Ski jumping in Planica, Slovenia: Information and Tips

The final competition, ending the ski jumping World Cup cycle in Planica, is quite an iconic event. A lot of supporters from different countries visit it regularly. Besides sports emotions and long jumps, it’s a positive atmosphere, fun, and beautiful views that attract. After all, it’s Slovenia, ‘the only country that has love in the name’, as it’s advertised by Slovenian tourist organization. One thing is sure: it’s tough not to fall in love with Slovenia, in at least a little bit.

What to see close to Planica: Kranjska Gora and around

The closest town to Planica sports centre is Kranjska Gora. It’s where the centre of the competition is (jumpers, media, and supporters stay here).

Kranjska Gora is a cute town with good infrastructure and restaurants serving local food. It’s the most developed ski centre in the country (20 kilometres of runs). Its south part reaches National Park Triglav. Thanks to the marvellous views of the Alps peaks, forests, waterfalls, and streams, this place is eagerly visited throughout the whole year.

From the town centre, with just a 20-minute walk, you can get to Jasna Lake. It’s two connected artificial lakes created at the confluence of the Mala and Velika Pisnica streams. The lake is guarded by Zlatorog, a figure of immortal white Capricorn with gold angles. The animal was the character of the famous Slovenian legend and is the symbol of the Julian Alps.

What else is worth seeing close to Planica and Kranjska Gora? Here are a few ideas for trips in the surrounding area:

• Waterfalls: Peričnik, the highest of all Slovenian ones, Črne Vode (Black Waters), disappearing waterfall; and Martuljek, upper and lower. They are called the pearl of the Alps.
• Reserve Zelenci: close to Podkoren village, it is a small lake with emerald water, bridges, and interesting flora and fauna.
• Museums, for example, the Liznjek house in the centre or Slovenian Alpine Museum in Monstrana
• Wooden Russian chapel

Planica ski jumping competition information

Arena of ski jumping competition: Planica Nordic Centre

It is the only complex in the world that consists of hills of all sizes (8 together) and cross-country tracks. It dates back to year 1926. 10 years later, Hill was renovated and the first records were beaten. In 2015, the centre went through reconstruction, when lighting was added and cross-country tracks were built.

Ski jumping competition in Planica: Dates

Ski jumping in Planica usually takes place at the weekend around the 20th of March. Next year (2024), it will be between March 21 and 24.

Planica Ski Jumping: Schedule

The schedule of the competition is usually similar:

Thursday is the qualifications time. Friday afternoon (around 3 p.m.), the individual competition takes place. On Saturday, a team competition is held, and on Sunday, the second individual competition and ceremony for the season are held. Both competitions start at around 10 a.m.

Ski jumping in Planica: Tickets

There is no information yet about tickets for the competition in 2024. But the prices of one-day tickets for the competition in 2023 were the following:

The standing places cost 35 Euro. Tickets on the tribunes ranged between 85 and 95 Euro.

The sale of tickets to Planica is usually available here. All additional information is available here.

Transport to the hill

The best way to get to the hill is by free bus, which has a few stops in Kranjska and in villages along the way. There are really many buses; you should just be a bit patient on the way back and wait a bit in line and in traffic.

Ski jumping in Planica: Accommodation

First and most important; if you are planning to go to watch live ski jumping in Planica, remember to make travel arrangements as soon as possible.

It’s even not about buying tickets for the competition; there is enough space, and you can probably buy tickets at the last moment (unless Slovenians have a great season, then be careful with waiting). But accommodation is just problematic, and often, already in December, only the more expensive hotels are left. Or places in Italy or Austria.

Of course, distances are really small, and if you go by car, it’s not an issue, and you can stay in nearby Austrian or Italian villages . However, if you go by public transport, you would rather stay in Kranjska Gora town itself. It’s the centre of events, shops, restaurants, and cafes. From here, you can get a bus to the airport, to the Slovenian capital, and to other bigger towns, as well as the free bus to the hill.

Therefore, it’s best to search for accommodation (which will be mostly private rooms and flats) in months when we don’t even start thinking about snow. Standard portals and local portals should provide enough options.

It’s also worth being prepared that these few March days are at the peak of the high tourist season there, and prices will just reflect it. It will not be cheap.

If you decide on the trip late, it will probably be a bit more expensive, and searching will be more time-consuming, but you should find something. Maybe in other villages like Rateče, where the bus to the hill stops. On Thursday evening, the opening ceremony takes place there.

You could also take a fully organised trip from a travel agency. Then you don’t have to worry about accommodation and transport.

How to get to Kranjska Gora

From a few places in Europe, it will be easiest to get there via car or bus.

Otherwise, you should fly to Ljubljana Airport. There are not many low-cost flights to Slovenia. I always hope they will develop soon.

There are no direct flights from the US. But there are flights to the biggest European airports. You can fly from London with British Airways, Easyjet, and Wizzair. From Amsterdam with Transavia, and Frankfurt and Munich with Lufthansa. There are also flights from Paris, Brussels, Zurich, and airports in the Balkan region.

You can check flights on this flight search website.

From the airport to Kranjska Gora, it is easy to get there by bus. The best is to right away get on the bus to Kranj (20-30 minutes) and there at the bus station change to the bus going from Ljubljana to Kranjska Gora (from Kranj it will take around 90 minutes). There is no point for you to go from the airport to Ljubljana unless you have more time and just want to visit it (it’s worth it!). Information on public buses you can find here.

If you prefer a private transfer from Ljubljana airport to Kranjska Gora, check here.

Alternative airports

Alternative airports are Klagenfurt or Venice, from which the transfer can take around 2-4 hours.

You can also fly to Vienna. From Vienna, you can take the train and switch to the bus in Jesenice (as the train doesn’t arrive in Kranjska). The train plus bus part of the trip would take you around 6 hours.

Such a trip to ski jumping in Planica is a super idea for quick battery charging at the end of winter end and beginning of spring. It is worth the small organisational effort, especially if you are a sports fan. Honestly recommended; I’ve checked myself!

Wondering what else should you see in winter in Europe? Here is the answer.