Winter Activities

The Julian’s Log

Sixth Post

“WINTER HOLIDAYS”

Although Spring is definitely in the air, this weekend was still celebrating winter, as Slovenia hosted it’s biggest annual sporting event: Planica Ski Flying. It’s like the Oktoberfest but with Sport. We went to watch alongside 26,000 others on Saturday….

FOCUS ON……….SKI FLYING

There are only 3 ski flying competition venues, and Planica is one of them. It is here where the ski jumping competition is decided annually and where the world record of 239m is held. Planica is situated in the Tamar valley, just 17km from us and people in the whole valley help in the organisation of this massive 4 day event. Thursday sees the qualifying rounds and the local school children are bused in to enjoy the spectacle of these crazy guys flying through the sky. Sponsors of the event ensure the children are fed and given “goodie bags” free of charge and there is a family atmosphere. On the other 3 days the atmosphere is more charged with alcohol and a party feeling, with instruments, costumes, hats and hams (as seen in the picture!!) Each day thousands of patriotic fans congregate in the amphitheatre of mountains. This weekend was no exception and despite some rounds being cancelled because of the wind, the level of flying was awesome. The Norwegians each flew over 200m to win the team event, however, Slovenia was cheering the loudest as Robert Kranjec brought home joint third in the individual event. We still celebrate Eddie the Eagle and flew a banner in his name!!

REGULAR FEATURE:
Current Snow Conditions:
Resort Upper Slopes Lower Slopes Last snow and comments
Kranjska Gora 80cm 45cm 10.03.09 variable conditions
Vogel 320cm 120cm 18.03.09 good skiing conditions
Krvavec 310cm 75cm 18.03.09 good skiing conditions

The skiing conditions remain very good across Slovenia, with resorts extending their season through to Easter this year due to the excellent snow.


Hope you’ve enjoyed this edition. Next Blog focus will be on
Spring in the Julian Alps