Croatia's Mountain Sports: Skiing, Snowboarding ...

It is known today that a tourist offer based only on natural beauties and good climate does not satisfy a modern tourist any more. In order for all natural resources to be utilized, tourists must be offered an experience that is gained through diverse programs, events and activities. In Croatian Olympic Centre Bjelolasica (HOC), we have understood the crux of modern tourism, and supplemented the tourist offer of Bjelolasica with numerous fun and educational programs, incorporating them in the Gorski Kotar ambience of beauty and wilderness. Attractive nature is 'packed' in a well-designed tourist product that Bjelolasica, given its natural resources, well deserves.

Therefore, nature lovers of all ages and interests can in HOC Bjelolasica find something for themselves. Such a diversity of offer not only gives an incentive to development of mountain tourism, but in a certain way approaches Croatia to global tourist standards. The reason why HOC Bjelolasica is the highlight in the still unpromising tourist offer of Croatia can be summarized in the sentence: It's the programs that fill tourist capacities!

We received several enquiries from visitors about skiing in Croati - no doubt, they were prompted by the fantastic achievements of Croatian skiing stars Janica and Ivica Kostelic. (Janica won 3 gold and 1 silver medals at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games at Salt Lake City.) Unfortunately, we had to disappoint as Croatian skiing facilities cannot compare with those in nearby Slovenia, Austria and Italy. (Even Croatian skiers train in Austria!) We wouldn't recommend coming to Croatia for a skiing holiday. However, if you're in the country during the ski season, and a fancy having a go on the slopes, head to Bjelolasica, where the Croatian Olympic centre is located. Another popular skiing location is just north of Zagreb at Sljeme mountain.
Sljeme:The ski slopes are primarily situated on the northern slopes of Medvednica Mountain. The runs begin at its peak - Sljeme - and take advantage of the diverse configuration of the terrain, shaping runs of varying degrees of difficulty: the "White Run", "Red Run", "Green Run", "Blue Run" and "Tree Run". The orientation of all runs shifts between northeast and northwest. The "White and Cinovnicka Meadows" descend towards the east.For more information: www.sljeme.hr

Bjelolasica: Velika Kapela - 1,534 (Bjelolasica)Bjelolasica je najpoznatiji ski centar u Hrvatskoj. Nalazi se u okolini Ogulina.

Nalazi se na planinskom vencu Velike Kapele. Podnožje centra je u mestu Vreleo na 623 m/nv. Od Zagreba je udaljen 120 km. Ima tri dvosedežnice i 2 ski lifta tipa sidro.

1. Vrelo 1540 m
2. Gomirkovica 1300 m
3. Bjelolasica 1700 m
4. Livade 2 x 300 m
5. Hajducica 1 165 m
6. Hajducica 2 165 m
7. Vilinske Drage

Bjelolasica is the highest mountain in the Velika Kapela massif, and indeed in the whole of Gorski kotar. It extends in the form of a simple ridge, 5-6 km in length, with very steep slopes sweeping down from the wide forested plateau between Mrkopaljsko polje (Mrkopalj Range) and Jasenacko polje (Jasenak Range). However, despite the steep slopes, and despite the height and limestone composition, the ridge is neither sharp nor rocky, but its crown is a small, grassy plateau containing rich and varied flora, almost nature's own botanical garden. The steep slopes are covered in forests interspaced with meadows, each more beautiful than the last. There are no human settlements in the wider area, but there are forest roads which enable one to get beneath the very ridge itself, as well as to enjoy pleasant hikes through the vast forests. The Croatian Olympic Center, situated at 620m above sea level, has much to offer. 7 groomed ski runs. For more information: www.bjelolasica.hr

Platak:The ski resort Platak is situated only 30 km from Rijeka, with well prepared ski runs, six cable cars, two mountain lodges and other facilities for visitors.For more information go to: www.platak.hr

Skiing and Snowboarding in Croatia Travel News and Blogs:

Latest entries of travel news and events related to skiing and snowboarding from our Skiing and Snowboarding in Croatia blog:

Zagreb hosting Ski Events
Zagreb is currently, for the sixth time in a row  hosting the best female slalom skiers and for the third time the best male slalom skiers of the world. This year, the female slalom was held on January 3rd, while the male slalom will be held three days later during night.  Both events at the Audi FIS World [...]

Zagreb: Snow Queen Trophy 2009
 For the fifth time in a row,  Zagreb will be the host to the best slalom women skiers of the world, while the competition for men skiers will be held for the second time. The competitions will be held on Sljeme, the highest point of Mount Medvednica during the night. Women’s slalom at the Audi FIS World [...]

Sljeme Mountain – FIS World Ski Cup event
To inaugurate Sljeme as a desirable destination for ski competitions, the Croatian Ski Federation organized in 2005 the Golden Bear World Ski Cup women’s slalom race. The event was later renamed Snow Queen in honour of Janica Kostelic, the all time greatest Croatian women’s skier. This year the world’s top women skiers will be joined at [...]

Ski Seasons begins at Bjelolasica
With free ski tickets and hot wine the ski season has begin today at Bjelolasica, the highest mountain in the Velika Kapela massif, Gorski Kotar region . From today onwards, the Bjelolasica and Tintilinić ski resorts will be opened daily from 9 am to 4pm. The prices for ski day pass are 80 kuna (Children – 30 kuna) About Bjelolasica [...]

Skiing in Gorski Kotar
 Gorski kotar, a highland region located North of Kvarner coast of Croatia, is attractive tourist resort for winter sport enthusiasts. As we are approaching winter breaks, Gorski Kotar, with its growing number of highland ski trails, is an ideal place for skiing holiday in Croatia. Petehovac ski resort, located near Delnice, features Alpine and Nordic skiing trails, ski tows and a small [...]

More about Skiing and Snowboarding in Croatia:

• Directory of Skiing and Snowboaring in Croatia - links to varous skiing sites