Winter tours to two-thousand peaks in Slovenia
Winter hiking and snowshoeing are especially popular, as we can go to terrains that are difficult to access without snow.
The terrains, which were overgrown with pine needles, are now covered with snow and ice. With the right winter equipment, we will easily conquer them. Steep rocky cliffs are dangerous in winter. It is safer to go to the slightly lower mountains just above the forest border. So to the middle-mountains of the Alps.
Even in the winter, you can go to one of the two thousand peaks. Depending on winter conditions and the amount of snow. Not all mountains are accessible in winter, here are some suggestions on where to go. Here are some hills that are accessible in winter and offer beautiful views. Take a challenge: Winter ascents over 2000 meters.
Winter ascents over 2000 meters in Karavanks
Begunjščica – Karavanke
Begunjščica 2060m high is a mountain range in the Karavanke, the mountain lies east of Stol. The highest peak of the mountain range is Veliki vrh. From its altitude of over 2000 m, a beautiful view of central Slovenia opens up. Begunjščica is grassy on the Slovenian side and steep and steep on the Austrian side. Begunjščica is also available in winter with appropriate winter equipment.
Ljubelj – Begunjščica (across Šentanski plaz)
A path that is passable even in winter with appropriate winter equipment. The trail starts a few meters from the tunnel through the border crossing Ljubelj. A slightly steep path will lead you under the scree of Begunjska Vrtača. This trail continues along with the Šentanski avalanche, all the way to Veliki vrh on Begunjščica. Estimated time: 2 h 45 h | Altitude difference: 1002 m | Difficulty: easy marked path|
Ljubelj – Begunjščica (through Osrednja ravine)
Another winter route to Begunjščica. This route starts from the parking lot under the Zelenica ski centre. Continue walking to the Zelenica, Vrtača and Stol direction. There are beautiful views of the extensive scree of Begunjščica on the left. And the ridge of Ljubeljščica on the right. This path leads you in a slight ascent to the hut on Vrtača. It continues to the mountain lodge on Zelenica. Estimated time: 2 h 45 min | Altitude difference: 1000 m | Difficulty: easy marked path|
For a safe trip to the mountains in winter, you need crampons, two ice axes and warm winter hiking clothes.
Stol (2236 m) – Karavanke
At 2,236 m above sea level, the Stol is the highest peak in the Karavanke. In winter, the ascent to Stol is a beautiful and safe tour. You can go to the top from several sides. The path to Stol is not exactly short, followed by a 16 km walk with just about 1,000 m of ascent. In the end, you will have fantastic views from the ridge.
Valvasor hut under Stol – Stol (Žirovnik trail)
This path will lead you from Valvasorjev dom along forest paths to Žirovniška Planina. Follow the route over the ridge of Mali Stol, all the way to Prešeren’s hut below Stol. The trail continues across the saddle between the Mali and Veliki Stol, all the way to the top. Along the way, you will get beautiful views of the Gorenjska basin. Estimated time: 3:00 h | Altitude difference: 1080 m | Difficulty: Easy marked path|
Urbas – Stol
You can also go to the top of Stol via Vajnež, from Valvazorjev dom, past the Urbas spring to Vajnež and then along the ridge to Stol. Estimated time: 3:30 h | Altitude difference: 1000 m | Difficulty: Easy marked path|
Winter ascents over 2000 meters in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps
Raduha (2062 m) – Kamnik-Savinja Alps
One more mountain that is proper for winter ascents is over 2000 meters. Velika Raduha at 2062 m is the highest peak of the Raduha ridge. The mountain range rises steeply east of the Robanov Kot valley. From the top, there is a beautiful view of the highest peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Karavanke. The most beautiful are the peaks of Olševa, Peca, Uršlja Gora, Travnik, Komna and Golte, and most of the peaks above the central part of the Savinja river.
Loka Mountain – Velika Raduha
In winter, the best way is to cross the mountain on Loka (hut on Loka) at the foot of Mala Raduha along the ridge to the top of Velika Raduha. At the top, there is a dream view of the eastern peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the nearby Caravans. Raduha is a beautiful scenic mountain. It is worth visiting in winter also. Estimated time: 2: 30-3: 00 h (depending on snow depth) | Altitude difference: 645 m | Difficulty: easy marked path |
Turski Žleb (2115 m) and Turska gora (2251 m) – Kamnik-Savinja Alps
At least. One of my favourite winter tours in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. The Turska Gora is a 2251 m high mountain that rises above the Logarska valley and Kamniška Bistrica valley. From the top, there is a beautiful view of the neighbouring peaks. The most beautiful are Rinke (2433 m), Brana (2253 m), Mrzla Gora (2203 m), Skuta (2532 m), Planjava (2392) and the slightly lower Kogel (2100 m).
Logarska Valley (hut under the Rinka waterfall) – Turska Gora (through the Turski Žleb – gutter)
You will start the route from Logarska Valley in front of Dom Planincev or Koča at waterfall Rinka (depending on where the road is passable in winter). First, you will go to the famous Rinka waterfall. You will climb over the waterfall and pass the source of the Savinja river. You will arrive in Okrešelj. A new hut is in Okrešelj, where you can refresh yourself. You will then continue your tour across a large meadow in the direction of Savinjsko Sedlo and Turski Žleb. A long ascent through the Turkish Žleb follows. Koča pod slapom Rinka – dom na Okrešlju 1:15, dom na Okrešlju – Turska gora 3:15. Recommended equipment for winter ascent: helmet, self-protection kit, ice axe, crampons. Estimated time: 4: 30-5:00 h (winter tour) | Altitude difference: 1321 m | Difficulty: very difficult |
Winter ascents over 2000 meters in the Julian Alps
Debela Peč (2014 m) – Julian Alps
Debela Peč is a 2014 m high peak and is the easternmost peak in the Julian Alps. It is one of the most easily accessible two-thousands peaks, even in winter. From the top, you will be able to admire the beautiful views of the Krma glacial valley. Other peaks of the Julian Alps are also clearly visible, especially Triglav (2864 m) and mountain huts on Kredarica and Planika. In the far east, you can admire the Karavanke mountains and in the background Kamnik-Savinja Alps.
You can go to Debela peč from several starting points. One of the most easily accessible routes is from Medvedova Konta. This starting point is hidden deep in the Pokljuka forests and is accessible in winter.
Medvedova konta – Debela Peč
The path leads us through the forest and meadows covered with snow in winter. Then we come to the shepherds and mountain hut on the Lipanca mountain. Follow the ascent to the top of Debela Peč. Estimated time: 2:15 h | Altitude difference: 604 m | Difficulty: Easy marked path|
Pokljuka (Sport hotel) – Debela Peč
It is another beautiful and easy route to Debela Peč mountain. You can start at the Sports Hotel in Pokljuka and continue towards Planina Zajavornik and Lipina Mountain. Here you get some rest and then on to the Fat Furnace.
Estimated time: 3:30 h | Altitude difference: 775 m | Difficulty: Easy marked path |
Zajavornik Mountain (1292 m) – Debela peč
Your expedition will start from the parking lot near the mountain Zajavornik. Follow the easy marked path in the direction of Bled hut, which will climb slightly through the spruce forest, all the way to the Lipanca. A steep path leads to the top of Debela peč.
Estimated time: 2:30 h | Altitude difference: 722 m | Difficulty: Easy marked path |
Viševnik (2050 m) – Julian Alps
Similar to Debela peč. Viševnik is a 2,000-meter peak. It is one of the most easily accessible and besieged peaks in the highlands. Viševnik is a 2050 m high mountain. The Viševnik rises northwest of Rudno polje on Pokljuka. There are quite a few paths to the top, some of which are also accessible in winter.
Viševnik is considered a peak with the most beautiful views of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps.
Rudno polje – Viševnik
From Rudno polje, follow the path that has a signpost for Triglav. Your route takes you out of the forest under the ski slope. The trail continues along the ski slope to the top. At the top of the ski slope, the path splits and directs you to the Lipanca mountain or Viševnik over Kačji rob. The path climbs steeply to the saddle, from there is a beautiful view of the surrounding valleys and hills. The trail then continues along a steep slope to the top of Mount Viševnik. The upper part of the trail is dangerous in winter due to landslides and the risk of slipping. Winter equipment and a careful step are needed. Estimated time: 2:15 h | Altitude difference: 705 m | Difficulty: Easy marked path|
Pokljuka – Viševnik (across Golo Ravan)
The trail starts from the parking lot at the end of Pokljuka in the direction of the Konjščica mountain. This nicely marked path will take you through a dense forest to the edge of the Konjščica mountain. You will reach the saddle between Plesišče on the right and Viševnik on the left. Continue along a slightly steep slope to the finish. In winter, the upper part of the trail is at risk of slipping. Winter equipment and a careful step are needed. Estimated time: 2:15 h | Altitude difference: 725 m | Difficulty: Easy marked path|
You can opt for a circular route across Rudno polje over the ski slope to Viševnik, descend from the top and descend to the pass into the Konjščica mountain pasture to the starting point.
Krn (2244 m) – Julian Alps
With a height of 2244 m, Krn is the highest peak of the Krn Mountains, a mountain range that rises steeply above the central part of the Soča River. There is a beautiful view that opens up.
Straight from the Adriatic Sea, through Matajur and Breginjski. Kobarid Stol to Kanin. There are quite a few paths to the top. The shortest and lightest is from Planina Kuhinja, namely 3:15 hours. Krn is also accessible in winter with appropriate winter equipment. In winter, the most easily accessible route is from Planina Kuhinja.
Planina Kuhinja – Krn
From Tolmin, take the road to Planina Kuhinja. It is a popular excursion destination in the summer. From Planina Kuhinje, the path will lead you past the mountain hut on Planina Kuhinje. After an hour of walking, you will reach the old military hamlet on the mountain Slapnik. Cross Planina Zaslap and follow the ascent along the steep slopes of Krn to its top. When the path leads you to the ridge, you have a beautiful view of Matajur, Kobarid Stol and the Soča river valley. Estimated time: 3:45 h – winter tour | Altitude difference: 1253 m | Difficulty: Easy marked path |
Mala Mojstrovka (2332 m) and Velika Mojstrovka (2366 m)
Last but not least, one of the most beautiful tours in the Julian Alps.
The Mojstrovka Mountains are also one of the most beautiful winter hiking tours. The mountains rise above the alpine valleys of Tamar and Trento.
There is a beautiful view of the Vršič pass, Jalovec and all Julian Alps.
Vršič pass – Mala Mojstrovka (southern path)
You will start the route from the parking lot at the Vršič pass, of course, if winter conditions allow. This steep path takes you through extensive scree (snow patch). You will cross the scree along the upper side, after which the route will take you into a crumbling ravine. Follow a steep and slippery ascent. At the top of this ascent, a view opens up on all sides. Your trail continues to ascent and cross slopes and ravines. First, you can go to the top of Mala Mojstrovka. You can extend your tour by visiting Velika Mojstrovka (approx. 30 minutes). Estimated time: 2:30 (Mala Mojstrovka) 3:00 h (Velika Mojstrovka) |Altitude difference: 800 m | Difficulty: difficult unmarked route |
What’s holding you back? Take a challenge and go on winter ascents over 2000 meters.
