Planica Ski Jumping Hills | Bohinj

Information

Landmark: Planica Ski Jumping Hills
City: Bohinj
Country: Slovenia
Continent: Europe

Planica Ski Jumping Hills, Bohinj, Slovenia, Europe

Planica Ski Jumping Hills, specifically the Nordic Centre Planica, are located in the Planica Valley near the village of Rateče, within the Julian Alps of northwestern Slovenia. The complex is the premier ski jumping venue in the country and one of the most prominent globally, hosting the annual FIS Ski Jumping World Cup finals.

Visual Characteristics

The center consists of eight ski jumping hills, including the Letalnica bratov Gorišek (HS 240) ski flying hill and the Bloudkova velikanka (HS 138) large hill. The structures are built into the natural slope of the Ponce mountains, featuring steep steel and concrete inrun towers and grass-covered landing zones. The site includes a modern circular Nordic Center building constructed of glass and concrete, which contains an underground cross-country skiing tunnel.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated at the end of the Planica Valley, approximately 52km north of Bohinj via the road through Jesenice and Kranjska Gora. From Kranjska Gora, it is a 6km drive westward via regional road 202. Public transport is available via frequent buses from Kranjska Gora to the "Rateče Planica" stop, followed by a 1.5km walk; a large asphalt parking lot is available directly at the entrance for private vehicles.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The first ski jumping hill was constructed here in 1934 by Ivan Rožman and Stanko Bloudek, establishing Planica as a global pioneer in the sport. The modern Nordic Centre was completed in 2015 to centralize training and competition facilities. Geologically, the valley is a glacial trough with steep rock walls, situated within the buffer zone of the Triglav National Park.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can ride a zip-line that follows the trajectory of the ski flying hill, reaching speeds of up to 85 km/h. The "underground ski tunnel" allows for year-round cross-country skiing on 800 meters of snow-covered tracks. Guided tours of the museum and the top of the Gorišek Brothers hill are conducted daily, and the center serves as a primary trailhead for hiking into the Tamar Valley.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The main center building contains a museum, wind tunnel, and catering facilities. Public restrooms and 5G mobile coverage are provided throughout the Nordic Center. Seasonal food stalls operate during major events, and a permanent restaurant is located at the nearby Planica mountain hut. Shade is minimal in the jumping area but abundant in the adjacent forest and indoor facilities.

Best Time to Visit

March is the peak season for professional competitions, specifically the Ski Jumping World Cup. For general tourists, the summer months (June to September) offer the best weather for the zip-line and hiking. Photography lighting is optimal in the late morning when the sun illuminates the eastern-facing ski jumps and the surrounding Ponce peaks.

Facts & Legends

Planica is historically significant as the location where the first jumps over 100 meters (1936) and 200 meters (1994) were achieved. A unique technical oddity is the underground cross-country tunnel, which maintains a constant temperature of -2°C regardless of the external summer heat.