Slovenia is a cradle of many successes. Many Slovene athletes have claimed the podium in various international competitions. In March in the land under the Alps two big international sports spectacles take place. On 5th and 6th March experience the atmosphere of the fan’s support at Vitranc in Kranjska Gora at the traditional Alpine Ski World Cup for men. From 17th to 20th March let the sporting spirit take you to Planica for the final competition of the ski jumping season. The brand new Planica Nordic Centre is the latest big hit in Planica and is a real feast for the eyes.
Vitranc – FIS Alpine Ski World Cup for men
Kranjska Gora in Gorenjska is a favourite Slovene skiing destination. The tradition of skiing competitions dates back to 1949 when the first competitor opened the downhill race called Bukovniški smuk on the Podkoren ski slope. At that time the competition demanded extreme courage since the piste was not protected and the equipment was of a lower quality than that used today. The competitors would plunge down the steep slope at a breakneck speed. At the end of the 1950s, the race grew into a slalom and giant slalom event and in 1961 was included in the list of competitions of the International Ski Federation. At that time the recognised name of the Vitranc Cup was born. The boldness of the organisers and the quality of the implementation of the competition convinced the International Ski Federation that it should also organise the world cup competition in Kranjska Gora and, to this day, it is still considered one of the most demanding competition pistes. On 5th and 6th March 2016 the Vitranc Cup will unite lovers of skiing. Come and cheer on your favourite.
Planica – the final of the Ski Jumping World Cup
From 17th to 20th March 2016 Planica will host the final competition of the Ski Jumping World Cup. The valley beneath Mt. Ponce, on the border with neighbouring Austria and Italy, is a treasure trove of numerous successes. In addition to the record number of enthusiasts and fans of ski jumping, every year new world records in ski jumping are served up at Planica. The current record is 248.5 metres, set in 2015 by the Slovene champion Peter Prevc, who currently leads this season’s world cup. In the competition’s long history, which dates back to 1934, Slovenes have stood at the top of the winner’s podium on several occasions.
Many sporting milestones have been achieved in Planica. In 1936 the first jump exceeding 100 metres was made. On the Gorišek brothers’ hill, which for a long time was considered the best in the world, the first jump over the magic mark of 200 metres was made. Today’s ski jumpers are already attempting lengths of over 250 metres. Will they succeed in achieving this at this year’s world cup final? Come to Planica and loyally cheer on your favourite to give them wings. Visit the new Planica Nordic Centre, which opened in December 2015. The centre is an excellent training ground for professional and amateur sportspeople for training, regeneration and other outdoors activities. Planica is simply perfect!
See more at: Slovenian Tourist Board
