Information
Landmark: Planica Ski Jumping HillsCity: Bohinj
Country: Slovenia
Continent: Europe
Planica Ski Jumping Hills, Bohinj, Slovenia, Europe
Overview
The Planica Ski Jumping Hills, set against snowy Alpine peaks, rank among Slovenia’s most famous landmarks, celebrated for their rich ski jumping history and their role as a top stage for international competitions.In the snowy Planica Valley of the Julian Alps, just outside Kranjska Gora, the ski jumping hills draw praise for their world-class facilities and stand as a proud symbol of Slovenia’s long winter sports tradition.The Planica Ski Jumping Hills sit in the Planica Valley, about five kilometers from Kranjska Gora, a small town tucked into Slovenia’s far northwest.Tucked at the base of the Julian Alps, the valley offers sweeping alpine views, with snow catching the morning light.It’s a quick trip from both Kranjska Gora and Bled, drawing winter sports fans and curious travelers alike.Planica’s story as a ski jumping venue began in 1934, when workers built the first jump right here in the valley.Since then, the site’s grown into a landmark in ski jumping, its icy slopes glinting under winter sun.Planica has welcomed major events like the FIS Ski Flying World Championships, the FIS World Cup, and the Four Hills Tournament.Planica’s venue has shaped the sport, setting the benchmark for modern ski jumping hills, and it’s where history’s longest leaps-snow spraying in the air-have often been made.In the valley, a cluster of hills rises in varying sizes and designs.Among the standout hills is the Large Hill (HS140), its K-point set at 140 meters, where jumpers have soared to world-record distances.This is where the FIS Ski Flying World Cup takes place.The Nordic Hills-smaller slopes dusted with fresh snow-host training sessions and junior events, giving young athletes room to sharpen their skills.And towering above them all stands the New Ski Flying Hill (HS240), the world’s largest, reopened in 2024 after a massive rebuild.It can host top-tier competitions, including ski flying, where athletes soar more than 200 meters through the crisp mountain air.Planica has long been linked to several world ski jumping records.Back in 1936, the first ski jumping world record was set here with a leap of 98 meters.Nearly eight decades later, in 2015, Slovenia’s Peter Prevc soared through the cold air at Planica and landed at 251.5 meters-a ski flying record that held for years.The record showcased the facility’s sharp technical edge and the athletes’ skill.In 2024, the HS240 hill made history when jumpers flew farther than ever before, shattering multiple world records.In recent years, Planica has seen extensive renovations-fresh timber rails, gleaming lifts-to cement its place as a top international ski jumping venue.The new infrastructure features a state-of-the-art inrun tower that gives athletes a smooth, fast take-off; modern seating where spectators can see the valley stretch out beneath the blue sky; training areas with jumps of all sizes for both rising talents and top competitors; and a smart cooling system that keeps the hill in perfect shape, even on warm days when the snow turns soft.A new stadium and its facilities welcome big crowds for competitions and offer plenty of entertainment.Planica remains one of the world’s key spots for ski flying, the thrilling long-distance cousin of ski jumping.In ski flying, athletes launch off hills and soar more than 200 meters, and Planica’s towering HS240 is the sport’s crown jewel.The air whistles past as they chase record distances, a few heartbeats suspended over the valley.Home to countless historic jumps, the Planica Nordic Centre also houses cross-country tracks, a biathlon range, and training spaces for winter sports of every kind.The Centre doubles as a gathering spot for tourism and sports lovers, with activities running all year-from crisp winter mornings spent skiing to summer trails alive with hikers and mountain bikers.Planica buzzes with energy during the FIS Ski Flying World Cup, pulling in fans from across the globe, and each spring the Planica Tournament draws the planet’s best ski jumpers to its towering ramp.Competitions here often build to a thrilling finish, with athletes soaring through the air in final jumps as they chase world records and championship glory-sometimes in biting mountain wind.The venue regularly hosts World Cup events, FIS World Championships, and record-breaking attempts, securing its place as a cornerstone of ski jumping.Visitors to Planica can soak in the Julian Alps’ beauty while enjoying everything from winter ski jumping spectacles to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or crisp-air hikes.Summer brings its own draw, with alpine trails, mountain biking routes, and paths winding through Triglav National Park.Comfortable hotels, cozy restaurants, and knowledgeable local guides make it easy to stay and explore.Nearby, Kranjska Gora offers more skiing and a lively village charm, Lake Jasna shimmers with clear water perfect for a summer swim, and the Vršič Pass rewards drivers with sweeping mountain views.Triglav National Park’s rugged landscapes and rich wildlife complete the allure, while the Planica Ski Jumping Hills stand as a proud symbol of Slovenia’s mastery in winter sports.Planica, with its centuries-old tradition, record-shattering leaps, sleek modern arenas, and a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks, still stands among the world’s top destinations for ski flying and ski jumping.Whether you’re carving down snowy slopes, strolling through for a quick visit, or just soaking in the sharp, clear view of the Julian Alps, Planica has something for you-and it’s one spot in Slovenia you shouldn’t miss.
