Ski mountaineering in the Julian Alps, between Italy and Slovenia

If you have never been to the Slovenian Alps and you're a keen ski mountaineer in search of somewhere new and exciting, then the extreme eastern Alps could be just the thing you're looking for.

Mt. Triglav, the symbol of Slovenia, is quite rightly the main focus of attention, and this area has become much more popular since the Triglavski Dom refuge was opened on the panoramic col close to the summit.

The most interesting ski mountaineering itineraries can be undertaken here in spring, when the long steep gullies are perfectly covered in snow. The natural environment is extraordinary and, despite the relatively low altitude, retains a "wild" feel more commonly associated with the greater mountain ranges.

This article describes three of the most interesting itineraries in the Triglav mountain group: the ascent of Triglav itself, it's neighbour Stenar and the Jalovec gully.

Jalovec - Difficult
Stenar - Difficult
Triglav Traverse - Difficult
Triglav - Difficult

The best time of year tends to be in mid-spring, from March to April. Val Vrata and Val Planica are often closed in early season due to heavy snowfall.

Triglav, Slovenian AlpsThe guidebook “Da San Candido al Tricorno”, C. Fava e M. Moro, CDA, contains these and 100 other ski mountaineering itineraries in the eastern Alps.