Winter Tips – Editorial
Slovenia: Vibrant Winter Destination From the festive fairs that start in early December to the Carnival in March, there is never a dull moment during winter in Slovenia. While the wildlife hibernates under a white blanket that covers the much acclaimed green countryside, the rest of Slovenia is still very much alive.
Winterview from the hill Grmada; Photo: Mark Koghee
For years, the hidden gem that is Slovenia is being discovered by more and more people and so each year the description becomes a little less true. The winter season is considerably quieter than summer, but it certainly is not the “off-season” and statistics indicate tourist numbers are increasing. When the days are short and cold, Slovenia is visited by business people for conferences, skiers to the mountain resorts, guests to the spas and backpackers on adventure.
Slovenia has a fairly rich tourist offering in winter. A young Slovenian girl encourages a racer at the Pokljuka World Cup; Photo: Mark Koghee
Business people can take a break from work to enjoy a ski. The popular MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) locations in Slovenia have ski resorts nearby. The ski resort, Krvavec, is only 15 minutes away from Ljubljana while another popular MICE destination, Bled, lies near the ski resorts of Vogel, Pokljuka and Kranjska Gora. Skiers can, during poor weather, enjoy trips to the festive city centres or relax their tired muscles at a spa. Spa guests can get active on the ski slopes when they’ve had enough of resting or maybe hike through Slovenia’s winter wonderland. In winter, spa resorts are popular places to stay. For example, in December 2012 around 40% of all overnight stays were recorded in health resorts, while only 23% of all
The centre of Maribor in December; Photo: Studio Zelnik Piran in winter time; Photo: M. Pentek
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The Slovenia Times | Winter Tips 2013
stays were at mountain resorts. Slovenian spas are popular at all times of the year. There are 15 natural health resorts in the country and 17 thermal spas. Spa resorts are not only popular with tourists looking for wellness, many attract their fair share of business tourists. With its resorts, hotels, congress and exhibition centres, nature and central position, Slovenia is an up and coming MICE destination. On 22 and 23 January Ljubljana will host the South East European exhibition for meetings and incentives, Conventa, the main business tourism event in the region. Around a third of the tourists in winter stay at the ski resorts where January and February are the busiest months. Slovenia’s major ski centres are all easy to reach from the capital, Ljubljana. The six biggest ski centres are Krvavec which lies next to Ljubljana Airport; Kranjska Gora, near the border with Austria; Vogel, high above Lake Bohinj; Pohorje in Maribor; Rogla in Zreče; and Cerkno close to Idrija in the west of Slovenia. Last season the ski resorts saw the number of visitors in the winter season rise 11% to 1.3 million. This winter season the first ski resorts opened on the last weekend in November. Ljubljana is a destination for all seasons. 20% of visitors in the country stay in the capital which bursts with energy in December when the Ljubljana Festive Fair draws thousands of visitors in the evenings. In December 2012, Ljubljana recorded a 7% rise in tourist arrivals and overnight stays. In December 2012 even the seaside resorts saw the number of tourists rise. The Adriatic Sea provides the coast with a mild winter, when sun seekers make way for business tourists and those looking for relaxation. The winter season in Slovenia is packed with events and festivities. It starts with the wine and food festivals around Saint Martin’s Day on 11 November then continues with the December festivities in the run up to Christmas and ends with Carnival at the beginning of March. During this period a wide variety of events are organised, ranging from the erotic fair Erotica 69 on 14 - 16 December in Celje to the Snow Castle Building Championships from 24 - 26 January in Črna na Koroškem.
Cover photo by Shutterstock
The centre of Ljubljana in December 2012; Photo: Mark Koghee
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Winter Tips – Kranjska Gora
Winter in Kranjska Gora The lively adventures of the Julian Alps are waiting for you in Kranjska Gora and its surroundings. There are countless adventures you can try, from an active holiday to the peaceful discovery of the nature and cultural heritage. You can uncover the mystery of wellbeing in the rich wellness offer, attend business and social meetings or take your family to explore the mystical past of the Zgornjesavska valley. Snow kindergarten, Kranjska Gora; Archive LTO Kranjska Gora
Skiing; Archive LTO Kranjska Gora
Kranjska Gora, Winter; Archive LTO Kranjska Gora
Kranjska Gora, Winter; Archive LTO Kranjska Gora
The white fairytale of Kranjska Gora offers the possibility of countless adventures. Skiers and snowboarders will find their challenge on the snow-covered slopes, while others can find their recreation on the well-kept cross-country tracks or sledding on the toboggan runs. Climbing a frozen waterfall, a snow park, igloo village, ice skating, day and night snowshoeing, hikes with torches are all unforgettable experiences. The white soul of Kranjska Gora is and always will be Alpine skiing. A special characteristic of the skiing offer of Kranjska Gora is the diversity of the slopes, offering quality skiing to both beginners and experienced skiers alike. You can step onto the ski slope directly by stepping out of bed. The only thing between your hotel and the ski trails is the snow beach, which can occasionally lure you to enjoy the winter sun instead of skiing, while ski instructors with the help of a baby lift and various animating obstacles, teach your children to ski. If you do not ski but have the will to do so, we can add a patient instructor and lend you the ski equipment so that you can go down the hill of the beginner’s slope on your first day. With time, you will advance and might someday try out the competition run in Podkoren, the venue of the annual Alpine Skiing World Cup. Cross-country skiing is probably one of the finest ways to see Kranjska Gora in the winter. Around 40 kilometres of well-kept cross-country tracks will lead you through the winter fairyland around Kranjska Gora. From December 2013 in Kranjska Gora you can visit Ice Park. Ice sculptures are one of the most extravagant and unique art forms. Uncompromising beauty, literally carved out of water, for one single occasion, one event, one day that you will never forget. Kranjska Gora offers a rich selection of culinary specialties with special emphasis given to traditional Slovene dishes. Catering services are provided by local inns with a family tradition, whose genuine domestic dishes preserve a taste of a homely atmosphere and the identity of the Alpine landscape, as well as modern restaurants and family pensions where special attention is devoted to satisfying the needs of guests. The tables of inns and restaurants are thus full of Italian, Austrian and German cuisine, fish specialities and top-level international cuisine. For more about the winter events in Kranjska Gora go to www.kranjska-gora.si.
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The Slovenia Times | Winter Tips 2013
Winter Events in Kranjska Gora Moreover the tourist destination is true to its slogan “Vivid experiences of the Julian Alps”, offering visitors social and other events and entertainment. From Sunday, 8.12.2013 until Sunday, 2.3.2014, in Kranjska Gora on the Snow Beach (except 14.12.2013), we organise “Kranjska Gora welcomes you” events. On Saturday, 14.12.2013, behind the Hotel Larix in Kranjska Gora, the Snow Party will take place. We will present ski schools, a torch show, the “Pancertanz” party, children’s animation and the Blow Up concert. During the winter there will be many events such as the Arrival of Santa Claus (22.12.2013), a Live Christmas Crib in Ice (25.12.2013 – 30.12.2013, 1.1.2014, 3.1.2014 & 4.1.2014), an outdoor New Year’s Eve Celebration (31.12.2013), a Winter Magic Day (19.1.2014), the Vitranc Cup (8.3.-9.3.2014), the Q Max Party (8.3.2014), Ski-flying in Planica (20.3.2014 – 23.3.2014) and Open Air Planica (22.3.2014) and much more.
Live Christmas Crib in Ice; Archive LTO Kranjska Gora, Photo Pavel Skumavc Planica; Archive LTO Kranjska Gora, Photo Matjaž Vidmar
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Winter Tips – Pohorje
Welcome to Pohorje, the heart of untouched nature...
Photo: Aljaž Sedovšek
Pohorje is a green oasis at the eastern edge of the Alps, spanning the Drava river in the north and the Slovenj Gradec valley, Dravinja hills and Dravsko-Ptujsko field in the south. This is a world of rich forests, hidden lakes, wild gorges, waterfalls, marshes, beautiful pastures and panoramic peaks. Soft paths, the fresh forest climate (the special air purity is suitable for pulmonary patients), the pleasant coolness of the clear and healing Pohorje water, rich flora, fauna and natural attractions fascinates all nature lovers. Pohorje offers you a variety of recreation, snow challenges, mountain biking for families or expert bikers, or just a quiet getaway to clear your thoughts and relax away from the crazy world. The central ridge of Pohorje, which extends above the City of Maribor, is inviting in both winter and summer. Pohorje has become a synonym for idyllic skiing, relaxation and recreation. The tourist offer is enormous and evolves from year to year, giving plenty of opportunities for active holidays whilst at the same time its beauty, enriched with natural and cultural heritage is preserved. In winter it becomes Slovenia’s largest ski resort offering winter sports on 42km of ski slopes for all types of skiers, up to 1000m altitude with the highest point at 1327m. The Pohorje ridges, next to the ski slopes, offer 27km of cross-country ski runs. The slopes are connected by five chair lifts, sixteen ski lifts, two baby lifts and a cable car which takes visitors from the valley to the top in less than ten minutes. A multiday ski pass on Mariborsko Pohorje can also be used at the Kope, Ribniško Pohorje and Kranjska Gora ski resorts. Pohorje also offers one of the longest illuminated ski slopes in Europe, a 10km run from the top to the valley and it is suitable for beginners, advanced skiers and for the best female alpine
skiers in the world who meet here every year in the Audi FIS Ski World Cup - Golden Fox Competition (–the 50 th Anniversary event will be held 2 – 3 February.2014). Pohorje is also a place for lovers of telemark skiing, extreme snowboarders, fans of carving and hikers, who can enjoy the beauty of Pohorje in all seasons. The Maribor Pohorje ski resort is one of the few ski resorts placed near a city centre. The top of Pohorje and the city center are connected by the cable car and a city bus which stops next to the lower cable car station. In the summer Pohorje is a popular tourist and recreational point for all generations. It offers diverse possibilities to spend a valuable vacation full of fun and unique experiences. At this time of the year, nature lovers can spice up their holidays using the sporting fields or horseback riding, hiking on trails or harvesting energy at the Bolfenk energy trail. The paths and trails are perfect for bikers who can stay at the bike village or bike camp. Golf enthusiasts can test their skills at the golf driving range, which is located next to the hotel Arena. Those
seeking an adrenaline kick can visit the adrenaline park, go paintballing, ride in the bike park or go summer sledging with PohorJet. For children, we offer a variety of animation and different workshops at the Bolfenk fairytale village, located at the top of Pohorje. In all seasons Pohorje offers high quality accommodation in the vicinity of the slopes and summer activities. Guests can choose between almost 1,000 available tourist beds in hotels or apartments of different categories. Hotel Arena**** is located at the edge of Pohorje, near the longest illuminated ski slope. It is designed especially for sport enthusiasts, businessmen, families and individual guests who want to experience the comfort of intact nature. The hotel offer includes a big terrace with a marvellous view over the snow stadium and the forests. Sunny rooms, an energy wellness centre with the first wine sauna in Slovenia, energy purified rooms and sophisticated cuisine create the uniqueness of the hotel. The hotel-apartment complex Bolfenk***/**** & Martin is located at 1050m, on the top of Mariborsko Pohorje. Surrounded by forests it is a paradise for relaxation of body and soul. All hotel menus offer excellent cuisine, as well as all the local specialties. Additionally, all accommodation facilities offer pampering in spa and wellness centres, with a variety of massage and beauty programmes. All facilities in the Pohorje area are situated in the heart of nature, just a short distance from the city centre. When you wish to reach it, you are only a few minutes away from the old town which offers hidden corners and cafes, nightlife and relaxing walks along the Drava river. More at www.pohorje.org
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The Slovenia Times | Winter Tips 2013
Winter Tips – Bohinj/Vogel
Bohinj –
building a sustainable future for people and nature Winter sports have a rich tradition in Bohinj, the first national skiing competitions were held here. Today there is something for everyone – whatever the preferred method of descending snow-covered slopes.
Vogel Ski Centre
Bohinj - Ski Train Winter in Bohinj
Downhill skiers and snowboarders can choose from the ski centres of Vogel, Pokljuka, Senožeta, Soriška planina. Snowboarders will enjoy the snowboarding park on Vogel which is increasingly popular among top snowboarders. Cross-country skiers can set off on the circular cross-country trail at Dobrava, it is no exaggeration to say that it is the most beautiful trail for miles around. There are also trails in Ukanc, on Fužinarsko Polje, in the Upper Bohinj Valley below the Senožeta ski centre and in Gorjuše. In winters when there is little snow, there is always Goreljek and Rudno Polje.
TURIZEM BOHINJ
We are well aware of the importance of our natural environment and therefore we decided to cooperate with the Slovenian Railway Company. Vogel Ski Centre and Alpetour transport services enable guests and visitors a complete ski and winter activity experiences, presenting a special offer. The Bohinj - Ski Train service is intended for those who care for the environment and who also want to spend a day or two without any worries. The train is a great place to read a newspaper and rest, then a bus will take you to the ski centre where you can avoid the queues and step on to a direct cable car to Mt Vogel where equipment can be rented for enjoying winter activities on natural snow. More information: www.bohinj.si, info@bohinj.si
E.ON
IBU SVETOVNI POKAL V BIATLONU 5.-9. marec 2014, Pokljuka
E.ON IBU WORLD CUP BIATHLON
5-9 March 2014 PROGRAM / COMPETITION PROGRAMME: 6. 3. œetrtek / Thursday 12:30 Šprint moški / Sprint Men 15:30 Šprint ženske / Sprint Women 7. 3. petek / Friday Uradni trening / Official training 8. 3. sobota / Saturday 11:15 Zasledovalno moški / Pursuit Men 13:25 Zasledovalno ženske/ Pursuit Women 9. 3. nedelja / Sunday 11:15 Skupinski štart moški / Mass Start Men 13:25 Skupinski štart ženske / Mass Start Women
Winter Tips – Stari Vrh
Stari Vrh
Stari Vrh – slopes and sun; Photo: Simon Bregar
A Place for Everyone
Gostišče in penzion Stari vrh
Stari Vrh is versatile. It can satisfy both advanced skiers and beginners, although more suited to experienced skiersThere is a variety of activities for everyone: from the children’s park to a cross county track. Lodging and food are a chapter of their own. It would be a sin not to visit one of the surrounding inns or tourist farms.
Located at the centre of Stari vrh, at an altitude of 1032 metres, next to the top of the chairlift. From here you can enjoy marvellous views of the Karavanke and Kamniško-Savinjske Alps. The restaurant has been refurbished and the offer extended. The restaurant seats 80, there are 6 rooms for 25 people and a wintergarden with a fireplace for up to 50 people. In the rooms downstairs, we have added a mini fitness studio, sauna and massage bath and new bathrooms.
Close to Ljubljana, Stari vrh is a great solution for a day trip and even more interesting for night skiing on its illuminated slopes. Stari vrh may not be one of the biggest resorts, but with its wide range of services and Three Points About Stari Vrh facilities it can easily compete. 1. It is only a 45-minute drive from Ljubljana. Although it is
Night skiing at Stari Vrh
not technically the closest, the fact you can ski right from the parking lot, unlike Krvavec, it is definitely the place you can reach first. 2. The illuminated piste is something every advanced skier wants. 3. Short queues and heated seats make for a quick journey to the top on the six seater express lift:
Winter on the Farm Although day skiing is a great option, a vacation is also a good idea. You can choose to stay at a tourist farm or apartment, some of which are located right in the middle of the slope. Stari Vrh – snow park; Photo: Matjaž Mazzini
This year the Stari vrh ski resort offers not only wellprepared ski pistes for both experienced and beginner skiers but also night sledging from the top of the sixperson chairlift to its lower terminal, as well as an iceskating rink only 400 metres away from the restaurant. Culinary delights are prepared in a bread oven and on a wood-burning cooker giving our dishes a special taste. Our menu offers you various local dishes: beef stew, game goulash, pasulj, jota and ričet, broth, roast pork steaks, medallions, steaks with garnishes, a variety of salads, house specialities and home-made sweets, such as gibanica, tiramisu, cheese and apple strudels, hot fruit parfait. We also make hot dogs, hamburgers and many kinds of pizzas. You are warmly welcome to Stari vrh, where plenty of skiing and fresh air awaits you and to the Gostišče in penzion Stari vrh where you will eat well and gain new strength for new challenges.
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The Slovenia Times | Winter Tips 2013
Winter Tips – Slovenian natural spas and health resorts
Slovenian natural spas and health resorts The natural healing effects of thermal water, soothing maritime and mountain climates with aerosols, salt water and saline mud, healing peloids and peat, are those healing sources with which Slovenia has been richly blessed by nature and which form the basis of the activity of 15 Slovenian natural spas and health resorts. In addition to the wide range of nursing and medical programs, therapeutic massages and saunas, the offers of Slovenian spas and health resorts show many features.
The variety comes due to the various climatic characteristics - they are in fact located across almost all different parts of Slovenia, from the coast, over the hills of Dolenjska and Posavje, the river valleys of Savinja and Sotla to the region of Pomurje and the Pannonian Plain. The development and establishment of Slovenian natural spas and health resorts is struck by the wealth of the unspoilt nature of our country. The most important of these are the thermal waters with different properties and temperatures (24C-73C) and mineral waters (the worldfamous mineral water Donat Mg and Radenska), and also sea water and salt water (Aqua madre), salt pan mud, peloids organic and inorganic origin and the microclimate of the coastal region, the Pannonian lowlands, as well as the foothills and the central mountains. Spa and medical spa activities in Slovenian natural spas include both preventive health as well as rehabilitation treatments with additional use of natural remedies. The basis of spa activities forms the recognised healing powers of natural remedies in relation to individual disease states. The technical basis of spa treatment is balneology (Greek balneo = bathing, logos = science), one of the oldest interdisciplinary medical sciences. The spa physicians must also have, despite specialisation in their own fields, particular expertise in the field of balneology. The use of natural remedies has enabled the resorts a medical specialisation for individual diseases, damage and disability. In the spas, the treatments are performed with the help of different natural resources, drinking cures, mineral and thermal baths, mud baths, salt water and carbonic acid baths and medicinal herbal therapies. Slovenia’s natural health resorts have developed in places with mineral and thermal springs over the last hundred years to the locations where modern rehabilitation of patients after surgery and patients with chronic diseases and conditions are offered. In addition to the use of natural healing factors, there is also medical rehabilitation; work therapy and physiotherapy available to patients. Qualified professionals from various disciplines supervise the rehabilitation. There are, in some centres, also the option to perform advanced diagnostic tests. Medical rehabilitation in Slovenian natural spas is based on a holistic approach and the goal of treatment is for the fastest possible integration of the patient, after serious illnesses or operations, back into active life or alleviating the symptoms of patients with chronic diseases/illnesses. People discovered the secrets of wellbeing in Slovenian thermal springs long ago. The rich thermal spa culture in Slovenia has been evidenced in excavations from the time of the Roman Empire, written documents estimate the use of thermal water dating as far back as 1147. Slovenia lies at the junction of the transit routes, north-south and eastwest and thus has always been part of the culture of the Old Continent.
Source of Life Energy Slovenian natural spas are well equipped spa and recreational centres where you can swim, run, walk, practice with various equipment, play golf and tennis, enjoy bowling, horseback riding, skiing, cycling and learn to live in a healthy way. Slovenia’s natural health resorts are based on a harmonious relationship between wisdom, experience, nature, characteristics of the land and the typical hospitality. As a result of this, each guest can find in this mosaic of health and wellbeing exactly what they want and need. For more information: Association of Slovenian spas and health resorts Teharska cesta 40 , 3000 Celje Tel : +386 3544 21 11 Or visit us at: www.slovenia-spa.si
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The Slovenia Times | Winter Tips 2013
Winter Tips – Slovenian winter cuisine
Slovenian winter cuisine Fuel for cold winter days
Kisla repa, žganci, ocvirki, struklji and potica. These words very likely won’t raise an appetite, but if you are Slovenian they can make your mouth water! So, a short introduction to Slovenian (winter) cuisine.
Kranjska klobasa; Photo: STO
Cabbages and turnips, were and are, what Slovenian winter cuisine is largely all about. The current winter cuisine derives from old traditions. In long gone days, when refrigerators and imported food didn’t exist, the only vitamin rich dishes around were turnips and cabbages which were pickled and stored in barrels for winter. As in many other countries, sauerkraut, in Slovenia called kislo zelje, is a popular winter dish. But the Slovenians have an even more popular counterpart; the sweeter sour turnip called kisla repa. It looks like sauerkraut but the taste is far more delicate. Other national specialties complement kisla repa. Take žganci which is made of buckwheat and is served with ocvirki (tiny slices of tender pork crackling) sprinkled over it and kransjka klobasa; a sausage that originates from the town
of Kranj. Also struklji complements well, these dough rolls can be filled with cheese, walnuts, beans, potatoes or breadcrumbs. Christmas in Slovenia is a time for sweet surprises. The potica roll cake is a must during this period. There are around 60 types of this traditional Slovenian roll cake that has been around since, at least, the 16th century. There are many more Slovenian dishes. As small as this country might be, its regions are all very different from each other as they are all influenced by different cultures. Slovenian food has Italian, Austrian, Hungarian and Balkan influences. Ethnologists have divided the country into 23 gastronomic regions each with their own specialties. After a long day in the winter cold there is plenty of “fuel” to choose from to fire up your body’s heating system.
Istrska jota; Photo: STO
Makova potica; Photo: Mark Koghee
Winter Tips – Festive december
Festive December makes city centres sparkle You have to see it to believe it but on cold evenings in December, when the temperature drops below zero, the streets in the centre of Ljubljana fill with people. Slovenians celebrate the month of December not just in the warmth of their homes but also outside on the streets.
Maribor in December; Photo: Studio Zelnik
December is a special time in Slovenian cities. When the temperatures are low and the days short, Christmas fairs and Christmas lights make the centres sparkle. Ljubljana’s Festive Fair is the pinnacle of Slovenia’s December festivities. The fair starts this year on 3 December when the Christmas lights in the centre are lit. Ljubljana’s Christmas lights are an attraction on their own. Each December, Ljubljana is lit up by thousands of Christmas crib in Postojnska jama; Photo: Postojnska jama
lights in different colours and shapes. Trees, buildings, the boats on the Ljubljanica River, Castle Hill, the castle, bridges; everything is lit. In total there is 40 kilometres of Christmas lights in the centre. When darkness sets in, the lights create a unique atmosphere. The inauguration of the Christmas lights is also the beginning of the Ljubljana Festive Fair. Stalls in the centre sell gluhwein, liqueurs, sausages and other snacks, accessories and of course Christmas products. During the fair there are performances on several podiums in the city. The festivities culminate in the New Year’s Eve celebration in the centre. In the last week of December, Ljubljana’s Festive Fair attracts thousands of people every evening. For many, this is THE place to exchange good wishes.
Maribor The centre of Slovenia’s second biggest city, Maribor, is also vibrant in December. From 3 -31 December there will be a Christmas market in the Old Town. On 5, 7, 18, 21, 27 and 31 December, popular Slovenian singers and bands will perform at the Leon Štukelj Square. December in Ljubljana, festively adorned Prešeren Square; Photo: Dunja Wedam
Koper In the coastal town of Koper the Christmas lights will be lit on 5 December at Tito Square. In the old harbour of Koper, New Year will be celebrated with a market and concerts in the evening. Celje, Ptuj, Novo Mesto, Kranj and Bled are among the other cities with Christmas fairs in December and open air New Year celebrations.
Spectacular nativity plays To get in the Christmas mood, visits to Postonja Cave or the Mlačca Del waterfall in Mojstrana are highly recommended. In the underground world in Postonja, the story of the birth of baby Jesus is brought to life in a spectacular live play with lights and music between the stalactite formations. The nativity play will be held on 22, 25, 26, 28, 29 and 30 December at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. In front of the cave there will be a Christmas market. Amidst the frozen Mlačca Del waterfalls in Mojstrana the live Christmas crib in ice is another fascinating spectacle. This year will be the twelfth consecutive year of the ‘Icy Kingdom of the Snow Queen’. The live crib is situated between numerous strings of ice that cover trees and bridges. There will be plays from 25-31 December, 1 January and 4 January. Each of these days there is a show at 4pm, 5pm and 6pm.
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The Slovenia Times | Winter Tips 2013
Winter Tips – MICE
Apimondia, World congress of Apiculture; Photo I. Lapajne (Cankarjev dom/STO)
SLOVENIA – come as a guest, leave as a friend
Despite Slovenia being on the world congress map for more than three decades,many meeting planners still regard it as a new destination. But for many meeting planners, Slovenia is considered a hidden European treasure.
Ljubljana - along the riverbanks; Photo: D. Brenko
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The Slovenia Times | Winter Tips 2013
Slovenia lies at the very heart of Europe, where the Alps and the Mediterranean meet the Pannonian planes and the mysterious Karst. The majority of European capitals have a flight time of less than two hours, and the international airport of Ljubljana is located in the middle of the country - with highway connections to all parts of the country and is less than half an hour away from the capital city Ljubljana. The proximity of opposites and contrasts is a hallmark of the country. Slovenia is a compact country, rich on geographical diversity and cultural heritage. Meetings made in Slovenia are memorable. Green is the dominant colour of Slovenia; half the country is covered with woods. Mountains, lakes, waterfalls, forests, caves, hills, planes, rivers, thermal springs, the sea and many natural and landscape parks you name it, Slovenia got it, all in only 20.273 km2 (half the size of Switzerland). This makes Slovenia an attractive meetings (and especially incentive) destination particularly for those that love nature. With three climate regions only within one hour drive the country offers endless opportunities also for demanding meeting organisers. The meeting locations in Slovenia are very diverse, offering numerouschoices according to individual preferences. Many will go to the capital – Ljubljana, which has maintained the relaxed atmosphere of a compact, walkableand picturesque city. Offering two congress centres for up to 2.200 participants and three congress hotels and several hotels with meeting facilities. Maribor is another major town which was European capital of culture 2012, where the oldest vine in the world grows in the middle of the city. Or Nova Gorica − the gambling and entertainment Mecca of Slovenia. Or the town of Ptuj, the oldest city of Slovenia. The country has severalcoastal resorts, such as Portorož with extensive meeting facilities, or the medieval fisherman town of Piran - one of the most photographed images of the country and very popular incentive spot. Striking Alpine settings like Bledwith over 1000 years of history and scenery that will take your breath away, or Bohinj within the Triglav National Park, or Kranjska Gora, which is well known by ski fans; You can find hotels with meeting facilities in all these places. The country has many spas with excellent wellness programmes and meeting facilities, most of them set in lush rural surroundings (Rogaška, Čatez, Radenci, Olimia, Dolenjske Toplice,
Vasco da Gama Room, Morje Hotels, Portorož; Photo: Hoteli Morje - Portorož (STO)
Laško, Ptuj, Dobrna). And, on top, localities with specific characteristics like, in the Karst region, the Lipica Stud Farm or the Postojna Cave. Imagine a teambuilding in one of the underground caves. Culinary heritage developed from the traditions of the countryside and medieval towns, and was later influenced by monastic orders and the nobility. During AustroHungarian rule it was strongly enriched by Central European styles and tastes, through Italy it was influenced by Mediterranean cuisines, and the two world wars contributed Balkan traditions. First Slovenian-language cookbook was published already 1799 by the Slovenian poet Valentin Vodnik. Traditional Slovenian cuisine is based on the cultural influences of the Alpine, Mediterranean, and Pannonian regions. It includes an abundance of game and fish, but the culinary tradition is dominated by simple food. Influences of two different geographical worlds come together in a climate ideal for growing wines. The variety of cultivars, coupled with variations in natural conditions, provides a rich diversity of taste, bouquet, and color in numerous wines. A rich blend of heritage, experience, and expertise creates the basis for the high quality of Slovenian wines. Slovenian gastronomy is an important part of the meeting experience that delegates take home and make them want to come back. Meetings are organised by people and Slovenian dedicated and committed professionals strive that meetings achieve return on investment.
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th SoUtH eASt eURoPeAN eXHiBitioN foR MeetiNGS, eveNtS & iNceNtive tRAveL
www.coNveNtA.iNfo
explore the emerging destinations of South east europe over a cup of coffee.
22 - 23 JANUARY 2014, Ljubljana—Slovenia
Winter Tips – MICE in Ljubljana
Focus on Congress Destination Ljubljana Ljubljana, which means “beloved”, is a city that provides a personal touch and is wrapped up in green, not only in terms of the natural environment.
Ljubljana – panorama; Photo: Janez Kotar
This year it was among the four shortlisted cities for the Green Capital of Europe 2015 award which focuses on sustainability measures. Ljubljana was also one of the four recipients of the Eurocities 2013 award in the Smart living category. In other words, we strive to share our quality of life with visitors and conference delegates alike! Ljubljana is distinguished by an attractive historic quarter with a lounge-style feel, as well as by a lively cultural agenda, ranging from the classical to the modern, fuelled by 60,000 university students in a population of 280,000. The city centre, with an expanding traffic-free zone that includes the Old Town, offers many options for networking and genuine experiences. Despite being on the European conference map for more than 30 years, Ljubljana still has an aura of newness. Foreign meeting planners who know it agree it is a logistically stress-free destination, since its compact size facilitates walking between most meeting venues, hotels and main sights within 15 minutes. Locals have good foreign language skills, therefore understanding visitors in everyday situations is easy. Another asset are the two largest congress venues, Cankarjev dom Cultural and Congress Centre and the
Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, with the maximum plenary capacity of 2,000 and 2,200 seats respectively, plus a range of other function rooms/halls. Both are located in the city centre and provide, due to their different layout, a range of diverse functionalities. Cankarjev dom, operating since the early 1980s, has made considerable investment into its space and technical upgrades over the last years. Most recently is the partial makeover (seats included) of the largest auditorium and the total overhaul of the second largest hall (560 seats). Cankarjev dom is also a highly acknowledged professional congress organiser with a comprehensive track record of international events. The Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre was completely renovated between 2005-2008, successfully strengthening its brand as a versatile events centre with diversified, high quality programmes aimed at both professionals and the broader public.
Ljubljana’s congress calendar features scientific and expert meetings of regional and broader interest. The largest by attendance in 2013 and 2014 are:
5th Conference of the European Survey Research Association – ESRA
Faculty of Social Sciences, 2013
Congress of the Paediatric Rheumatology European Society – PReS
CD, 2013
1.000
18th ESCRS - European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons Winter Meeting
CD, 2014
1.000
World Psychiatric Association – WPA Regional Meeting 2014
CD, 2014
800
40 World Scout Conference – WOSM
GR, 2014
1.500
14th Congress of the European Association of Agricultural Economists – EAAE
GR, 2014
800
The Travel Convention – ABTA, Association of British Travel Agents
GR, 2014
600
th
CD - Cankarjev dom Cultural and Congress Centre; GR - Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre
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The Slovenia Times | Winter Tips 2013
600
Winter Tips – MICE in Ljubljana/Thermana Laško Ljubljana’s geographical location, with an eye to the south east, helps to attract more delegates from the developing ‘New Europe’. Excellent organisational skills are also underlined by the success in hosting EuroBasket 2013, the largest sporting event that Slovenia and Ljubljana has welcomed so far. Ljubljana will be also proudly hosting the Conventa Show in 2014 for the sixth time. Ljubljana offers 2,500 hotel rooms, with more than 50% 4-star. The portfolio spans from modern design
properties to those with a distinct historic feel. Small boutique hotels, several of which are in the Old Town, represent a new product being developed. Other accommodation options include a choice of B&B’s, trendy short-let apartments and youth hostels in excellent locations. Many hotels boast high quality meeting facilities. The largest hotel convention hall – the Grand Union, can welcome up to 800 delegates theatre-style.
An array of function venues is available in the city centre. The Ljubljana Castle, which has been extensively renovated, is one of the prime choices. A number of museums, galleries and other cultural institutions, housed in historic buildings, also provide picturesque settings for events. Due to the short distances within the country (the Adriatic coast is 110km and the Alpine region just 50 km from the city), Ljubljana is an ideal base for attractive incentive programmes offering a host of different activities in nearby localities. Inventive and professional DMC agencies are responding to new trends by creating programmes that focus on Corporate Social Responsibility. To learn more about Ljubljana as a Meeting & Incentive destination, please download ”A Key to Ljubljana for Meeting Planners” and “Ljubljana – Tips for Incentives” from: www.visitljubljana.com/meetings.
Concert at the Congress Square in the heart of Ljubljana; Photo: Dunja Wedam
Business the Wellness Way Thermana Laško has gone through a big investment cycle over recent years. With the opening of the new hotel, Wellness Park Laško and within it the Wellness Spa Centre, Thermal Centre and a modern Congress Centre, it has turned out to be the right strategic decision.
There is a fine line between a business and a wellness client due to the comprehensive offer of Thermana Laško. The Congress Centre, with its 10 modern halls, hi-tech equipment and environmentally friendly label and connected directly to the hotel rooms and wellness area, attracts people to organise their events in the very heart of Slovenia. After a long business meeting, education or conference there is nothing like the pampering of body and soul. The Thermana Laško Congress Centre Hosted the 11th Conference of Slovenian Electrical Power Engineers From 27 - 29 May 2013, Thermana Laško hosted the 11th Conference of Slovenian Electrical Power Engineers where a record number of 249 papers were delivered. Over 400 lecturers and debaters, divided into 21 study committees, discussed the most burning issues for the development and functioning of the electrical systems in Slovenia and worldwide. Mr Andre Merlin, Chairman of the Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE), from Paris, France and Mr Herbert Haidvogel, Chairman of the International Conference on Electricity Distribution
(CIRED) from Vienna, Austria, also attended the conference. The conference’s honorary patron was Mr Borut Pahor, President of the Republic of Slovenia. At the opening of the conference awards were presented to meritorious electrical power engineers. Mr Krešimir Bakič, Chairman of the Slovenian Committee CIGRÉ-CIRED and the first Chairman of SEERC (South East European Region of CIGRE) said: “The conference at the Thermana Laško Congress Centre was very successful. Not only because of an incredibly large number of professional contributions and quality discussions as well as an outstanding exhibition of products and services for the electrical sector, but also because of the remarkable support at this truly beautiful Congress Centre. As the conference’s organisers we received a lot of compliments from the participants, who emphasised the outstanding conditions, beautiful congress rooms and good technical equipment. In summary, the conference ran like clockwork.” Information: +386 (0) 3 423 20 00, www.thermana.si, info@thermana.si
Winter Tips 2013 | The Slovenia Times
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Winter Tips – Bled
Bled –
athletes playground and meeting place of world leaders Bled is undoubtedly the icon of Slovenia, a magical place where natural beauty enchants and inspires visitors from all corners of the world. Its attraction and powers were worshipped by pilgrims in the Middle Ages, rediscovered by the Swiss healer, Arnold Rikli, in the 19th century, relished by the Yugoslav royal family between the two world wars and subsequently enjoyed by Tito and his many prominent guests. What is it that makes Bled so appealing to the modern business traveller?
Meetings now and then It may be the tradition of hosting a colourful palette of high-end events ranging from corporate, government and association meetings to prestigious sporting competitions and social events, which makes Bled the perfect host. Infrastructure is undoubtedly important and Bled features the Bled Congress Centre with space for 500 delegates, as well as a plethora of hotels with excellent conference and accommodation facilities within walking distance of one another – but at the end of the day it is the human touch that ensures the success of any event. Bled is proud to have hosted the PEN International Writers’ Meetings since 1977; four World Rowing Championships, most recently in 2011; and to be chosen as the meeting place of statesmen from around the world who congregate annually at the Bled Strategic Forum; to name a few events that have made Bled their home.
Hotel meeting facilities for every taste and budget Meeting planners looking for a combination of tradition and luxury will select the five-star Grand Hotel Toplice as their base; those requiring a large hotel conference centre will choose the Golf Hotel which has the additional benefit of a modern wellness centre, or the Alpine-style Kompas Hotel which prides itself on a high level of personal attention. The Park Hotel and Best Western Premier Lovec Hotel are two friendly four-star alternatives, while the three-star Astoria Hotel boasts newly renovated facilities and the Jelovica and Ribno are long established, value-for-money favourites.
The great outdoors beckons If participants would like to blend business with pleasure, Bled offers plenty of possibilities. Lying at the edge of Triglav National Park, nature is at its best, providing a wonderful playground for golfers, cyclists, hikers and adrenaline sports enthusiasts. Why not visit the Adventure Park on Straža hill or work out and team build with Olympic rowing champions?
Back to basics cuisine Tradition is also honoured in the dishes created by the young and ambitious chefs of Bled. The chef at Hotel Triglav likes to study old recipes prepared in the same hotel by previous generations and modernise them with his inventiveness to make new dishes with a touch of
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The Slovenia Times | Winter Tips 2013
nostalgia. The menu at the Lovec Hotel’s Grill Restaurant features such regional delicacies as Carniolan sausage, Bled trout and cottage cheese “štruklji” and the chef proudly uses only the best and freshest local ingredients.
Special venues for special events Good company and excellent food require a special ambience in which to be enjoyed. In Bled, the choice ranges from the rustic to the chic, from the relaxed to the elegant. How about a medieval reception at Bled’s majestic cliff-top castle, a tasting of traditional Slovenian “potica” cakes on the country’s only island to which guests will be taken by wooden boat, a standing reception in the VIP lounge of the Velika Zaka rowing centre, a cocktail party on the terrace of the trendy Vila Prešeren or a gala dinner at Vila Bled’s mural-embellished Concert Hall? Alternatively, you might venture into nearby Radovljica, a village with a well-preserved old core, to enjoy a touch of history combined with culinary delights in one of the traditional Slovenian inns or the stately Radovljica Mansion.
Meetings in Bled go green Locals and visitors are in agreement: this piece of paradise has to be preserved. Meetings in Bled are committed to honouring this, with Sava Hoteli Bled the forerunner of the trend. In the framework of their “Green for a better tomorrow” project, the hotel group aims to reduce energy and water consumption and dish up healthy local coffee breaks and carbon neutral water, among other initiatives. Bled’s (meeting) future looks bright – we wish Bled a lot of success in attaining their 2020 goal, to become the most sought after and inspiring sustainable alpine meeting destination.
Lake Bled
Inspiration in all Seasons • • • • • • •
unique natural environment easy access plenary meeting space for up to 500 delegates state-of-the art meeting & hotel infrastructure rich tradition in hosting meetings and events broad palette of special venues superb cuisine
Bled Tourist Board & Convention Bureau, Cesta svobode 11, 4260 Bled, Slovenia, T: +386 4 578 05 00, E: meetings@dzt.bled.si, www.bled.si
Winter Tips – Sport Events
Visit the best skiers in the world on the Slovenian slopes To see the world’s best skiers live in action this winter you don’t have to travel all the way to the Olympics in the Russian city of Sochi. You can visit Slovenia where, from January until 7 March, World Cup events will be held. Slovenians are avid skiers. After each Winter Olympics the country finishes high in the ranking of medals per capita. Skiing is the number one sport in the country. Slovenians not only prove it on the pistes, but also as spectators when they create a festive atmosphere while cheering their athletes. At the seven Slovenian world cup events this winter, sport meets culture.
18 January, Rogla
Snowboard World Cup For the second time, the Rogla ski resort between Ljubljana and Maribor, will host the snowboard World Cup parallel grand slalom. The races will be held on Saturday, 18 January. The day will start at 9.30am with qualification runs and the finals start at 1.30pm. On the Thursday and Friday before race day there will be training runs on Rogla. Entrance is free. www.snowboard.rogla.eu
24-26 January, Srednja Vas v Bohinju
Bohinj Telemark World Cup The slope of the Senožeta ski centre near the village of Srednja Vas v Bohinju will, in the last weekend of January, be the scene of the Telemark World Cup. For telemark skiing the boots are attached only at the toes, therefore a special telemark technique is needed to ski. At the Bohinj World Cup, skiers will contest sprint races. www.bohinj.si/telemark
25-26 January, Ljubno
Women’s Ski Jumping World Cup The best women ski-jumpers in the world will gather on the weekend of 25 and 26 January in the town of Ljubno in the Upper Savinja Valley. Ljubno, also known as the cradle of women ski jumping, is where the first races in the women’s Continental Cup were held on the 60 metre high ramp. www.ljubno-skoki.si
1 February, Maribor
50 th Golden Fox Ladies Alpine World Cup The Golden Fox event in Maribor is one the highlights of the Slovenian winter. This year the race down the Pohorje
Maribor, Skiing World Cup, Tina Maze; Photo: Aleš Fevžer (STO)
hill will be extra festive because it will be for the 50th time. Last year the Golden Fox recorded a spectator record when more than 40,000 people visited the race. In this anniversary year the Golden Fox is set to be a good final test before the Olympics a week later in Sochi. www.goldenfox.org
3-9 March, Pokljuka
World Cup Biathlon For almost a week the Pokljuka plateau will be taken over by the world’s best biathletes. Normally held in December, the biathlon World Cup will be moved to March because of the Olympics. It will be the first high level biathlon event following the Olympics and so for the biathletes for whom the Games in Sochi go sour, it will be the first chance for revenge. In Pokljuka the athletes start on the Monday with training. The first races will be sprint races for men and women on Thursday 6 March with mass start races, the grand finale, on Sunday 9 March. www.biathlon-pokljuka.com
8-9 March, Kranjska Gora
53rd Pokal Vitranc 2014 Mens Alpine World Cup While the world’s best biathletes make their rounds on Pokljuka, just a dozen kilometres further north the best Alpine skiers will be sliding down the Vitranc slope at Podkoren. With more than 50 years of history, the Pokal Vitranc World Cup has made Kranjska Gora Slovenia’s best known winter resort. Giant Slalom: Saturday, 8 March. Slalom: Sunday, 9 March. www.pokal-vitranc.com
21-23 March, Planica
Ski Jumping World Cup Planica is the pinnacle of Slovenian winter sports. The world’s top jumpers have been visiting this ski jumping ramp since 1934 and it is here, in 1936, that Austrian Seppa Bradl was the first person to jump over 100 metres. In 1994, Toni Nieminen of Finland was the first ski jumper in history to jump over 200 metres at Planica. The current hill record of 239 metres was set by Bjørn Einar Romøren of Norway in 2005. Planica always attracts thousands of spectators and the event is accompanied by open air concerts. It promises to be a festive and spectacular end to the ski season. www.planica.si
Spectators at the Pokljuka Biathlon World Cup in December 2012; Photo Mark Koghee
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The Slovenia Times | Winter Tips 2013
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