The Best of the Slovenian Alps

The in the Kamnik- Alps

Dear Fellow CMC Member: Thank you for your interest in the Adventure Travel outing The Best of the Slovenian Alps. Please read the following trip description and itinerary carefully before you consider applying for this trip. I have also included a suggested packing list and additional information for your consideration. To apply for a place on the outing, please download and complete the Trip Application, with the Personal Risk Statement and the Payment and Cancelation Policy, and return it to me. The group will have a maximum of 10 persons excluding the leader. Most nights will be spent in 3* or 4* private hotels with two nights in mountain huts. All accommodations will be mostly a shared double room or dormitory in the huts. Once you apply, you will be notified if you are accepted for the outing. Once accepted, submit a $750 deposit, $500 which is non-refundable, to the CMC to reserve a place. Please do not send money before it is requested. The remaining balance is payable by June 19, 2020. The current in-country estimated trip costs are $4,931 for members and $5,424 for nonmembers. Consider becoming a member to pay the member cost.

The price includes: • All lodging for 14 nights (double rooms except in the mountain huts) • All breakfasts and lunches • 4 dinners • Airport transfers (if you arrive and depart with the group) • All transportation in country • An English-speaking hiking guide throughout the trip (organized by Slotrips - rated 5 out of 5 by Trip Advisor and used on my previous CMC trip in 2017)

Airfare to is not included. Also, expect to spend extra for trip insurance, remaining ten dinners (on average 15-20 euros each) and snacks, bar tabs and souvenirs. Pre-requisites fo r the tr ip are very good physical conditioning, the ability to hike 70 miles, with elevation gains of 17,000 fee t, some fairly steep, over 11 days, the ability to handle a little a mo unt of exposure ( so me with cables for security) and an ongoing, regular, conditioning program. A CMC-Denver Group hik er rating is not needed for this trip. We will carry day packs (a suggested list of items is provided) whic h include all clothing typically needed fo r changing a lp ine weather conditions. Two nights will be spent in mountain huts in Natio na l Park. For these 3 days of hiking you will need to also carry a change of c lo thes, personal toiletries and wate r. Because we will be hiking at alpine levels, the weather can be most unpredictable, necessitating well thought out element and clothing choices. Before applying, you may want to check with your “significant o th e r,” employer, etc. to make sure you have the available time to do a 2 week trip overseas. There is no guarantee of someone being on the wait list to take your place if you have to cancel. You will need a valid passport, but no visa is required to enter . Attendance at the pre-trip planning meeting is MANDATORY as there will be much to discuss. Meeting will be held via telecon and you will receive ample notice of the date and time. Topics will include sug- gested equipment, packing, training, cultural notes, and security precautions. A Power Point briefing will be available for your review prior to the telecon. Please let me know what questions you may have—I am at your disposal!

Sincerely, Denise Snow

[email protected] 719-687-9576

The Kamnik-Savinja Alps

THE BEST OF THE SLOVENIAN ALPS, AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2020, TRIP INTRODUCTION

Why Slovenia? What is Slovenia? Where is Slovenia? Many of you may have never heard of it or may have confused it with another European country. My step-father thought it was the country that had been invaded by Russia. Even those who know the country’s location still may not know exactly why they should be interested in going there. But after spending some time in this amazing country, it is not a place I’ll ever forget. Slovenia is a small country of about two million people in . The country is bordered by , Austria, and Hungary and became independent from in 1991. Slovenia is incred- ibly clean and environmentally friendly nation that is steeped in a rich hiking and climbing culture. Slo- venia is so proud of its natural wonders that their flag includes Mount Triglav, the nation’s highest mountain. And just imagine a country whose national anthem is:

God’s blessing on all nations, Who long and work for that bright day. When o’er earth’s habitations No war, no strife shall hold its sway; Who long to see That all men free No more shall foes, but neighbors be.

I led a CMC Adventure Travel (AT) trip to Slovenia in August 2017. Why pick Slovenia as a vacation desti- nation you may ask? Many of my friends had told me how wonderful Slovenia was and had described it as “the undiscovered Alps”. Even with these wonderful reviews, I had still put Slovenia nearer to the bottom of my places to go and I really wasn’t prepared for what I experienced. And because of that ex- perience (for the complete story read Why Slovenia? In the Winter 2017 edition of the CMC Trail & Tim- berline) I am leading a repeat of this great trip.

Julian Alps This amazing hiking tour shows you the best of the Slovenian Alps and lets you experience much of the diversity that Slovenia has to offer. It is the ultimate tour for all nature lovers who would like a mix of serious hiking and fun in the spectacular Slovenian alps and along crystal clear and lakes, getting to know the vibrant capitol city of Ljubljana and savoring authentic Slovenian food & wine. Meet your guides in Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital city, and head off to the stunning Logar valley in the Kamnik- Savinja Alps before starting on an amazing 3-day hut-to-hut hike in . Don't worry: the huts are fully equipped and you don't need to bring any special gear or food. Everything is there. The hiking is technically easy; however, you have to be reasonably fit to hike 6-7 hours and overcome ap- proximately 10 miles and 3000 feet of altitude difference on the hardest day of our hike. Also, don’t be surprised that the seemingly easy days of a mere 6 miles are not that easy, these are the alps after all! Be sure to look at the total hiking time to get a better estimate of what the hikes will be like. And if you are up for even more challenge, there will be the option to climb Mount Triglav (See more details in Op- tional Excursions and Extensions to the Trip). Afterwards we will explore and perhaps have a swim in the stunning lakes of & , before con- tinuing to the valley of the emerald Soca . Here we will climb another fantastic peak, enjoy the rug- ged landscape of the & discover the hidden secrets of the Soca valley. If you would like to pump your adrenaline, you'll have an optional chance to do white water rafting, kayaking or canyoneer- ing! Continuing towards the south we will visit the historic town of , and its WWI history, and finish our tour back in Ljubljana. There is also a highly recommended optional extension, not included in the trip price, to visit the rolling wine hills of Goriska Brda with first class local food & wine and experience the mysterious underworld of Karst in the Skocjan caves. (See more details in Optional Excursions and Extensions to the Trip).

HIGHLIGHTS:

❖ Visit the beautiful and lively capital city of Ljubljana ❖ Explore Velika Planina mountain pasture and the scenic Logar valley in Kamnik-Savinja Alps ❖ Explore the amazing high alpine landscape of Triglav National Park ❖ Hike to some of the highest Slovenian peaks ❖ Enjoy the fantastic lakes Bohinj & Bled ❖ Discover the jaw-dropping pools and waterfalls of the Soca valley ❖ Experience authentic and diverse Slovenian cuisine ❖ Visit the historic town of Kobarid and the Kozjak Waterfall ❖ Walk the war trails from World War I ❖ Taste the rich Slovenian cuisine, excellent wine and local organic products. ❖ Get to know the local people, enter into their homes and learn about their lives, habits, culture and way of life ❖ Optional climb of Mount Triglav (see more details in Optional Excursions and Extensions to the Trip) ❖ Optional chance for white water rafting, kayaking, canyoneering or fly fishing ❖ Optional extension: finish the tour with style with great food & wine among the vineyards of 'Slovenian Tuscany' (see more details in Optional Excursions and Extensions to the Trip)

❖ Optional extension: walk through the underground canyon of Skocjan caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site (see more details in Optional Excursions and Extensions to the Trip)

Lake Bled

The CMC in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in 2017

THE BEST OF THE SLOVENIAN ALPS, AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2020, ITINERARY

Day 1: WELCOME TO SLOVENIA. MEETING WITH OUR GUIDE IN LJUBLJANA The group meets in the afternoon with our guides. Along with a local welcome dinner, the travelers will get to know each other. The guides will present the details of the trip. Accommodation in a hotel in Ljubljana.

Ljubljana Day 2: FREE DAY IN LJUBLJANA Easy day in Ljubljana to overcome the jetlag and get to know the city. We will do an easy bike ride in the city, learn about its history and enjoy the lively city streets. We can also walk up to the castle, with a great view over the and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and take an optional self-guided tour of the castle. Accommodation in a hotel in Ljubljana.

Ljubljana Day 3: VELIKA PLANINA HIKE We will drive to the foothills of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in northern Slovenia and hike to one of the larg- est alpine pastures in Europe. On a beautiful hike we will get to know the local architecture, traditional shepherds’ way of life, taste some local products and enjoy the views. In the afternoon we drive to Logar valley where we spend the next 3 nights. Accommodation in a hotel in the Logar valley. Total hiking time: app. 4 hours, 7.5 miles, VG 1640 ft, VL 1640 ft

Velika Planina Shepherd

Day 4: HIKING ON THE BORDER OF AUSTRIA The Logar valley is the picturesque valley whose photos you will find on many magazines and catalogues promoting Slovenia. We will start early and do a longer hike to one of the nearby summits with magnifi- cent views. In the afternoon, we will visit local farmers and have a delicious meal. Accommodation in a hotel in the Logar valley. Total hiking time: app. 5-6 hours, 6.2 miles, VG 2296 ft, VL 2460 ft *There are a few passages on a narrow, slightly exposed trail. Steel cables are there for extra security.

Day 5: NATURAL SITES IN THE LOGR VLLEY Today entails a half-day hike in the Kamnik-Savinja mountains and a visit to one of the best-known wa- terfalls in Slovenia. We will return to the hotel in early afternoon to relax and enjoy the views. There is also an optional walk from the hotel to some beautiful falls nearby. Accommodation in a hotel in Logar valley. Total hiking time: app. 3 hours: 3 miles, VG 1150 ft, VL 1150 ft

Day 6: MORNING HIKE IN JEZERSKO AND AFTERNOON WALK IN BLED On the way from Logar valley to Bled we will stop in Jezersko region, have a walk to a stunning view- point and enjoy a great homemade lunch in one of the oldest homesteads of the region. In the after- noon we arrive at Bled, where you can have a relaxed afternoon, have a walk by the lake, visit the island or even go to the . Accommodation in a hotel in Bled. Total hiking time: app. 3.5 hours: 4 miles, VG 1300 ft, VL 1300 ft

Day 7: BEGINNING OF THE THREE- DAY HUT-HUT HIKE In the morning we set off towards where we begin our trekking through the Triglav National Park. We will pass by the endearing alpine pastures up to a mountain hut below Mount Triglav, the highest Slovenian mountain. For those hikers who would like to hike some more, there will be the

Lake Bled Triglav National Park

option to climb a 2000-meter peak with incredible views of the Julian Alps (extra 1 hour). Dinner and accommodation in a mountain hut (Vodnikov dom) in rooms 1/4, 1/6, and 1/10. Total hiking time: app. 6 hours, 6.2 miles, VG 2952 ft, VL 820 ft

For those doing the optional climb of Mount Triglav, we will continue hiking past the Vodnikov dom to the Planika dom, where we will spend the night for an early ascent of Mount Triglav. Extra hiking time: app. 2 hours, 2 miles, VG 1650 ft

Vodnikov dom The hut at Triglav Lakes

Day 8: TREKKING IN THE JULIAN ALPS (THE VALLEY OF THE 7 TRIGLAV LAKES) Today is the hardest day. Our path will take us through stunning alpine scenery with spectacular views. Again there will be the option to ascend a fantastic peak, Kanjavek (2568 m) (an extra 1 hour & 820 feet altitude gain). We will descend down the Valley of the Seven Lakes, learn the geological history of this incredible landscape and perhaps even find some fossils in the rocks. We will spend the night in a com- fortable hut next to one of the lakes. Dinner and accommodation in a mountain hut (Koca pri Triglavskih jezerih (the hut at Triglav Lakes)) in rooms 1/4, 1/6 and 1/10. Total hiking time: app. 7 hours, 6.2 miles, VG 2952 ft, VL 820 ft

For those doing the optional climb of Mount Triglav, we will summit the peak and then continue down to the Koca na Dolicu hut where we will regroup with the others and continue on to the Triglav Lakes hut

The Julian Alps

Day 9: TREKKING IN THE JULIAN ALPS AND LAKE BOHINJ Slowly we will leave the highest peaks behind and enter the land of the Alpine pastures. We will try some home-made local products and have a delicious traditional lunch. We will explore the stunning Lake Bohinj and treat ourselves to an unforgettable swim in its crystal-clear waters. Accommodation in a hotel in Bohinj. Total hiking time: app. 4 hours, 6.2 miles, VG 656 ft, VL 2624 ft *There is one very short slightly exposed passage secured with steel cables

Leslie Fields with Mount Triglav in the background

Day 10: ENJOY LAKE BOHINJ Today we will do some easier walking in the gorgeous surroundings of Lake Bohinj, visit a nice view- point, a gorge and a waterfall. There are options of visiting a bee-keeper, an old farmhouse, trying local cheese, etc. Accommodation in a hotel in Bohinj. Total hiking time: app. 4 hours, 7.5 miles, VG 1312 ft, VL 1312 ft

Lake Bohinj

Day 11: PERICNIK WATERFALL – VRSIC – We will move northwest to approach the north face of Mt. Triglav and walk under the spectacular Pericnik Waterfall. We will drive the winding road to the impressive mountain pass Vrsic in the center of the Julian Alps. There we will do another hike to a summit with spectacular view of high limestone walls all around us. Accommodation in a hotel in Bovec. Total hiking time: app. 4- 5 hours (split into 3 different hikes), 6.2 miles, VG 2132 ft, VL 2132 ft

The Pericnik Waterfall The Pagan Girl

Day 12: Mt. & THE BORDER WITH ITALY Today we will climb the spectacular Mt. Mangart on the border between Slovenia and Italy. It offers jaw-dropping views of 3 countries and a truly amazing hike. After a great lunch we will explore some hidden corners and waterfalls in the Soca valley. Accommodation in a hotel in Bovec. Total hiking time: app. 5 hours, 5 miles, VG 2132 ft, VL 2132 ft *There are a few slightly exposed passages secured with steel cables

On Mount Mangart

Day 13: BOVEC & THE SOCA VALLEY We will spend the day in the Soca Valley, the Mecca of the Slovenian active tourism, famous for its beautiful emerald river. We will visit forts and trails from WWI, freshen up in the turquoise river pools and marvel the hidden waterfalls. A nice farewell dinner is in order in the evening. Optional: white water rafting, canyoning, fly-fishing or other adventure sports. Accommodation in a hotel in Bovec. Total hiking time: app. 4 hours, 9.3 miles, VG 1312 ft, VL 1312 ft

The Soca Valley

Day 14: THE HISTORIC TOWN OF KOBARID We will move southward to visit the historic town of Kobarid and learn about tragic WWI events in the region. After a beautiful walk by the Soca river and a nice local lunch, the main tour ends and we return back to Ljubljana. Accommodation in a hotel in Ljubljana.

Day 15: FAREWELL TO SLOVENIA

Breakfast & a transfer to Ljubljana airport to finish this great tour

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Suggested reading for The Best of the Slovenian Alps: Walking the Julian Alps of Slovenia, Roy Clark and Justi Carey. Cicerone. United Kingdom, 2015.

Suggested Maps for The Best of the Slovenian Alps: 65-9772-01 Alpine World - West Part (Julijske Alp West). 1:75,000. Kartografija.

THE BEST OF THE SLOVENIAN ALPS, AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2020, OPTIONAL EXCUR- SIONS AND EXTENSION TO THE TRIP

CLIMBING SLOVENIA’S HIGHEST PEAK, MOUNT TRIGLAV (2864 meters) On Day 7 we will hike to the Vodnikov hut with the rest of the group and then continue on to the Planika hut to spend the night and get an early start the next morning for our climb of Triglav. The climb from the Planika hut to the very top is the toughest part of the climb. It is considered a semi- climbing trail. The route is secured at the most demanding and exposed parts by steel cables. For this climb you will have an International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA) trained and certified guide, who meets the highest standards in mountain training in the world. We will use helmets and via ferrata sets, with a harness, to attach ourselves to the steel cables, all provided by the guide ser- vice. The climbing part of the tour lasts approximately two to three hours, depending on the conditions and the fitness of the group. After reaching the summit we will descend a different route and rejoin the group at the Koca na Dolicu hut and continue together to the Koca pri Triglavskih jezerih (Seven Triglav Lakes hut). Mountaineering experience and comfort with some exposure required. Extra hiking time to the Planika hut: app. 2 hours, 1.8 miles, VG 1640 ft COST: 380 EUR per IFMGA guide (1 guide can take up to 4 clients, the price is divided between the hikers).

EXTENSION IN THE SLOVENIAN TUSCANY REGION AND THE SKOCJAN CAVES This extension will combine the exploration of the rolling wine hills of Goriska Brda, also known as the “Slovenian Tuscany” and the magical underworld of the UNESCO World Heritage site Skocjan caves. Af- ter hiking many days in the rugged and high alpine regions of Slovenia, we will now bask in the sun, stroll through beautiful vineyards and hills dotted with fruit & olive trees, pamper our taste buds with won- derful foods and wines and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere. Lastly, we will dive into Jules Verne’s A Journey to the Center of Earth. The Skocjan Caves caves are 3.6 miles long and 820 feet deep, carved out of Karst rock by the River, a truly unique experience not to be missed!

Day 15: WALK, WINE & DINE IN GORISKA BRDA Time to explore the rolling wine hills of “Slovenian Tuscany”. We will walk through the beautiful vine- yards and hills dotted with fruit & olive trees. It is the land of excellent wine and mouth-watering food. There will be plenty of time to pamper our taste buds and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere. We might get lucky and be able to help with grape harvesting like on our last trip; who knows? Accommoda- tion in a hotel in Goriska Brda wine hills. Hiking: 12 km / elevation +250 m, -250 m / approx. 4 hours

Goriska Brda wine hills Day 16: BICYCLING, WINEMAKING AND RELAXING BY THE POOL This area, with numerous medieval hilltop villages and towns, offers countless options for experiencing the local culture. We’ll visit a winemaker and try some of the local wine varieties in his cellar. Additional- ly, we can do a bike ride through the vineyards or simply relax by the pool and enjoy a glass of fresh Rebula. Of course, included is a Slovenian/Tuscan style lunch! Accommodation in a hotel in Goriska Brda.

Day 17: KARST, CAVES & LJUBLJANA We will submerge into the underworld of Karst and walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Skocjan caves. This walk is completely different to the ones we did the days before and adds to the diversity of this tour. We will follow the underground canyon of river Reka and learn about the stunning geology of this unique terrain. After a home-cooked lunch at a local farm we’ll head back to Ljubljana. Accommo- dation in a hotel in Ljubljana

The Skocjan Caves Relaxing for lunch at a local winemaker

Day 18: FAREWELL TO SLOVENIA Breakfast & a transfer to Ljubljana airport to finish this amazing tour.

COST OF THE TRIP EXTENSION 670 EUR per person, based on 12 travelers; 700 EUR per person, based on 10 or 11 travelers; 740 EUR per person, based on 8 or 9 travelers; 820 EUR per person, based on 6 or 7 travelers; 930 EUR per person, based on min. 4 or 5 travelers; Optional extras: Single room: 110 EUR

Vršič Pass in the Julian Alps

THE BEST OF THE SLOVENIAN ALPS, AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2020, SUGGESTED PACK LIST

The following is a list of recommended items to carry in your luggage and/or pack (including the 2 nights in the mountain huts): 1) Pack cover 2) Rain jacket/pants 3) Warm gloves 4) Warm hat 5) Several warm layers 6) Change of hiking pants and shirt (quick dry material preferred) 7) Change of undergarments (quick dry material preferred) 8) Change of socks (quick dry material preferred) 9) Travel towel and washcloth for huts 10) Headlamp (if you need to get up in the night or want to read, etc. after lights out) 11) Sleepwear (personal preference) 12) Sleep sack (a disposable one is provided by the huts but if you own a nicer one you may want to bring it) 13) Personal toiletries (including ear plugs, soap, detergent for washing clothes, a few clothespins, etc.) 14) Lightweight shoes to wear inside/outside of huts (you must take off your boots – you can go with socks or use hut provided clogs, etc.) 15) 2-liter capacity for water (personal choice)

THE BEST OF THE SLOVENIAN ALPS, AUGUST 16 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2020, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Currency The unit of currency in Slovenia is the euro (€), with 5-, 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-, 200- and 500- euro denominations. The eight de- nominations of coins vary in size, color and thickness ac- cording to their values, which are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 euro and 2 euros. Cash, Credit & Debit Cards Most towns that we will visit have banks and ATMs. Banks are usually open 8 am - 12 noon and 2 - 5 pm on weekdays only. Most village shops accept cash only. Mountain huts accept cash only as well.

Should you use a credit card or a debit card when traveling? Both have benefits. A credit card allows you to delay payment and gives you certain rights as a consumer. A debit card, also known as a check card, deducts funds directly from your checking account and helps you stay within your budget.

Otherwise, the two types of plastic are virtually the same. Both will get you cash advances at ATMs worldwide if your card is properly programmed with your personal identification number (PIN). Both offer excellent, wholesale exchange rates, and both protect you against unauthorized use if the card is lost or stolen. Check your bank's policies concerning foreign transaction fees and interest and fees charged for cash advances Exchanging Money For the most favorable rates, change money through banks. Although fees charged for ATM transac- tions may be higher abroad than at home, Cirrus and Plus exchange rates are excellent, because they are based on wholesale rates offered only by major banks. You won't do as well at exchange booths in airports or rail and bus stations, in hotels, in restaurants, or in stores, although you may find their hours more convenient. I recommend we get a little money in Ljubljana on Monday before starting the main trip. Language Slovene (or Slovenian) is spoken throughout the country; it is a Slavic language related to Croatian, Polish and Russian. English is the most commonly spoken foreign language, especially amongst the young, followed by Ge rman, Italian and Croatian. Electrical Devices To use your U.S.-purchased electric-powered equipment, bring a converter and adapter. The electrical current in Slovenia is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC); wall outlets take European style plugs, with two round prongs. Therefore, you need an adapter plug to adjust your appliance to the European socket.

If your appliances are dual-voltage, you'll need only an adapter. Otherwise, you will need a converter as well. Most laptops, tablets, cell phones etc. operate equally well on 110 and 240 volts and so require only an adapter.

Communications Slovenia has one of the highest mobile phone ownerships in Europe and therefore, network coverage is high even in mountain areas. The country code for Slovenia is 386. Internet access is usually available in hotels. Slovenia is on Central European Time (CET) which is one hour ahead of GMT.

Travel Documents When traveling internationally make at least two photocopies of your passport (one for someone at home and another for you, carried separately from your passport). Also, take a photo of your passport so that you have an extra copy on your camera. When staying in a hotel, it is best to leave your passport in a safe in your room while you are out for the day. If you lose your passport, promptly call the nearest embassy or consulate and the local police.

See you in Slovenia!