Remnants of the 60-meter ski jump (foundation remains)

Pekrska Gorca is a hill on the edge of Maribor, a rounded height covered with vineyards and patches of forest, topped by a small church and crossed by paths that are popular with the people of the city for a walk. Like many hills around Slovenian towns, it was used in the twentieth century for sport as well as for farming, and one of the traces of that history is the remains of a ski jump. Jumping was once a popular winter sport in Maribor, a city with deep snow in some winters on the slopes of Pohorje and a strong ski culture, and small hills like this were built by clubs and volunteers so that young jumpers could train and compete close to home. A 60-metre hill is a mid-sized jump by the standards of the sport, big enough for serious competition but not for the giant hills of Planica.

Today the jump has been taken down, and what remains are the foundations, bits of concrete and earthworks on the slope, which mark where the in-run, take-off and landing hill once stood. These remnants are modest, and a visitor who does not know the story might walk past them, but they have a quiet interest for anyone who likes sports history. Imagine the hill covered in snow, with small groups of spectators standing along the outrun, jumpers in their wool clothes and long wooden or early plastic skis, and the shouts of the crowd. The decline of such small jumps across Slovenia reflects changes in the sport, in the winters and in club funding, and the surviving remains are a record of a lively local culture. The details of the dates, the designers and the events held on this hill are best confirmed locally or from sports archives.

A walk on Pekrska Gorca is rewarding in its own right. Paths lead through vineyards, where the vines climb the south-facing slopes, and through woods, to the little church at the summit, from where there are views over the city and the surrounding hills. Pekrčan, the local wine, is made from grapes grown on these slopes, and some growers sell directly or offer tastings by arrangement. Spring brings blossom and green vines, summer brings shade and long evenings, and autumn brings the harvest and golden colours.

The site is free and open at all times, with no formal facilities, so bring water and wear sturdy shoes. The paths can be muddy after rain, and the old foundations are uneven, so watch your step and keep children away from any edges. Respect private vineyards and do not pick grapes.

It suits walkers, sports historians and wine lovers. Allow an hour or two. There is a gentle sadness to such ruins, and Maribor’s sporting memory is held here as much as in any museum. Skiers from Austria and Italy once came across the border, and Slovenia’s small jumps are mostly gone.