Planica – a sports paradise under the Ponce mountains

The Slovenian cradle of ski jumping and flying is magnificent throughout the year.

The valley of records and active experiences

The first thing that comes to mind upon hearing the word Planica is ski jumping. Favourable conditions for the development of this sport have placed the Alpine valley located in the north-western part of Slovenia firmly on the map of major ski jumping competitions. This is where records and milestones, with regard to the jump length that can be achieved, have been broken – from the Large Rožman/Bloudek hill to the Gorišek Brothers' hill, which is nowadays considered to be one of the largest ski flying hills in the world. Since the new and modern Nordic Centre opened, Planica has been providing experience for both athletes and visitors throughout the year.

Experiences in Planica

The ski flying hill in Planica with a long snowy jump slope, a large crowd of visitors, and impressive Alpine peaks in the background.

Spectacular competitions on the Planica ski flying hill

In March, the picturesque valley in close proximity to the border with Italy and Austria will host the largest sporting and entertainment spectacle in Slovenia. Planica is the traditional venue for the finals of the Ski Jumping World Cup, visited by over ten thousand people every year.

Join the spectacle

Ski Flying World Cup 2026 – a sporting spectacle for the history books

At the end of March 2026, Planica made history once again. The valley under the Ponce mountains, which traditionally hosts the final round of the Men’s Ski Jumping World Cup, served as the venue for the women’s ski flying competition for the first time. The Planica festival once again drew tens of thousands of visitors, who witnessed yet another historic event: for the first time in the history of ski jumping, the large crystal globes for the overall season titles were awarded to a sister and brother – Nika and Domen Prevc.

Nika Prevc

For the youngest member of the Prevc family on the ski jumping circuit, this year’s Crystal Globe was already her third in a row. And this one was all the more special because Nika set a new record for the number of wins and points in a single World Cup season. She capped off an exceptional season with a set of Olympic medals at the Games in Milan and Cortina. The reigning world champion thrilled fans at the inaugural women’s ski flying competition in Planica by setting a new world record of 242.5 metres.

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Domen Prevc

This has been an extraordinary year for Domen Prevc, which began last year with him winning the world championship title in ski jumping, claiming the Crystal Globe for ski flying and setting a new world record on the Planica large hill with a jump of 254.5 metres. This season, he racked up victories and podium finishes one after another. He won the Olympic title, the Golden Eagle for the Four Hills Tournament, the world championship title in ski flying. In Planica he also claimed his first large Crystal Globe and the small Crystal Globe for ski flying. His dominance earned him the nickname "Domenator."

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A post shared by Domen (@domen_prevc)

A skier moves along a well‑prepared snowy track in Planica, surrounded by tall mountains and winter sunlight.

Cross-country skiing competitions in an astounding arena

In the 1920s, championships for cross country skiing were held in Planica. With the opening of the Nordic Centre, Planica got onto the calendar of Sprint World Cup competitions.

Conquering the snowy landscape on skis

Whether they are jumping, cross-country, Alpine or touring, Slovenians are good on all sorts of skis. Did you know that the Karst plateau called Bloke is considered the cradle of skiing in Central Europe? At Google Arts & Culture, you can learn more about the rich skiing tradition in Slovenia.

Discover more about the skiing tradition

Cross-country skiing while enjoying nature

Planica Nordic Centre is an ideal place for preparation, regeneration, and other outdoor activities for professional and amateur athletes. In addition to seven new jumping hills, and the queen of them all – the flying hill, there are also cross-country skiing trails in wintertime for cross-country skiing enthusiasts.

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40 km of cross-country ski trail pleasure

Enjoy the genuine beauty of nature on well-maintained cross-country skiing trails leading from the Nordic Centre to the Tamar Valley or on the trails taking you through the village of Rateče to neighbouring...

Cross-country skiing in summer time

You can enjoy snow not only in the winter, but also at other times of the year in the special indoor cross-country skiing course at the Nordic Centre.

The sense of adrenaline pulsing through your veins...

Are you an adrenaline enthusiast always looking for new challenges? Then the adventures that await you in Planica are a perfect choice.

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Planica zipline

The steepest zipline in the world provides sensational excitement, as felt only by the Slovenian Eagles and the world’s ski jumping elite.

Wind tunnel

An experience in a wind tunnel with gushing winds of up to 250km/h is also very special.

What else is there to experience in Planica?

In addition to the ski jumping hills and cross-country trails, Planica Nordic Centre offers other interesting activities and exciting experiences.

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Curling

In the snow tunnel, there is a track for ice curling. You can try your hand at passing stones towards the target every day of the year.

Disc golf

What do you get if you combine throwing a disc at a target, and golf? A fun adventure amidst the magnificent Planica scenery that's worth a try.

Planica museum

Would you like to know how the story of ski jumping in Planica began, how many world records were broken and who pushed the limits of human flight on skis? Visit the Planica Museum and learn everything...

From Planica to the magnificent mountain world

Planica is an excellent starting point for a hike to the nearby peaks of the Julian Alps. The sunlit Ponce mountain range is particularly inviting. On the west side, the valley is embraced by Mt Ciprnik and Mojstrovka ridge. Slopes of the Karavanke mountain range, facing Planica, offer sweeping views over three countries; however, you will not remain indifferent hiking the planes.

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From Planica to the Tamar valley

A one-hour walk through the Planica glacial valley will get you to the mountain hut in Tamar, surrounded by the mighty amphitheatre of the peaks of the Julian Alps. Here is the first spring of Slovenia’s...

Zelenci - emerald eye of the Upper Sava Valley

In the direction of Kranjska Gora, the Zelenci nature reserve can be found. Here, you can admire the emerald green lake where the Sava Dolinka resurfaces once again.

View over three countries

Above Rateče village, in the immediate vicinity of Planica, the view from the peak of Peč extends over three neighbouring countries – Slovenia, Austria, and Italy. The tri-border area has been an important...

Bike to Planica

It is also possible to reach Planica by bike. The biking trail, taking you from nearby Rateče, past Kranjska Gora and Gozd Martuljek to Mojstrana, is one of the most beautiful trails in Slovenia. It has no severe ascents, and there are beautifully arranged rest areas and snack bars along the trail, so it is suitable for everyone, even children.

Discover the cycling route

Escape Museum Kajžnek House in Rateče

Opposite Planica lies Rateče, the north-westernmost village in Slovenia, which has earned the nickname “Carniola Siberia” due to its harsh climate and cold winters. At first glance an ordinary Alpine village boasts a unique and rich cultural heritage, stories and secrets. This can best be explored in the Kajžnek House in the centre of the village, which has been converted into a unique escape museum. Discover the treasures of Rateče’s heritage in a fun, playful way.

Escape Museum Kajžnek House in Rateče

Even more activities in the mountainous world?

Check out other activities that will send adrenaline rushing through your veins, or simply relax, as you marvel at the nature in this mountainous environment.

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Adrenaline sports

Adrenaline sports in Slovenia offer a unique experience.

Fly like a bird with the help of ziplines

Ready, set, go – slide down the most daring ziplines in Slovenia.

Skiing in Slovenia

Enjoy skiing on well-maintained Slovenian ski slopes.

Hiking and Mountaineering

Slovenia is a hiking paradise. More than 10,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails.

Mountain biking

Numerous trails intended for mountain biking are suitable for beginners and world-class cyclists.

Escape the high temperatures and retreat to the Julian Alps

Find a cosy spot to cool off in the Julian Alps.

The Julian Alps

Julian Alps - a paradise for active adventures and relaxation in nature.

Mountains and hills

From the green landscape, head to rocky heights, to Slovenian hills and mountains.

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Planica – a sports paradise under the Ponce mountains

The valley of records and active experiences

Spectacular competitions on the Planica ski flying hill