Planica Zipline

The Planica Zipline is a fast, steep cable ride that runs down the slope beside the big ski flying hills of the Planica Nordic Centre, in the Julian Alps near Rateče in northwestern Slovenia, and it counts among Slovenia’s more adrenaline-charged attractions. It was built so that people who are not ski jumpers could get at least a glimpse of what the sport feels like: you are clipped into a harness, you leave the platform high on the hill, and you travel downhill through the air towards the valley floor with the whole outrun spread out ahead. The ride is promoted as one of the steepest ziplines anywhere, and the sense of speed and drop is the main attraction.

Planica itself is the reason the line exists. The valley has been a centre of ski flying since the 1930s, when the first big hill here helped push jumping distances beyond 100 metres, and in recent years the Nordic Centre has grown into a year-round sports park. The zipline fits in with the other attractions around it, which include the Planica wind tunnel, the Ski Jumping Simulators, the Judging Stations, the Heroes of Planica interactive game and the Disc golf park. If you want the history as well, the Gorišek Brothers' hill and the Large Rožman/Bloudek hill are the two big names to look at, and the Nordic Centre Planica is the best place to start for orientation.

On the day, expect a safety briefing and fitting of equipment from the operators, who explain how to sit, how to hold your body and what happens at the end of the line. A helmet and harness are provided. There are age, height and weight limits that the operators enforce, and some rides can be shared by an adult and child, so check the conditions when you book. Spaces can be limited at busy times, so booking ahead is sensible, and the line may be closed in strong wind or bad weather, which is common in the mountains.

The scenery adds to the experience. The valley is a broad glacial trough with steep grey walls above and forest below, and in clear weather the Julian Alps frame the whole ride. In winter the surroundings turn white, and the centre has cross-country trails, while summer brings hikers and cyclists to the valley.

The zipline suits thrill-seekers, teenagers, groups and sports fans, and it combines well with a tour of the hills. Those with a fear of heights may prefer to watch from the ground, and the viewing area gives a good sense of the ride's steepness. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a layer, because it is cooler at altitude than in the village.