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Ski resorts in Bohinj

The Bohinj glacial basin is situated high in the Julian Alps, in the heart of Triglav National Park, in northwestern Slovenia. There are two major ski areas: Kobla, situated above the town of Bistrica, and Vogel, farther up and only accessible by cable car. A number of different resorts serve Bohinj’s ski slopes.

Bohinj is surrounded by a small cluster of other villages and hamlets, including Bohinjska Bistrica, directly below Kobla. The area is defined by its scenic beauty, fresh mountain air, green forests and its traditional atmosphere.

Bohinj ski resort has a total of 58kms of pistes; 23kms at Kobla, where the longest run is six kilometres; and 35kms at Vogel, where you can really get the wind behind your skis on an eight-kilometre run.

At Kobla, 20 per cent of slopes are allocated to beginners, 50 per cent of slopes go to intermediate and advanced skiers, and 30 per cent of slopes are for expert skiers. Likewise, at Vogel, 50 per cent of pistes are geared for intermediate and advanced skiers; however, the beginner to expert ratios are reversed, with 30 per cent of slopes dedicated to beginners, and 20 per cent to experts. There are six lifts at Kobla and nine lifts at Vogel.

Bohinj offers far more than just its ski slopes. The various resorts provide opportunities for waterfall ice-climbing and ice-skating on natural and artificial ice. There is also a gym, saunas, parasailing, paragliding and indoor swimming. Lake Bohinj is surrounded by a plexus of hiking trails, affording scenic walks through a magical winter landscape.

The winter season at Bohinj runs from mid-December to the end of March. The region’s ski resorts can be reached by road, rail or air. The most convenient way of reaching Slovenia is by air, but trains take a close second place in terms of efficiency, and are more affordable than flights.

Skiing in Bohinj

Bohinj is one of Europe’s most picturesque and unspoilt ski areas, comprised of two major ski centres in the Julian Alps of northwestern Slovenia, Kobla and Vogel. Kobla is set above the town of Bohinjska Bistrica and beautiful Lake Bohinj, while Vogel is located farther up the mountainside and is only accessible via cable car.

Skiing in Bohinj is suitable for all levels of ability, with 23kms of runs in Kobla and 35kms in Vogel. At Kobla, there is a ratio of 20 per cent beginner slopes; 50 per cent intermediate/advanced slopes; and 30 per cent expert slopes. In Vogel, the slopes are divided into 30 per cent beginner; 50 per cent intermediate/advanced; and 20 per cent expert. The longest slope at Kobla is six kilometres; while at Vogel, the longest is eight kilometres. The pistes at the two resorts are connected by six lifts and nine lifts, respectively.

Kranjska Gora is ideal for beginners, with two nursery slopes and four gentle runs. Intermediates will find interesting skiing on Mt Vitranc or on the shorter wooded slopes down towards Podkoren Mountain. Podkoren itself offers excellent terrain for experienced skiers, with a number of challenging, steep black runs to get the adrenalin pumping. Additionally, there are 21kms of cross-country skiing trails in the Bohinj area, including a 10-kilometre course along the lake.

Bohinj offers skiing from mid-December to the end of March. The area is accessible by means of road, rail or air transportation

Apres-ski in Bohinj

Bohinj offers a wide range of activities beyond skiing, including waterfall ice-climbing, ice-skating on natural and artificial ice, a gym, saunas, parasailing, paragliding and indoor swimming. Lake Bohinj is also a recreational gem, surrounded by a network of hiking trails with beautiful views of the icy water and a backdrop of snow-covered mountains.

The resorts in Bohinj are extremely visitor-friendly, offering a wide range of shops and services, including childcare amenities. A good selection of restaurants and après-ski venues – many of them traditional Slovenian taverns and inns – are scattered throughout the area, and offer cosy spaces, delicious food and heart-warming drink. There are diverse and plentiful lodging options, ranging from hotels to apartments, cabins and private homes.

There are plenty of shops in every ski resort in Bohinj, offering a broad assortment of goods. Additionally, there are childcare and other visitor facilities, and a wide range of restaurants and bars, including a number of cosy, traditional inns and taverns. Accommodation can be found in hotels, apartments, and private rooms throughout the Bohinj region.

Bohinj is surrounded by natural and man-made wonders, and is the perfect place for sightseeing in off-slope hours. Apart from Lake Bohinj itself, other must-see attractions in the area are Mostnice Gorge, Savica waterfall and the 14th century church of St John.

Transportation to Bohinj

The quickest and most convenient way of reaching Slovenia from the UK is by air, but this is an expensive option. If your budget doesn’t allow it, the alternatives are road travel or train travel, of which train travel is the most comfortable.

However, taking your own vehicle to Bohinj does have its advantages, as it allows you more freedom to move around the country at will, get to the more isolated towns and villages, and take in more of the scenery at your own pace. The journey is a long one, however, so be prepared. To reach the European continent you will need to take a car ferry across the English Channel to France. From here, you can continue driving to Slovenia – there are dozens of international border crossings into the country. Bohij is located 45kms from the capital city of Llubljana.

Travelling to Slovenia by rail is an alternative means of reaching the country. Your best bet to do so is by taking the Eurostar rail service from Waterloo station to Paris. From Paris, you can plan a rail route that is most convenient for you, depending on how much of Europe you would like to see. The main train routes into Slovenia run from Salzburg, Trieste, Vienna and Zagreb. Once in the country, you can catch trains all the way to Bohinj Bistrica.

The quickest and easiest way of reaching Slovenia from the UK is by air. Llubljana’s international airport is situated just one hour from Bohinj, and there are regular taxis and buses from the airport to the resort.

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