Everything You Need to Know About Skiing in Croatia

November 14, 2023

The Balkan country of Janica and Ivica Kostelić is mostly known for its pristine beaches, charming towns, and historic architecture but not so much for its snow and ski scene.

Situated at the crossroads of Central and Southern Europe, Croatia has a coastline that entirely borders the Adriatic Sea. The country shares land boundaries with Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Montenegro, to the southeast. Additionally, it has a maritime boundary with Italy to the west and southwest. The capital and largest city, Zagreb, serve as one of the country’s main subdivisions, alongside its twenty counties. With a population of nearly 3.9 million, Croatia offers a captivating destination that ensures a seamless travel experience.

The official currency is the Croatian Kuna, and the widespread use of English, especially in tourist areas, facilitates easy communication. Croatia boasts a well-developed transportation network encompassing buses, ferries, and trains, making exploration convenient. The country’s climate is diverse, ranging from a Mediterranean climate along the coast to a continental climate inland.

Must-visit attractions include the historic walled city of Dubrovnik, the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace in Split, the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, the charming coastal town of Rovinj, and its numerous beautiful beaches and islands.

Croatia has diverse mountainous landscapes, prominently featuring the Dinaric Alps along its western border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. This region is characterized by rugged terrain and limestone peaks, with the Velebit mountain range, the country’s largest within the Dinaric Alps, encompassing the Northern and Southern Velebit National Parks. The highest peak in the country is Dinara, reaching an elevation of 1,913 meters (6,276 feet).

While many skiing enthusiasts may associate Croatia with Olympic skiers Janica and Ivica Kostelic, it is generally challenging to envision the country as a skiing destination, especially with neighboring countries like Italy, Austria, and Slovenia where skiing is highly popular.

Nevertheless, Croatia has 10 ski resorts, with Sljeme and Platak being the largest and most visited. The winter season, under optimal conditions, extends from December to March. Bjelolasica, once the largest resort in Croatia and home to the Croatian Olympic Centre, is unfortunately now closed.

Ski in the morning and go to the beach in the afternoon

Platak stands out among ski resorts for offering a unique experience, situated just 25 km from the coastal city of Rijeka and in close proximity to the Adriatic Sea. Not only is it conveniently close to the sea, but skiers can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Adriatic while on the slopes!

Established in the mid-20th century, Platak gained popularity with the installation of the two-seater “Radeševo” chairlift in 1979, becoming a favorite among Rijeka skiers.

As the largest and highest ski resort in the country, Platak offers 10 km of slopes, featuring a one-by-two-seater cable car, two lifts, and three conveyor belts strategically placed at the base of the Radeševo and Pribeniš trails and along the Baby trail. The snowmaking system covers the Radeševo area trails, and as of the 2021/2022 season, it extends to the Pribeniš and Baby trails, with the Tešanj and Turistička trails relying on natural snow levels. The construction of the new four-seater Radeševo is in progress and is expected to be completed in 2023.

For added convenience, ski equipment can be rented directly at the resort. Additionally, for those interested in sledding (with sleds available for rent), the Pribeniš valley offers designated trails. A conveyor belt next to Radeševo provides access to a separate track for sledding and tubing enthusiasts.

Skiing in the capital, Zagreb

The Sljeme peak on Mount Medvednica, just above Croatia’s capital city Zagreb, stands as the most renowned ski resort in the country. Hosting the prestigious FIS World Cup Snow Queen Trophy men’s and women’s slalom races every early January, this resort was originally known as “Golden Bear” (Croatian: Zlatni medvjed). However, since the 2006 event, the name was changed to honor Janica Kostelić. Her victories in the sport not only popularized skiing in Croatia but also secured the race’s inclusion in the premier competition for alpine skiing.

After the competitions conclude and the athletes move on, Sljeme opens to the public (usually in early to mid-January) for recreational skiing throughout the season. What makes Sljeme particularly appealing is its proximity to the city of Zagreb. Visitors can easily access the mountain each day, either by public transport or taxi, allowing for a perfect blend of city break and ski experience. The recently introduced Zagreb Cable Car provides a convenient means to reach the resort.

The ski resort on Sljeme reaches its highest point at 1030m, descending to 730m at its lowest. With 5 runs, including 2 blue, 2 red, and 1 black, and 3 lifts, the resort caters to various skill levels. In 2022, Snowpark Sljeme, featuring jumps, rails, and boxes for experienced skiers and snowboarders, was inaugurated. While artificial snow is employed when necessary, occasional closures may occur due to insufficient natural snow. For an added thrill, night skiing is available on well-lit runs until 10 pm.

The resort provides rental services for ski and snowboard equipment, along with lessons for both adults and children. At the mountain’s summit, several restaurants, including the Snow Queen Restaurant (Snjezna Kraljica) and Stara Lugarnica, offer a great mountain culinary experience.