Snowshoeing

Mojstrana is the village at the mouth of the Vrata and Kot valleys in the Upper Sava Valley, in the Julian Alps of northwestern Slovenia, and it is one of the main gateways to the northern side of Triglav National Park. The valleys here run deep into the mountains, with the huge north face of Triglav rising at the head of the Vrata, and in winter, when snow covers the meadows and forests, the area becomes a quiet playground for snowshoeing, ski touring and winter walking. Snowshoes allow walkers to travel over deep snow without sinking, so that trails that are impassable on foot in winter become pleasant outings.

Snowshoeing is a simple activity to learn. The shoes spread the walker's weight over a large area, and with a pair of poles the technique is mostly walking, with a slightly wider stride, so almost anyone of reasonable fitness can try it. Tours typically follow forest roads, meadows and gentle slopes where the risk of avalanches is low, and many operators provide equipment, from snowshoes and poles to boots, so that visitors can try it without buying anything. A guide chooses the route according to the snow conditions and the group's ability, points out animal tracks, explains the plants and wildlife of the park and shares stories of the mountain villages. Winter is a quiet season in the Alps, and the silence of the snow-covered forest is a large part of the pleasure.

The scenery is outstanding. From the open slopes above Mojstrana and in the valley of the Vrata, the white walls of the Julian Alps frame the view, with Triglav, the highest peak in the country, dominating the skyline when the weather is clear. Frozen waterfalls, such as the Peričnik falls in the Vrata Valley, are impressive in cold spells, and the forest is full of sparkling snow and the tracks of foxes, hares and deer. A hot drink or a picnic in the snow completes the outing, and in the village the Slovenian Alpine Museum is a good place to warm up and to learn the history of mountaineering in the region.

Winter in the mountains requires respect. Conditions change quickly, avalanche risk can be high on steeper terrain, and daylight is short, so going with a guide or choosing well-travelled low-angle routes is wise. Warm layers, waterproof boots, gloves, sunglasses and a flask are essential, and it is a good idea to check the avalanche bulletin and local conditions before setting out.

Snowshoeing suits families, beginners and experienced walkers who want a different way to enjoy the mountains in winter. Tours usually last a few hours and run from December to March, depending on snow.