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Sport in Slovenia
Slovenia is a small country in the north-western corner of the Balkan Peninsula. Its landscape is marvelous with majestic snow-covered mountains, picturesque valleys, crystal-clean lakes and rivers, virgin forests and vast plains. The climate is extremely salubrious and suitable for all types of sports and recreational activities. This makes Slovenia an excellent destination for diverse active holidays, which are a real pleasure for both body and soul.
Skiing
Slovenia is among the best developed skiing destinations in Europe. The country comprises the south-eastern part of the Alps and boasts over 25 ski resorts, all which offer very good conditions for keen skiers. Maribor, Kranjska Gora and Pokljuka are names known all over the world. The larger ski centers also maintain trails for snowboarding, sledding, cross-country skiing, and even ski touring. Due to the proximity of the Slovenian Alps to the Adriatic Sea, the climate is humid and more snow falls here than anywhere else in the Alps. This ensures a longer season – from December to the end of April. Modern accommodation, delicious cuisine and the hospitality of Slovenians turn your ski holiday into a truly unforgettable experience.
Hiking
Slovenia is especially attractive to those who enjoy walking through varied landscapes while exploring the beauty of the surroundings. There are more than 7,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails. Their diversity is tremendous - theme and teaching trails, regional park trails, circular trails around the towns, cities and lakes and less demanding paths along the rivers, as well as in forests and mountains - all which are at tourists’ disposal. The E6 and E7 European long-distance hiking routes with total length of 950 kilometres on Slovenian territory are the most challenging. Special attention is deserved for the Via Alpina and Via Ferrata footpaths. Hiking routes are not only a physical activity, but hikers also have the opportunity to enjoy scenic views, untouched nature, meet local people and become acquainted with the local culture and the way of life. This opportunity is not to be missed.
Cycling
Slovenia offers unique beauty, and one of the healthiest and most pleasant ways to enjoy this beauty is by bicycle. There are cycling trails for both short and long tours of different difficulty. Very popular are the circular tracks that lead through many points of interest such as national parks, archaeological sites, monasteries, old villages and even caves. Cycling maps of Slovenia as well as individual areas are available at local tourist organisations and information centres in the cities and towns. Mountain bikers will be also delighted in Slovenia - first-class tracks in the mountains and even some competitive challenges are in abundance. A remarkable annual event is a competition where bikers climb to the highest mountain pass in Slovenia on two wheels - fit bikers should definitely take part.
Climbing
Climbing is one of the most favourite leisure activities among young Slovenians. In response to the increasing demand over the last few years, some excellent climbing centres and facilities have been created. The most popular climbing centre in Slovenia is Bohinj. A number of climbing sites (Pod Skalco, Bellevue, Bitnje, Bohinjska Bela) and more than 200 quality prepared routes of all degrees of difficulty are available to beginners, families and also for those who seek more challenging courses. There are even some climbing schools with qualified staff and modern equipment.