The Julian Alps on snowshoes
The Julian Alps, in Slovenia, have it all - sparkling alpine meadows, dramatic peaks, tranquil forests, and breathtaking mountain viewpoints. Snowshoeing through Slovenia’s backcountry offers a truly magical way to experience this wild and unspoilt landscape.
This trip strikes the perfect balance between adventure and comfort, combining excellent accommodation with exhilarating days exploring the mountains. Along the way, you’ll encounter traditional mountain culture, from rustic villages to local culinary delights, making for a rich and unforgettable week of winter hiking on the edge of the Julian Alps.
Highlights
- Explore Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps
- Visit Pokljuka Plateau gateway to winter journeys
- Hike in the frontier area between Slovenia and Austria
- Enjoy a luxury 4* spa hotel by the shores of Lake Bled
- Tasting the heart of Slovenia through its local food
- Experienced professional local Slovenian guide
Our expert local guide will not only share this region's pastures, plateaus, passes and peaks, which make this area so perfect for winter exploration, but will also welcome you to taste some of Slovenia's distinctive delicacies and local specialities throughout each day. We love working with the 'locals' who know their mountain 'office' so well. We feel this truly enhances any guided experience.
Snowshoes are a tool for hiking in the winter but should the conditions not warrant their use then micro spikes may be used as an alternative.
Holiday Reviews
Grade: Intermediate
READ GRADE DESCRIPTIONAt a Glance
| Holiday Type | Snowshoeing |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 4-8 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 1974m (6475ft) |
| Countries Visited | Slovenia |
| Meet In | Bled, Slovenia |
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Snowshoeing in the Alps
02 Feb 2017
Dates and Prices
2027 Departures
| Code | Start Date | Return Date | Duration | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLS2 |
21 Feb 2027
Sunday |
28 Feb 2027
Sunday |
8 days |
£2,475
Deposit: £700 |
Spaces Available | Book Now |
2028 Departures
| Code | Start Date | Return Date | Duration | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLS1 |
20 Feb 2028
Sunday |
27 Feb 2028
Sunday |
8 days |
£2,625
Deposit: £700 |
Spaces Available | Book Now |
What's Included
- Seven nights accommodation in a 4* spa hotel on Lake Bled, based on two sharing
- 2 evening meals at the hotel
- 5 evening meals in town
- The services of a professional & qualified local Slovenian snowshoe guide
- All snowshoe equipment hire as required, including snowshoes, shovel, probe and avalanche transceiver
- Private transport to access the snowshoe routes
What's Not Included
- Lunches
- Travel Insurance - required
- Travel to & from meeting point
- Miscellaneous personal spending
Itinerary
Your Snowshoe guide will meet you this evening at approximately 1800 hrs in the hotel lounge to discuss the itinerary, location and routes followed by the evening meal.
The guide will also join you for the final evening evening meal.
Departing from Rudno Polje - one of Slovenia's premier biathlon centres - our route journeys up and away through the forests of the Pokljuka Plateau. The plateau is the largest forest area in the Triglav National Park. Eventually we emerge onto one of our most beautiful Alpine Pastures, surrounded by striking peaks and sprinkled with historic shepherds huts. In the 16th century, iron ore was mined and smelted in Pokljuka, and the translation of Rudno Polje is literally 'ore field'. For around 3000 years the Julian Alps were strategically important due to their rich and high quality iron deposits. The working of metal in this area is documented as early as the Iron Age (800 BC), and reached a peak in the Roman era. After a picnic lunch, we will continue down the valley visiting the beautifully situated Uskovnica Koca for an afternoon snack, before a gentle ascent back to our starting point.
Ascent: 480m (1575ft) Descent: 480m (1575ft) Distance: 10km (6.2 miles) Duration: 5h00 - 07h00
Our day begins again at Rudno Polje, setting off away from the Cross-country sking trails and soon finding peaceful forest, with plenty of opportunities for spotting animal tracks and traces. Ascending gradually steepening ground we will reach a welcoming plateau. We can enjoy views back across Triglav National Park, before beginning our final ascent to Mrežce, a popular and easily accessible peak reaching 1974m (6476ft) on the edge of Pokljuka plateau near Bled. As we reach the ridge, the Julian Alps are revealed, with close-up views of Triglav from the top. Triglav at 2864m (9393ft) is the highest mountain in a group of over 300 mountains all with an elevation of more than 2000m (6560ft). After enjoying the view we descend via the same route to our starting point.
Ascent: 674m (2210ft) Descent: 674m (2210ft) Distance: 11km (6.8 miles) Duration: 5h00 - 07h00
We start at the iconic Planica ski jumping centre, home to one of the world's highest jumps. Ski Jumping is considered one of Slovenia's national sports, and you will often be able to watch athletes in training. From the centre we set off on a gentle journey along the Tamar valley, surrounded by striking peaks and emerging into a wide pasture, home to Dom v Tamarju where we can enjoy a hearty lunch. Dom v Tamarju is a very typical Slovenian mountain cabin. Here you can sample local dishes such as venison goulash, jota (beans and turnip soup), or ričet (a thick barley soup). Today is a relaxed day out on gentle terrain to allow you to re-charge your energy levels ready for the rest of the week. Our return journey takes us back along the same route on a beautiful trail that soaks in the heart of Slovene winter mountain culture.
Ascent: 169m (554ft) Descent: 169m (554ft) Distance: 9km (5.6 miles) Duration: 4h00 - 5h00
Today we begin our snowshoe route close to Soriska Planina, a small skiing area popular with locals. Following the edge of the plateau we journey steadily up until we join a wide ridge with open views across the Pre-Alps and much of Slovenia's 3 Alpine ranges. The path undulates as we continue along the Ratitovec ridge to a peak called Kremant sitting at 1654m (5425ft). There will be some steeper sections as we climb and we have the option to extend our ridge walk to include another peak called Gladki Vrh with a summit at 1667m (5468ft). Your guide will decide on the route on the day, depending on snow conditions and the effort required. After enjoying the view we will return via the same ridge line.
Ascent: 550m (1840ft) Descent: 550m (1840ft) Distance: 12km (7.5 miles) Duration: 7h00 - 8h00
Starting again from Soriska Planina, we immediately depart from the skiing areas, breaking trail along a quiet track with striking views across Bohinj Lake. Behind is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia, and it part of the Triglav National Park. On the lake shore is a statue of the legendary Zlatorog! Legend refers to this mythical beast as a golden chamois frequenting the mountains surrounding Mount Triglav. Also know as 'goldenhorn' the horns were said to be the key to a treasure hidden under the mountain of Bogatin. You never know you might get lucky! Leaving myth and legend behind we take that climbs through occasionally broken forest, before arriving at a wide alpine pasture. We continue our ascent to above the treeline and enjoy views that take in the Julian Alps, Skofja Loka hills, Karavanke Alps and Kamnik Alps. On clear days you may see all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Our descent is more direct, completing the circuit back to the start.
Ascent: 367m (1148ft) Descent: 382m (1148ft) Distance: 8km (2.5 miles) Duration: 4h00 - 6h00
For our final day of snowshoeing we will journey up the western valley of Mount Begunjščica. Begunjščica is a ridge in the Karawanks which has three main peaks, funnily enough the highest is called Big Peak, the western Middle Peak lies a little lower, and the lowest is Begunje Mount Vrtača. However, our goal today is to cross behind this solitary mountain to the isolated Dom na Zelenici, where we will enjoy our final lunch on the mountain together. This is a traditional Alpine Hut, serving comforting Slovene mountain food such as Jota (cabbage stew), Klobasa (sausage) and Ričet (barley soup). Hut guardians employed through local Alpine Associations manage the food, accommodation and welcome guests to enjoy an important element of Slovene mountain culture. Dom literally translates to home, and you can be sure of home-cooked meals and a warm welcome when you stop by for a visit along your journey. After our meal we will have the opportunity to continue to the northern ridge above the Zelenici mountain hut, which stands on the border with Austria. A few more photos and then we embark on our return journey.
Ascent: 367m (1203ft) Descent: 382m (1253ft) Distance: 8km (6.6 miles) Duration: 5h00 - 6h30
Tracks and Trails services end after breakfast.
We aim to follow the itinerary outlined above whenever possible. However, your guide may need to make changes due to weather conditions or in the interests of the group's safety and enjoyment. Snowshoes are used to assist with winter hiking, but if there is insufficient snow to require them, the trip will still go ahead as planned. Our kit list includes microspikes, as these may be needed in low-snow or icy conditions. Please let us know in advance if you would like to borrow a pair.
Accommodation
We aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. Our trip fees are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. A single room may be available for your private use, but requires early booking and will incur a supplementary charge. For further details refer to Trip Information > Single Supplements. Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking and is an indication of our accommodation, not a guarantee. Note it is unusual to have air conditioning in bedrooms in the mountain areas where our trips take place. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.
Hotel Triglav, Bled
The 4* Hotel Triglav on the shores of Lake Bled is a wonderful place to spend a holiday.
Hotel Triglav is filled with artwork, antique furniture and the rooms are tastefully furnished. Sitting down to breakfast overlooking Lake Bled and watching the pink sunrise is a joy. Guests have free access to the indoor swimming pool, and Finish sauna to ease any aching muscles.
The hotel’s restaurant is named “1906” which is the year the hotel was built, and the same year the train connection between Bled and Trieste was constructed. Today, restaurant 1906 with its chef, Aleš Fende, is a leading force in the town’s culinary experiences; serving traditional dishes, offering wine tastings in the hotel’s private wine cellar, organising cooking classes, culinary theme events & a local farmer’s market.
Trip Information
By Train:
From the UK you can take the Eurostar train from London to Paris, France, then a high speed train to Stuttgart, in Germany, followed by a sleeper train from Stuttgart to Ljubljana, in Slovenia. For other possibilities visit: Seat 61. Once at Ljubljana you can take a local train to Bled Jezero, which is 300M from Hotel Triglav. There's about 3-4 trains per day, if the timing does not work out, then you can always look into getting a transfer from Ljubljana to Hotel Triglav.
By Air:
There are a number of airlines which fly from the UK to Ljubljana. You can try the following, but availability will depend on the season and current schedules which can be changed at any time. Easyjet from London Gatwick to Ljubljana, departing in the early morning. You can also fly from Stanstead with Ryanair to Klagenfurt, just over the border in Austria, which is about 1h20 from Bled and can be reached by bus, or train to Lesce, then a bus to Bled. You can view other options at Rome2Rio and at Skyscanner
From the Lubljana airport you can take a shared transfer to/from the hotel with companies such as GoOpti or with AirTrail, both are efficient and relatively inexpensive (20-30€ one way). They can drop you off at the hotel. It takes around 30-40 minutes by taxi.
If you end up taking the train, make sure that you go to Bled Jezero station.
It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.
Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.
All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have the appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and the accommodation you will be staying in.
Generally clothing for snowshoeing should be equivalent to that used for walking in the mountains in winter. For this trip all the necessary snowshoe equipment is provided free of charge. This includes snowshoes, walking poles, snow probe, snow shovel, and avalanche transceiver. The carrying of this safety equipment is compulsory and demonstrates ‘best practice’.
If your shoesize is bigger than EU47 / UK 12 - please get in touch so we can make sure to supply you with the correct snowshoes.
Equipment
Snowshoes - supplied free of charge
Poles - supplied free of charge
Avalanche Transceiver - supplied free of charge
Shovel - supplied free of charge
Snow Probe - supplied free of charge
Rucksack – 30-35 litres, with waist and chest strap. Ideally it should have a system that allows you to attach snowshoes if it is necessary to carry them.
Rucksack – waterproof liner/cover
Winter Hiking Boots - warm and waterproof. They must cover your ankles. A 'stiff' B2 boot which takes a crampon is not advised
Bags to waterproof items, such as documentation
Gaiters - useful on days with deep fresh snow
Emergency foil blanket
Micro-spikes - recommended for conditions when snowshoes are not practical. Please let us know if you'd like for us to supply some for you.
Clothing
Waterproof jacket - essential, this must keep you dry during a day of continuous snowfall or at least as dry as any waterproof jacket ever keeps you!
Waterproof trousers - in case of heavy snowfall
Trousers - windproof and warm
Thermal top - long sleeves
Thin fleece - long sleeves
Waistcoat - fleece/wind stopper
Gloves x 2 (one thick and one thin)
Over-mittens for colder days can be useful
Warm hat
Sun hat
Head/ear band
Duvet jacket (or second warm layer)
Scarf or 'Buff' for neck
Socks - 2 or 3 pairs
Comfort
Lip salve
Sunscreen - essential
Sunglasses - essential
Goggles - very useful in snowfall
Snack bars/chocolate
Tissues - we recommend biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish
Anti-bacterial hand wash
Personal First Aid
Personal medication
Blister plasters (e.g. Compeed)
Painkillers/anti-inflammatory
Glucose tablets/Energy gel
2 x Rehydration sachets - eg Dioralyte
Throat lozenges
Antiseptic cream/spray
Documentation
Mountain Rescue/Ski Insurance documents - compulsory
Passport
Credit card
Cash - Euros
GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover
Additional Items
Clothing for use at accommodation
Hair dryer if required
Travel Kettle if required
Camera/ Book/Music
Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these
Ear plugs - if room sharing
Small thermos for hot drinks
Foam sit mat - since we have lunches a few times on the top where there is nothing to sit on.
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit
On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.
For each trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms can be booked but are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. The single supplement for this trip is £375 in 2027 and £390 in 2028.
For these trips we supply, free of charge, all snowshoe equipment; snowshoes, hiking poles, avalanche transceiver, snow shovel and snow probe. The carrying of this equipment, worth £600 per person, is compulsory. We kindly ask that you take good care of the equipment supplied.
Avalanche Transceivers Wearing an avalanche transceiver is good practice in a winter environment. An avalanche transceiver is a device about the size of your hand which is worn under the top layers of your clothing. It emits a silent signal that can be picked up by anyone searching for you. You may have done previous snowshoe trips where the wearing of a transceiver was not compulsory, however, at Tracks and Trails your safety is paramount and wearing one is compulsory.
Boots Warm and waterproof hiking boots are essential, these can be 'summer' or 'winter' boots. They must cover your ankles and provide support, it is not possible to low cut hiking shoes or trainers.
The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.
Winter mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. In winter the weather can be everything from clear blue skies, and glorious sunshine, to heavy snowfall and strong winds. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for all conditions. In December and January they can range from -10°Celsius (14°F) to 3°Celsius (37.4F), in February from -5°Celsius (23°F) to 7°Celsius (44.6°F), and in March from 0°Celsius (32°F) to 13°Celsius (55.4°F).
Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.
Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.
The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained.
If you would like help preparing for your snowshoe adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our winter activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here. We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel - the following are aimed at those who snowshoe in winter, and hike in summer:
We go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
Please note your snowshoe guide has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. This is particularly relevant in a winter environment where the snowpack can change on a daily basis.
Your local guide will be fully qualified to the Slovenia standards required for professionals in the mountain. They will also be chosen for their local and extensive experience of the mountains in winter. You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. Most people have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply. Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.
If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic/sandwich from your accommodation, or your guide/instructor will advise you of options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.
