Kranjska Gora

Kranjska Gora is a great choice for first-timers or anyone who prefers a more relaxed pace on the slopes. At the base of the mountain you’ll find wide, gentle nursery areas perfect for building confidence, while higher up there are easy blues and a few reds for intermediates looking to progress. It may be a compact ski area, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in scenery, with wooded slopes and frosty peaks creating a stunning backdrop for cruisy runs and leisurely chairlift chats.

The resort village of Kranjska Gora sits close to both the Italian and Austrian borders, and its traditional wooden architecture and charming churches reflect its Alpine heritage. There’s a calm, unhurried atmosphere here, with a focus on families and easy-going ski holidays rather than nightlife. Accommodation is generally high quality and good value too, so your budget tends to stretch further than in larger European resorts.

When you’ve finished on the slopes, there’s still plenty to enjoy. You can swap skis for skates at the local ice rink, or head out on snowshoes to explore the surrounding landscapes of the Julian Alps. In the evenings, a handful of relaxed bars and pubs offer a cosy end to the day – think warm drinks, soft sofas, and plenty of ski school stories being swapped over hot chocolate or mulled wine.