Slovenia transforms into a magical winter destination during the colder months, offering breathtaking landscapes and a wide range of activities for all ages. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone looking for relaxation, Slovenia has something to make your winter unforgettable. From snowy peaks to cozy towns, explore the best of what this beautiful country has to offer during the winter season!
Here is our list of what to do in Slovenia in the winter!
1. Go skiing or snowboarding at the best ski resorts in Slovenia
Slovenia, a country well known for its mountains, where many ski resorts are located on. There is nothing more soothing than skiing (or snowboarding) on the white glittering powder of fresh snow and being surrounded by unspoiled beauty and idyllic nature, where the tall snow-covered mountains serve as the perfect backdrop.
Slovenia offers some of the top ski resorts in Europe, from large, luxury-like resorts to the smaller family (and budget) friendly slopes, the top Slovenia ski resorts will make your winter holiday the one to remember.
Kranjska Gora – Slovenia’s most popular ski resort, known for the World Cup, has enhanced its night skiing and après-ski options
Vogel – Offering stunning views over Lake Bohinj, Vogel has introduced new slopes in 2024, perfect for beginners.
Rogla – A family-friendly resort that has upgraded its infrastructure and increased capacity for cross-country skiers.
Cerkno – A modern resort that introduced faster chairlifts and more facilities for beginners and families
Kope – A smaller, family-oriented resort in Koroška, known for upgrading its snow parks and snowboarding options
Mariborsko Pohorje – Slovenia’s largest ski resort, which has improved its night skiing slopes and expanded accommodation options in 2024.
Go skiing in Slovenia, here.
2. Visit Kranjska Gora
Kranjska Gora is, not surprisingly, famous for its skiing and other winter sports. People from the area are often excellent skiers, as parents have their kids racing down the toughest runs as soon as they learn how to walk. Slovenia’s professional skiers have enjoyed a significant amount of success in world cup and Olympic competitions and most of them hail from Gorenjska. The Vitranc world cup and the annual ski flying event in nearby Planica bring thousands of spectators to Kranjska Gora, turning it into the party capital of Slovenia, at least for a weekend or two.
Plan your trip to Kranjska Gora here.
3. Visit Ljubljana
In winter, Ljubljana transforms into a magical wonderland, offering a variety of activities for visitors. A must-see is the city’s famous Festive Lights Display, which illuminates the streets from late November through early January, creating a charming atmosphere perfect for evening strolls. The lively Christmas Market along the Ljubljanica River is another highlight, where you can sip mulled wine, taste local delicacies, and shop for handmade crafts. Winter also brings Ice Skating at Congress Square, a favorite for both locals and tourists. Each year, the St. Nicholas Procession and New Year’s Eve Celebrations in the city center draw large crowds, offering live music and fireworks. For culture lovers, Ljubljana’s many museums, galleries, and cozy cafes provide a warm escape from the cold. Winter in Ljubljana offers a blend of festive tradition and rich cultural experiences, perfect for exploring as a foreign visitor.
4. Scare away winter with Kurents in Ptuj
Kurent or Korant is Slovenia’s most popular traditional carnival figure. Its origins have still not been fully explored, but according to an ancient belief, Kurent is a demon chasing away winter and summoning spring to the country.
Every year between Candlemas and Ash Wednesday, this magical traditional figure emerges in the surroundings of Ptuj. Small groups of Kurents visit houses, bringing them luck and bountiful harvest. During Kurentovanje, Kurents try to scare away the winter in a special ritual, also known as the burial, and celebrate fertility on Shrove Sunday.
Learn more about Kurentovanje, here.
5. Participate in winter sporting events
Slovenians are known as the nation that loves winter activities. So it comes at no surprise that they also enjoy their winter sporting events. Among the favorites are for sure ski jumping and alpine skiing, where you will see tens of thousands of fans screaming, cheering on the amazing athletes and proudly swinging the Slovene flag around.
The peak of winter sport events (and cheering) in Slovenia usually hits between February and March, when the country hosts several world competitions. In this article we have gathered the top Slovenian winter sporting events, which we think you should visit if you are in town at the time of the event.
Slovenians are passionate about winter sports. Among the favorites are still ski jumping and alpine skiing, with events drawing tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans waving Slovene flags and cheering for the athletes. In 2024, the highlight remains the Planica Ski Jumping World Cup, which took place in March. Planica, known for its massive hill, is a must-visit for ski jumping fans. Another key event is the Golden Fox FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Maribor, where the world’s best female skiers compete. Both events promise thrilling action and unforgettable atmospheres.
Learn more about the top Slovenian winter sports events, here.
6. Dog sledding
Dog sledding in Slovenia is an exciting and unique winter adventure, especially popular in the snowy alpine regions such as Kranjska Gora and Pokljuka. The activity allows participants to experience the thrill of being pulled by a team of energetic huskies, gliding through pristine forests and open snowfields. Visitors can take part in guided tours, where professional mushers teach the basics of dog sledding, making it a safe and memorable experience for both beginners and families. The connection with the dogs and the stunning natural surroundings make this an unforgettable winter experience.
In addition to the adrenaline and fun, dog sledding in Slovenia also provides insight into the strong bond between the mushers and their dogs, who are expertly trained to navigate the trails. The activity often includes a brief orientation session, where visitors learn how to handle the sled and communicate with the dogs. Some companies even offer longer treks or the chance to spend more time with the dogs, giving a deeper appreciation of this traditional form of transportation. Dog sledding is a fantastic way to explore Slovenia’s winter landscape while enjoying a sustainable and nature-friendly adventure.
7. Visit a museum or two in Slovenia
Slovenia has an extensive cultural, historic, and even artistic history, which you can explore in the top Slovenian museums.
Slovenia boasts a rich collection of museums that reflect its diverse cultural, historical, and natural heritage. From the National Museum of Slovenia in Ljubljana, which houses artifacts dating back to prehistory, to the Slovenian Museum of Natural History showcasing the country’s unique flora and fauna, these institutions offer a deep dive into the nation’s past and present. The Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova features modern Slovenian art, while the Technical Museum of Slovenia in Bistra provides fascinating insights into the country’s industrial and technological development. With specialized museums like the Maritime Museum Piran and the Ptuj Ormož Regional Museum, Slovenia’s museums offer something for everyone, highlighting the nation’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Visit the best museums in Slovenia, here.
Visit the best museums in Ljubljana, here.
8. Take a trip to Lake Cerknica
Our first thing to do in Slovenia in the winter is taking a trip to Lake Cerknica. If there are plenty of snow or rain showers the lake appears in the late winter months.
Lake Cerknica or Cerkniško Lake is – Europe’s largest intermittent lake. Taking a trip to Lake Cerknica is always a good idea, as long as the lake is there of course. Now you see it, now you don’t! Well perhaps not that quickly but regardless of Europe’s largest periodic body of water, Lake Cerknica is, truly a magical natural phenomenon.
Plan your trip to Lake Cerknica in the spring here.
