Looking for winter outdoor ideas for Slovenia? Here are 11 inexpensive winter wonderland activities, all within easy reach from the capital city, Ljubljana. With mountain ski resorts, iced-over lakes, frozen waterfalls, snow-laden forests, plateaus, and peaks, there is a huge range of things to do during winter.
This petite country is a hidden gem for active visitors looking to enjoy the winter wonderland.
Snowshoeing in Bohinj
2 hours, €40
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Snowshoeing is one of our favourite winter activities. It allows you to get in amongst beautiful snowscapes and easily walk over deep snow. It’s simple to do and requires no previous experience; if you can walk, you can snowshoe, making it ideal for all ages.
This snowshoe tour in Bohinj takes you to some of Slovenia’s most beautiful parts, through silent forests, over plateaus, and into gently undulating terrain. You’ll finish off your day dining at a ‘gostilna’ (Slovenian for ‘local inn’), enjoying delicious local produce with views of Triglav – Slovenia’s highest mountain.
Winter Walk and Tobogganing in Bled
3 hours, €85
Fun for families and couples, take a winter walk with a traditional wooden toboggan in tow, then enjoy the exhilarating ride down. This playful experience that kids will love (adults too!) combines winter walking with great views and an exciting slide back to base.
The price includes the rental of the sled and returns transfers from Bled.
Learn to Ski or Snowboard
8 hours, €160
Slovenia is a great place to learn if you've never skied or snowboarded. With dozens of ski centres to choose from, it’s an ideal place to find quiet, gentle slopes, perfect for putting your first turns in.
For kids and adults, you’ll learn from experienced local guides who are fluent in English in a small group (max 4) who ensure you’ll pick up ski skills quickly.
This one-day ski school trip is either a great taster for complete beginners, for anyone wanting to refresh their ski skills, or for those looking to take their skiing to the next level.
Winter Hiking on the Pokljuka Plateau
1 day, €80
A great day trip for walkers who love winter, this adventure takes you up to the beautiful Pokljuka plateau. Starting at around 1400m, your local guide will lead you through enchanted winter forests, above the treeline, past frozen meadows and shepherds’ huts, and up to the mountain's summit.
You’ll have incredible views of Triglav National Park’s highest peaks and amazing surrounding valleys. This route is considered easy so you won’t need special mountaineering equipment, just hiking boots, poles, and a reasonable fitness level.
Ice Climbing in Triglav National Park
5 hours, €69
Ever wanted to climb up a frozen waterfall? Here’s your chance to learn. This five-hour course will teach you how to swing your ice picks and kick your crampons satisfyingly into a mass of ice to propel yourself to the top.
The course is for complete beginners (although groups of experienced ice-climbers can also be catered for), and the price includes your instructor, transport from Bled, and all the ice climbing equipment.
6. Skocjan Caves and the Lipizzaner Horses
1 Day, €79
This day trip combines two of Slovenia’s best assets in a single trip: firstly, the famed Lipizzaner farm (the oldest continuously operating stud farm in the world), producing horses prized worldwide for their strength, agility, and intelligence, not to mention their beauty.
Next, you’ll visit the Škocjan Caves, a truly spectacular system (I’ve been multiple times, and the magic never wears off). The price includes your guide, transport, and lunch (excludes entrance fees to the Stud Farm and caves).
Experience the huge underground caverns, incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations, and a subterranean river running through it all (think the Mines of Moria from the Lord of The Rings – and you’re in the right ballpark).
7. Winter Horse Riding Around Bled
2 hours, €49
There’s a real romance to galloping through a frozen forest on horseback, so this is a great activity for couples (as well as families). For beginners, the two-hour option teaches the basics of riding a horse, then your guide will lead you onto the trails around Bled, exploring the woods, hills, and views of this iconic lake.
More experienced riders can opt for the 6-hour trek, where you’ll go deeper into the surrounding winter wonderland of Triglav national park. Trot on!
8. Day Ski Tour around Bled
1 day, €90
The increasingly popular sport of ski touring allows you to escape the crowds of resort skiing and make your lines on mountains away from the masses. Slovenia is a fantastic location for ski touring, and this one-day tour in the mountains around Bled takes you into the incredible terrain of the Julian Alps.
You’ll need to be a competent skier (or snowboarder). Still, the tours and terrain can be adjusted to suit the group's ability, ranging from first-timers to experienced backcountry hounds.
Full safety and touring techniques are explained. This great day trip allows you to explore beautiful terrain where few others tread.
9. Freeride Skiing or Snowboarding in Vogel
8 hours, €60
Experienced skiers and snowboarders wanting to find Slovenia’s best ‘side-country’ lines should join this freeriding experience at Vogel in the Julian Alps.
You’ll start taking the Vogel cable car enjoying amazing views of Lake Bohinj, then ski out of the resort, where your local guide will show you the secret snow stashes and share the best-untracked powder zones with you. If you want to sample Slovenia’s finest snow terrain – this is the trip for you.
10. Avalanche Workshop in Kanin
5 hours, €80
For more experienced skiers and snowboarders looking to get out and explore backcountry terrain beyond the ski resorts, knowledge of mountain safety is vital, so get the skills you need at this avalanche workshop in Kanin, west Slovenia.
Run by local qualified mountain guides, during this five-hour course, you’ll learn how to use an avalanche transceiver and probe, read the snowpack and understand forecasts and terrain. You’ll leave with the confidence and knowledge to get into the backcountry and enjoy untouched powder.
11. Triglav Winter Climb
1 day, €250
Those looking for a serious challenge could take on Triglav. Slovenia’s highest peak at 2863 meters is a symbol of the country, featured on their flag, and it’s said that a Slovene is not a true Slovene until they summited Triglav.
This trip is around 11 hours long for experienced mountaineers in excellent physical condition. You’ll be guided by a local expert, who can also provide you with climbing equipment. It’s also possible to make it a two-day trip – by staying overnight at a lodge on the mountain. If you’ve got what it takes to make it to the top, this is the ultimate winter experience in Slovenia.