Skiing | Charlotte's VVeb

Great Value Ski Accommodation in Slovenia

12/11/201006/03/2017 by Charlotte J

If you are looking for a winter sports experience with a difference, then head to Slovenia where two new self catering properties have been launched by Slovenian Retreats in the Julian Alps area, close to Kranjska Gora, Slovenia’s best known ski-resort and home to annual world cup slalom and ski-jumping events.

Villas Planina and Nebina offer great value ski accommodation for either those looking for individual apartments or for big groups of up to 20 people wishing to hire out the whole properties. Villa Planina is situated on the edge of the charming rustic village of Ratece. Each apartment within the villa are finished to an extremely high quality, with luxury features such as underfloor heating, flat screen TVs, DVD players, wireless internet and a shared pool table and ping pong table, as well as a kid’s communal soft play area. The villa is situated in a unique location with uninterrupted panoramic views from each apartment towards the Julian Alps and snow capped peaks of Jalovec and Mojstrovka mountains. Local facilities in the village offer a range of restaurants, traditional taverns (or ‘gostlinas’) and a supermarket, and the villa is just a five minute drive from central Kranjska Gora or even less to the slopes at Podkoren. Prices start from €60 (Euros) per night for a loft apartment sleeping between two and four people and based on a minimum stay of three nights.

Villa Nebina has been designed in more of a ‘farmhouse style’ holiday rental property and has been reconstructed on the site of a farmhouse originally built over 150 years ago in the traditional Slovenian village of Ratece, just 5 minutes drive away from Kranjska Gora. The property includes four apartments and many of the original features of the building, such as vaulted ceilings and a traditional enclosed wooden balcony, have been retained at this high quality accommodation. The four apartments are furnished and equipped to an extremely high standard with alpine solid wood furnishings seamlessly combined with contemporary facilities such as flat screen TVs & DVDs. Apartment three has its own balcony access and other apartments have shared balcony access – with magnificent mountain panoramas. Prices start from €60 (Euros) per night for a ground floor apartment sleeping between three and five people and based on a minimum stay of three nights.

A Special Launch Offer from €69 per person, per week is available for house parties – Villa Planina can sleep between 12 and 20 people and Villa Nebina can sleep between 12 and 18 people so both offer great value ski accommodation for big groups. If you wish to get a discount on renting the whole of either Villa Planina or Nebina, then there is a special launch offer available. An offer of seven nights for the price of six is available if you book the whole of Villa Planina or Nebina for a week.

So, a week hiring out the whole of Villa Planina would start from €1,380 (discounted from €1,610) – this works out at just €69 per person, per week based on 20 people sharing – and for the whole of Villa Nebina it would start at €1,740 (discounted from €2,030)- this works out at just €97 per person, per week based on 18 people sharing. This offer is not valid for New Year.

Flights from London Stansted to Ljubljana with Easyjet are priced from £22.99 per person, or from London Gatwick with Adria. Another airport within an hour’s drive of both villas include Klagenfurt in Austria (serviced by Ryanair).

To make a booking call 0208 123 2898 or for further information go to www.slovenianretreats.com or email info@slovenianretreats.com

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Outdoor Adventure at AREA 47, Austria

07/06/201022/10/2016 by Charlotte J

This year one of the most extraordinary outdoor adventure playgrounds in the Alps, AREA 47, has opened its doors. Located at the entrance to the Ötz valley in the Austrian Tirol, this ultimate theme park is exceptional, offering climbing, canyoning, rafting, mountain biking and much more. Combining nature and the latest technology it creates an innovative environment, offering the very best the outdoor world can offer.

Situated where the Ötztaler Ache flows into the river Inn, AREA 47 derives its name from its location at latitude 47oN. Test your balance 30m above ground on the high rope course, your physical limits on the climbing wall or race against the clock on one of the speed climbing routes. For a thrilling descent, ride 400m on the ‘Flying Fox’, experience a true freefall adventure on the ‘Powerfan’ or swing across the Ötztaler Ache on the ‘Megaswing’. Water lovers will have a splashing time with a rafting or kayaking adventure on the Ötztaler Ache and Inn River, canyon through the picturesque gorges or for speed on dry land try the go-cart or KTM Electro tracks.

And who said a land-locked country can’t have fun on the beach? AREA 47 features sandy beaches and plenty of fun with beach volleyball, beach soccer pitches and a Venice beach style gym. The swimming lake with thrilling waterslide park is complete with diving platform and there is even an area for any budding stuntmen to try and land their creative jump stunts down the water ramp on skis, snowboard or even on a bike.

For an overnight experience you can even stay in one of the authentic Tepee’s or traditional log cabins on B&B, with prices starting from €22 per person per night, sleeps up to seven or from €32 per person per night in a lodge, sleeps up to four.

For those holidaying for a week or longer, choose to stay in one of the villages in the Ötz valley, from Haiming at the entrance to the valley, to centrally located Längenfeld or Obergurgl high up in the Ötz valley. Innsbruck is served by easyjet.com.

For more information visit www.area47.at or call +43 5266 8 76 76.
For more information on the Ötz Valley visit www.oetztal.com or on the Tirol www.visittirol.co.uk

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Spring Events in Slovenia

04/02/201018/10/2016 by Charlotte J

There are plenty of events taking place to lure you to Slovenia this year! Check out a schedule for this spring:

21st January – 4th April 2010

Pablo Picasso: Bullfights. Myth. Eros
This Ljubljana exhibition of Picasso’s work brings together 11 series of prints, including a selection of prints from the Suite Vollard series that art critics consider to be one of the 20th century’s most important print series. Bullfights, myths and Eros are recurrent themes in these prints. An accompanying programme of workshops, lectures and film screenings will run alongside the exhibition at Mestna Galerija Ljubljana.
www.picasso-clave.si

6th – 16th February 2010
50th Annual Kurentovanje Festival, Ptuj
This annual takes place in Slovenia’s oldest city, Ptuj, each spring. Kurenti are figures dressed in sheepskin who go around the town wearing masks, a long red tongue, cow bells, multi-coloured ribbons and sometimes feathers and horns. This is one of Slovenia’s most famous carnivals, now in its fiftieth year, which attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. During the festival, Ptuj is alive with music and dancing, competitions and events, plus opportunities to sample local wines and traditional ‘Ptuj chicken’.
www.kurentovanje.net

12th March 2010
Pruning of the Old Vine
The pruning of the official world’s oldest vine in Maribor is a ceremonious occasion each spring. The town’s vinedresser carries out the pruning and the vine’s scions are then presented by the Mayor of Maribor to selected representatives of other wine growing regions as a sign of friendship and co-operation.
www.maribor-pohorje.si

18th – 21st March 2010
Ski Jumping and Ski Flying World Cup Final
Planica, an alpine valley in the northwest of Slovenia is famous for its ski jumping, being the first place for a jump of over 100 metres to be registered and where the current World Record of 239 metres was set in 2005.

From 18th March, spectators can witness some of the world’s top ski jumpers take on the jump at Planica. Traditionally, around 1,500 of the crowd come armed with accordions to play Planica’s famous theme song.
Standing tickets cost from €3 per child / €10 per adult and seated tickets start from €30.
For further information and ticket reservations visit www.planica.si

3rd April 2010
World Book Day
World Book Day marks the official start of Ljubljana’s year-long tenure as the UNESCO World Book Capital. Ljubljana is the tenth city to boast this distinguished title and a series of book-related events will take place in the city throughout the year, marking the honour.
www.visitljubljana.si

This is just a selection of the events taking place around Slovenia during 2010. For full listings and further event details, see www.Slovenia.info.

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Take an Adventure: Winter in Bulgaria & Slovakia

12/01/201018/10/2016 by Charlotte J

February half-term is a great time for a snow trip, with cross-country skiing, dog sledding and snowshoeing all available on trips organised by The Adventure Company. Bulgaria and Slovakia, both alpine destinations with thick blankets of snow guaranteed are perfect winter playgrounds.

The following trips still have availability for February 2010 but, as with all school holidays, families are advised to book early for the best deals on flights.

Bulgarian Winter Experience, 13 – 20 February 2010
An action packed centre-based week surrounded by Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains. Staying in the village of Chepelare, which boasts the longest ski run in the country, holidaymakers will have the opportunity to test it out with some downhill and cross-country skiing. A snowshoeing expedition through the forest in search of deer, foxes and wild boar is just one of the highlights of the trip.

The trip costs from £869 for adults and from £789 for children. These prices include flights, accommodation, transport, activities on the itinerary and some meals (seven breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners).

Teenage Slovakian Snow Adventure, 14 – 21 February 2010

Slovakia is one of Europe’s most mountainous countries and the Tatras Mountains provide the ideal location for a centre-based activity week. Learning how to dog sled and handling a team of between two and six dogs is an exciting part of the trip. Travellers will learn how to mush their team and navigate the snow-covered tracks. Also included in the itinerary are skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, swimming in thermal pools and dinner with a Slovak family.

The trip costs £899 per person. These prices include flights, accommodations, transport, activities on the itinerary and some meals (seven breakfasts and two lunches).

For information about these and other trips organised by The Adventure Company visit www.adventurecompany.co.uk or call 0845 609 0890.

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Slovenia Ski Resort Developments

05/01/201018/10/2016 by Charlotte J

Several of Slovenia’s ski resorts have undergone developments for the 2010 season, offering skiers and snowboarders new facilities and greater access to the country’s slopes. The new ski piste linking Slovenia’s Kanin ski resort with the Italian resort of Sella Nevea had its official opening in December 2009, creating the first international ski area in the region. This resort features a new aerial lift and ski run, providing a wider choice of slopes for winter sports enthusiasts. A single lift pass gives skiers and snowboarders access to the pistes on both the Slovenian and Italian sides of the border. Daily lift passes for Kanin-Sella Nevea area start from €24 per adult and €15 per child.

Last December also saw the opening of a new gondola lift at Maribor Pohorje, Slovenia’s largest ski area, situated in the northeast of the country. The new lift runz from the foot to the summit of the Pohorje Mountain in six minutes, with a capacity of 1,000 people per hour. This is double the capacity of the previous lift.

Furthermore, 0ne of Slovenia’s most famous resorts, Kranjska Gora, recently opened a children’s outdoor play area. A new magic carpet lift has been installed to transport young skiers safely. The area is open to all children and is free of charge.

While skiers and snowboarders looking for an adrenalin thrill should head to the new snow park at the Cerkno Resort in northwest Slovenia. The Cerkno Snow Park is aimed at snowboarders and acrobatic skiers and snowboarders, although freestyle skiing instructors will available to teach beginners.

Slovenia has over 280 kilometres of ski runs offering downhill skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and cross-country skiing. Some resorts also offer snowmobile excursions, dogsled rides and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

For more information about skiing in Slovenia visit www.slovenia.info/skiing

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The Start of Slovakia’s Ski Season

21/12/200918/10/2016 by Charlotte J

Slovakia kicked off its ski season this weekend with the opening of the Strbské Pleso resort in the High Tatras. The resort has a new six seater chairlift that can carry 1200 people per hour and, thanks to its high altitude (1840m) and excellent snow making, is relatively snow-sure from December to April. In addition to the new chairlift it features another two chairlifts and three cableways. The total length of Strbské Pleso’s down hill runs is over seven km and there is also extensive ski-touring and night-skiing as well as good free riding for snowboarders.

Mountain Paradise offers a week’s skiing in Strbské Pleso for just £499 per person between January and March 2010 (excluding half-term) and a three-night weekend break for only £375 per person. While New Year ski breaks departing on 27th December are available from just £699 per person.

Packages include: return flights from London Luton to Poprad (just a two-hour flight), airport transfers to the resort (only 15 minutes), seven- or three-nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Pension Fortuna, Pension Plesnivec, Pension Sabato or Pension Slalom and a six- or two-day ski pass.

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Cross Border Skiing

16/11/200918/10/2016 by Charlotte J

The 2009/2010 ski season will see the opening of a new cable car and ski piste linking Slovenia’s Kanin resort and Italy’s Sella Nevea resort. The ski area will be accessible with one lift pass, allowing skiers from both the Slovenian and the Italian sides of the mountain to enjoy the slopes at both resorts.

The internationally connected ski centre will be the first of its kind in an area where, for most of the previous century, there was a strict border divide between the two countries. Expected to be called Kanin–Canin, the centre will be one of the largest ski areas in Slovenia.

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The World’s Most Beautiful Cul-de-sac

11/11/200918/10/2016 by Charlotte J

Wonderful winter footpaths, optimal ski routes, over 120 km of ski runs and 42 km of cross country ski trails make the Kleinwalsertal a winter paradise. Surrounded on three sides by mountains rising above 2,000 metres, the Kleinwalsertal lies in a natural valley undisturbed by traffic and noise. During the winter, this area, together with Oberstdorf, constitutes the largest Austro-German ski region, and has much to offer. The Kleinwalsertal enclave, once settled by farmers from the Valais region, is Austrian territory as such, but can only be accessed from Germany. For over a hundred years, it has effectively been a German economic region following a customs agreement.

The Kleinwalsertal ski area offers comprehensive packages and events for sports enthusiasts, families, and those in search of adventure. Together with the Ifen and the Walmendingerhorn, there are countless carving and powdering facilities for alpine skiers, snowboarders, Telemark skiers and ski touring fans. A single ski pass for 52 lifts and 74 ski runs makes experiencing the entire valley fun and easy. There are also countless huts, pubs and hotel bars in the villages of Riezlern, Hirschegg, Mittelberg and Baad for that pleasant wintry pastime known as après-ski.

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Bargain Ski Breaks in Slovakia

10/11/200918/10/2016 by Charlotte J

Glorious empty slopes, great snow conditions and bargain prices make Slovakia’s Tatras Mountains an excellent choice for the 2009/10 ski season. Enjoy a week’s skiing with Mountain Paradise for just £399 per person or a three-night weekend break for only £299 per person.

Both packages to the resort of Tatranska Lomnica in the High Tatras include: return flights from London Luton to Poprad (the highest airport in Central Europe) airport transfers, seven or three nights accommodation on a B&B basis in either Pension Encian or Pension Slalom and a six or two day ski pass. Alternatively, for beginners the “learn to ski or snowboard” package starts from just £599 per person including: flights, seven nights accommodation on a B&B basis, a six day ski pass, ski or snowboard rental and five days of ski or snowboard tuition (3 hours per day) .

The best bit – no wasted time – the new Danube Wings service into Poprad means very short transfer times to the resorts.

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Ski for £1!

02/11/200918/10/2016 by Charlotte J

Catch the early snow this winter season in Obergurgl and pay only £1 for standard ski hire and Obergurgl/Hochgurgl ski lift pass, saving holidaymakers £259.

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl has introduced reduced-traffic zones and banned night-time traffic in Obergurgl to ensure is guests a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere and provide the townsfolk with enhanced living conditions. Motorised guest arrivals and departures are permitted.

Obergurgl-Hochgurgl boasts a viewing platform with panorama bar and futuristic restaurant at the top of the mountain peak. The new Top Mountain Star is a really outstanding highlight amid Hochgurgl’s Wurmkogel ski area at 3,080m above sea level.