The cross-country skiing trails are set on the forested Jelovica plateau, which is covered by extensive spruce forests, while the mountains and moors enrich the biodiversity of the plateau itself. The highest peak of Jelovica is Partizanski vrh, which is situated in the southern part and is just over 1400 m above sea level, while the northern part of the plateau reaches heights of up to 1100 m.
The slopes on Jelovica offer varied terrain with beautiful natural scenery, making them attractive for cross-country skiers of all levels of ability and fitness.
They are built in the south-eastern part of Jelovica, above Dražgoše and Jamnik. The total length of all the slopes is around 15 kilometres in most of the year. They are designed for skating and classic techniques.
The individual points are characterised by outstanding views, some of which can also be visited on cross-country skis: on Dražgoška Gora, Bičkova skala, Bela peča and Vratne rob. Most of the trails require at least a little bit of cross-country skiing skill, but there are sections, especially the part from the start to the top, which are suitable for all levels of skill and fitness.
The main access point to the slopes is above the village of Dražgoše, but access is also possible from the village of Jamnik.
Both points can be reached by road from several directions:
– from Radovljica via Kropa,
– from Kranj, past Besnice and Podblica,
– from Škofja Loka, past Železniki and Rudno.
Exact location of the starting points:
– Dražgoše:
At the highest point of the road Železniki – Kropa (in Dražgoše), you need to turn towards Bičkova skala (from the direction of Kropa this is a sharp right, from Železniki it is a sharp left). Then follow the signs for Bičkova skala and then leave the car in the car park, where there is also the starting point for the top of Dražgoška gora (a popular hiking point and paragliding take-off point (Proga Kališnik).
Then you have to walk (better runners can also ski, as the road is steep, but the track is groomed in winter) up to 1,300 mnm, or 200 vertical metres, along the road past Bičkove skala to the top, where the tracks basically just start. It is also possible to first climb to the top of the mountain (gravel path, in the opposite direction to the road past Bickova skala – the path is signposted and start the run there. It is about 1.5 km walk. There is free parking for visitors.
– Jamnik:
The starting point is above the village of Jamnik, as the track comes right up to the main road. However, there is also an uphill climb and it is necessary to walk for at least a kilometre, after which the gradient flattens out a bit. There are no special parking places here. So you have to leave your car at a house or on the main road.
Both starting points are also used for sledgging at the beginning of the route, so care must be taken on both sides to avoid collisions. All tracks except the laps are two-way, so caution is needed when running.
One of the stages of the Po planotah Slovenije event takes place on the plateau. The stage starts at the beginning of the slopes above Dražgoše (above Bičkova skala) and, depending on the snow conditions, it may end at Soriška planina, the former Kobla ski resort, or, if the snow conditions are favourable, it has also ended at Lake Bohinj in the past.