World-famous biathlon competition

Biathlon combines two apparently opposite skills: the endurance of cross-country skiing and the stillness of rifle shooting. Athletes ski a loop at full effort, then arrive at the range with a racing heart and must steady themselves enough to hit five small targets, standing or lying down, before skiing on. A miss costs time, either through a penalty loop or an added minute, depending on the format, so the race can be won or lost in a few seconds on the firing line. It is one of the most watched winter sports in Europe, and Pokljuka, a high forested plateau in Triglav National Park, is one of its most important venues.

Pokljuka lies above Bled and Bohinj, at an altitude of around 1,300 metres, in a landscape of spruce forest, clearings and peat bogs that holds snow reliably through the winter. The Sports Centre Triglav Pokljuka, the main facility, was developed as a high-level training and competition venue, and it has hosted World Cup races and, in 2021, the World Championships. Slovenian fans turn out in large numbers, and the atmosphere on competition days is festive, with crowds lining the trails and cheering at the shooting range and the stadium. Even for people who do not follow the sport, a race here can be exciting, because the spectators are close to the action and the commentary and big screens make it easy to follow.

Practical arrangements for attending a race include tickets for daily entry, grandstand seats or hospitality packages, and organised transport from nearby towns such as Bled and Bohinjska Bistrica, since parking at the venue is limited. Dates change each season, so check the official calendar, because the World Cup stage usually takes place in the winter months, often in December. The venue has adapted facilities for visitors with limited mobility. Dress warmly in layers, with waterproof boots, because the plateau is cold and snowy, and bring sunglasses.

Outside race days, Pokljuka is a beautiful and peaceful place. You can explore trails on cross-country skis or snowshoes in winter and on foot or by bike in summer. Hotel Center Pokljuka and Hotel Pokljuka offer accommodation, the Swamps and Marshes of Pokljuka protect rare peat bog habitats, Planina Zajamniki is a mountain pasture, Vodnikov Lookout gives wide views, and Local cheese and dairy product sales by farmers allow you to taste the plateau's dairy tradition. Zalin planinski raj is another local stop.

It suits sports fans, families and winter walkers. The Pokljuka Plateau is within an hour of Ljubljana Airport, so access is easy for visitors flying in, and Access by shuttle bus works well on race days. Slovenia has few winter venues of this standing. Beyond the racing, the plateau is a lovely place. VIP packages exist for those who want hospitality, and Slovenia’s biathlon fans make the atmosphere.