna’s 10 minutes’ walk away and the majestic Julian Alps surround. Suffice to say, this is a seriously scenic part of the world.
This sleepy town springs to life as the mercury levels drop, and the heart of the resort “snowy beach”, where all lifts out onto Vitranc Mountain start, becomes the base for ski schools and après ski gatherings.
Sure, local slopes aren’t overly extensive, but if you make the most of lift connections and bus links, there’s a perfectly good amount to ski here. The Vitranc ski area’s runs are linked directly via lifts to Podkoren’s, on the same pass, while the separate resorts of Ratece and Mojstrana are less than a 15 minute bus journey away. A bonus of being so close to Italy and Austria: having eight other resorts all less than an hour's drive away, including the 30km of skiing across Bovec /Sella Nevea, which makes for a grand day out.
The local claim to fame’s the Bloudkova Velikanka, a double jump hill built in 1934, which was a game-changer in the sport of ski jumping. This saw the resort become the helm of ski flying innovation – the site where both the 100m and 200m records were heroically smashed – and recurring renovations ensure even now that it’s an annual stop on the FIS Ski Flying World Championship series.
All very impressive, but if you see yourself as less Eddie, more Chemmy, there’s also the internationally renowned Podkoren 1. This black run annually hosts both the slalom and giant slalom races for the Alpine Skiing World Cup series and is a thrilling ride for any daring civilian up for an end of week challenge.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Slovenia, Alps
Established: 1934
Open: December – early April
Downhill: 20km
View our detailed Kranjska Gora snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Kranjska Gora snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Ljubljana Jože Pucnik Airport | 66km, 45mins |
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| Top Altitude: | 1,295m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 800m |
| Resort Altitude: | 810m |
| Longest run: | 1,237m |
| Slope Orientation: | NE |
| Vertical Drop: | 813m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 448m |
| Night Skiing: | Yes |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 20km |
| Beginner slopes: | 50% |
| Intermediate: | 40% |
| Advanced slopes: | 10% |
| Lift Pass Price: | €160 (adult, 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Bad Kleinkirchheim | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Kranjska Gora
The small, forgiving ski area and high quality ski schools here are excellent for beginners, and little learners have a large children’s area at one end of the resort. Short and sweet Mojca 1’s the best place to practice the basics – aim to take the Dolencev Rut chair by the end of the week and turn right at the top for a rolling blue that takes a long but gentle ride back to town.
For intermediates, difficulty varies from the steady Kekec blue (on the left of snowy beach) to the red at the top of Vitranc 1 - tricky at the top and a decent length at 1.2km. Advanced skiers will want to head over to Podkoren for various tasty reds, steep black sections, and the infamous Podkoren 1 - the giant slalom slope.
If you’ve been perpetually spoilt by the vast perfection of areas like the Three Valleys, Kranjska’s 20km area may seem a bit like a brush of dandruff off the shoulder... But there’s more on the menu for advanced skiers with a daring streak and the desire to explore. With Italy so close, it’d be rude not to head forty minutes out to Sella Nevea to unlock 30km, for an awesome day trip featuring some cracking freeriding. Gerlitzen, half an hour away over in Austria, is also worth a ski and you can reach the spa and ski town of Bad Kleinkirchheim in about an hour – both have a good mix of slopes for different levels.
For a spot of freestyling, you won’t have to travel far - the snowpark at the top of Kekec chairlift has a boardercross and various features. 5 of the main slopes to the centre are floodlit if you fancy a night-skiing treat, and the 3.5km cross-country trail to Ratece is also equipped for late night exploring. Overall, an impressive 40km of cross-country trails wind through to Podkoren, Plancia, Ratece and Mojstrana, some even continuing into Italy or Austria.
Kranjska Gora Apres Ski
Kranjska has an alternative approach to après, swapping a hedonistic atmosphere for a more relaxed vibe. That is, unless you’re visiting during the Vitranc Cup or the Ski Flying World Championship, when the pros never fail to bring their partying A-game. For the rest of the season, Pub Legende’s a good English bar equipped with billiards tables and a dartboard, and we love Vopa Bar with its picnic bench style seating and big armchairs. This pub-come-disco stays open the latest in the resort - until 1am weeknights and 3am Fri/Sat, and you can’t go wrong here with cheap drinks and live music on Friday nights. The only other places open at this time are the two casinos: head to Korona for live table games, nightly bingo or poker, and Larix for slot machines, roulette and live sports.
The fact that Italy’s close by shows the second you pick up a menu. Pizza’s a staple food here, with some of the finest at Bor Pizzeria & Tavern. Sit by the open fire here and enjoy fresh wood-fired pizza for as little as €6. There are a few options if you’re after a local Slovene supper - Gostilna pri Rudiju is a lively little restaurant, always buzzing with locals. Try the Rateški krapi (a kind of cottage cheese filled dumpling) and for a thoroughly Gorenjska experience, top your dinner off with a borovnicevec (that’s blueberry brandy to you and me).
If you fancy swapping ski wear for something a little more sophisticated, head to the upmarket Suite Hotel Klass’ restaurant for cured meats and a large glass from an extensive wine list.
Whether you take an afternoon off for your glutes’ sake, or just need to give the kids a change of scenery, we love how many other activities there are to do here. For some old-school winter fun, go tobogganing with Agencija Julijana or ice skating on the stunning Lake Jasna. Snowmobiles are a terrific method of transport around the Upper Sava Valley or for something completely different, the Igloo Village’s new ‘Escape’ program’s a bit like a snowy version of The Crystal Maze – brilliant for a group activity. When it calls for a break from the great outdoors, the Aqua Larix Water Park’s just the ticket for a splash about or sauna session.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Kranjska Gora
Best time to visit & ski Kranjska Gora
A fairly low altitude and lots of north-easterly facing slopes lend themselves to better conditions in the middle of the season. But most of the slopes are grassy and protected by surrounding trees, giving snow the best possible chance of sticking. 70% of the terrain also now has snow making technology, making sure the resort has a healthy amount of the white stuff right through the season. Lifts are usually open from December through to early April, with February typically having the highest snowfall (up to 8 inches throughout the month). March traditionally sees a swell in the number of international visitors due to both the Vitranc Cup and the FIS Ski Flying World Championship and at this time of year there’s plenty to celebrate in an infectious festival atmosphere.
Peak Dates
Christmas in Kranjska Gora is a scene to rival any Christmas card. Recent years have seen live nativities set inside the frozen caverns of the nation’s largest waterfall and traditional carol services in snow-capped churches. Kranjska Gora Christmas ski holidays ‣
The tradition of a street-turned-piste party for the whole family makes New Year in Kranjska Gora a week to remember, with previous New Year’s Eves including live music and fireworks lighting up the rolling skyline. Kranjska Gora New Year ski holidays ‣
Manicured pistes, distinguished ski schools and copious post-snow activities are what’s in store for February Half term in Kranjska Gora. This resort knows the formula for fun and stress-free breaks that please tots, teens and grownups alike. Kranjska Gora Half Term ski holidays ‣
For clearer skies and more daylight hours, we love Easter in Kranjska Gora. After a super morning on the slopes, visit the Slovenian Alpine Museum for some culture, try rock climbing or take a leisurely stroll around the gorgeous Lake Jasna. Kranjska Gora Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Kranjska Gora
Kranjska Gora is fabulous for families with credit to the impeccable ski schools, their famously patient instructors and the wealth of post ski activities.
On Snowy Beach, the central hub, there are two magic carpets for first timers to steady their legs, and to give the little ones a go. For older kids who seek some thrill with their chill, there’s a snow park just up the Kekec lift to the left of the resort, equipped with all the gear needed to keep them entertained. If you’ve got kids too young to slide around on the slopes themselves, check the details page of your favourite accommodation to see what childcare facilities are on offer, or give us a call for any specific requirements or advice.
Younger and beginner families are best served here, but if you’re all more experienced on the snow, plan a week of adventure skiing the Slovenian, Italian and Austrian Alps from this well-located little town.
Past the lifties’ home time there are still heaps of activities. Keeping on the snow, take a husky or snowmobile ride around the valley or, if you need to take a break from the cold, enjoy the Larix’s wellness facilities or splash around in the water park.
GroupsGroup Holidays Kranjska Gora
Kranjska Gora’s runs mostly lead back to the same base, so even if you find yourselves moving at different paces, your friends probably won’t be far away. Beginners can book lessons with the local ski school, while advanced skiers tackle the international giant slalom track, Podkoren 1 and take day trips to explore nearby resorts.
There’s plenty to occupy any non-skiers in the group: if you still want your adrenaline fix, try ice climbing at the Mlačca Gorge Ice climbing centre if you’re a beginner, or for advanced climbers, the infamous Lucifer climb up the Gozd Martuljek frozen waterfall. Snowshoeing’s a magnificent way to see the Julian Alps – by day when the rest of the gang are skiing, or at night to all enjoy them together. Something a little different is the ‘escape’ game at the Igloo village which is an exciting, snowy version of the Crystal Maze – nothing says ‘team building’ like staging a great escape from an icy igloo!
If you’re booking a group, going for a big hotel could be the way forward, making sure latecomers won’t miss out and you’ll still all be together. If your priorities are privacy or cost cutting, have a look at our apartments to see if any fit your group size.
Which are the best ski holidays in Kranjska Gora?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Ramada Hotel & Suites Kranjska Gora | 7 | £ 716 |
| Hotel Kompas | 7 | £ 722 |
| Ramada Resort Kranjska Gora | 7 | £ 773 |
| Pension Livada | 7 | £ 664 |
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