The Julian Alps are beautiful in all seasons, but when they’re covered in a soft, glistening blanket of snow, they’re truly magical. Their peaks stand out against the blue of the sky in the clear winter air, and the views, whether from them or from the valleys, are even more striking. For that reason alone, it is worth visiting them and enjoying the joy of winter in the embrace of the mountains.

Foto: Jošt Gantar, Source: slovenia.info
AND WHAT’S IN STORE FOR YOU THIS WINTER?
Let’s start by introducing you to the possibilities for hassle-free transport to the most beautiful spots. So, where are the shuttle services waiting for you in the Julian Alps this year?
Firstly, Bled Ski Bus will be operating in Bled this year
It will come in handy for visiting Pokljuka in particular, which, in addition to excellent cross-country skiing trails, smaller ski slopes and children’s toboggan pistes, also offers superb opportunities for winter hiking, ski touring or just a stroll through the (snow-covered) forests and mountains. If nothing else, a retreat from the misty valleys to the sunshine and relaxing with a warm drink and a delicious meal in shelter of the the forests.
Bohinj will also have an organised Ski Bus this year, and the routes it will take are already known:
- Bohinjska Bistrica – Vogel ski lifts: every day from 25/12/2024 to 2/3/2025 (dates will be adjusted according to the operation of the ski resort).
- Bohinjska Bistrica-Soriška planina: from 25.12.2024 to 2.3.2025 weekends, holidays and school holidays
- Bohinjska Bistrica-Pokljuka: from 25.12.2024 to 2.3.2025 weekends, holidays and school holidays
In Kranjska Gora, the FREE Ski Bus will run again this year on the route Gozd Martuljek – Kranjska Gora – NC Planica, the timetable is still under preparation, but it is likely to run from mid-December to early March next year.

Foto: Mitja Sodja Source: Turizem Bohinj
Now that we know how we will move between valleys and mountains in winter, let’s see what is calling us there.
This year, the winter Soča Valley will be marked by winter hiking, cross-country skiing and ice-skating. Ice-skating rings will be in Bovec, Tolmin and Kanal.When in the region, we recommend Hotel Boka or Hotel Dvorec for a hotel/wellness/culinary experience, Penzion Kobala for a more private feel or Challet Astra Montana for unplugging and digital detox in the mountains. You can rent your own chalet at Camping Koren. For an apartment experience at the highest level, there’s only one option- Residence Soča.
Positive Sport will service your skis in the Soča Valley, and if you don’t have them, you can rent them there as well.
Radol’ca announces that if the winter is right, they will be building cross-country skiing trails in Kamna Gorica. Of course, the medieval look of the town centre makes it a very inviting place for an afternoon/evening stroll in every case.
Žirovnica will have an excellent sledging piste (in snowy conditions) and cross-country skiing trails will be built in the Završnica valley. The valley itself is very pleasant for winter hiking in any case, so make sure you pay a visit.
Skis are the main fashion in Kranjska Gora and Mojstrana throughout the winter, whether you’re into alpine skiing, touring or cross-country skiing. Cross-country skiing trails can be found in Planica, Tamar, Kranjska Gora… and if there’s enough snow, also in Gozd Martuljek, Mojstrana and the Radovna Valley. Sledging is also very popular, with well-established trails and rent-a sledge option. When darkness falls, the active life doesn’t end, as all of the above also takes place in “night mode”. For outdoor enthusiasts, Hotel Kompas in Kranjska Gora is the place to go, or the more boutique Hotel Triangel in the Gozd Martuljek. For apartments you’ll be hard pressed to beat the Jasna Resort, located at the Lake Jasna.
Španov vrh is a location where alpine skiing is also possible if there is enough snow, and from Jesenice you can go on touring skiing to Hruščanski vrh, Sedlo Rožca, Belska planina and other peaks in the Karavanke Mountains that are very suitable for this purpose. The Sava Caves are also home to a natural sledgging run, organised by the Jesenice Luge Club.
The comfortable Pension Lajnar awaits you on Soriška Planina, a perfect base for skiing, cross-country skiing and sledgging, not to mention the excellent cuisine conjured up by their chefs.
It’s a popular place for winter hiking around the lake, and of course you can take the cablecar up to the Vogel mountain, where you’ll find stunning views, not to mention the ski slopes. Hotel Bohinj is one of the best places to spend your winter holidays, and they’re sure to be able to give you a great experience. For more basic lakeside accommodation, check out Hostel Pod Voglom, but if you want to rent your own chalet check Hike & Bike Adventures.
Bled is best suited for when you want to enjoy walks with beautiful scenery. They also make a great ice rink when it gets cold. The Straža hill used to be a ski slope, but now you can go sledding there. It’s not far from Bled or Bohinj to Pokljuka, where you’ll find excellent cross-country skiing conditions, a small ski resort and a great starting point for winter hiking or cross-country skiing tours. In Pokljuka you can stay at Hotel Jelka, while in Bled we recommend Hotel Ribno resort or Hotel Kompas.
Yes, Brda are also part of the Julian Alps and are the perfect counterbalance if you’re not too keen on snow and winter. They offer views of snow-capped peaks on one side and the sea on the other. In Brda, you can enjoy relatively warm days in the middle of winter, enjoy cycling, discover wine culture and good cuisine.

Do you like to put on your touring skis and head out into the snowy countryside? Juliana Ski Tour will take you to some of the most beautiful backcountry skiing in Slovenia.
Foto: Janko Humar