The Resort of Kanin, Slovenia

The resort of Kanin above Bovec is Slovenia’s highest resort with lifts up to a height of 2300m.

Over the past few winters the area around Bovec has been blessed with huge snow falls, perhaps this is because of it’s proximity to the Adriatic but 2007/2008 saw the resort keep a base of 5m almost throughout the season and winter 2008/2009 saw that base increase to 8m.

The resort is due to be linked with Sella Nevea on the Italian side of the mountain for the 2009/2010-winter season. This will give access to a vertical drop of over 1500m and double the size of the resort. The Slovenian side of the mountain faces south and is bathed in sunshine throughout the day, in contrast the Italian side faces north and so conditions remain good even when the sun has warmed up the Slovenian snow.

Both Sella Nevea and Kanin offer excellent off piste and freeride possibilities although deep holes carved into the limestone mean that those wanting to venture well off the beaten tack are advised to do so in the company of a local guide.

In January the Slovenians build a small park with a handful of rails and a couple of small to medium cheese wedge kickers cater for those wanting to get a bit of airtime.

Kanin can be blissfully quiet during the week when lift cues are unheard of and it’s not uncommon for you to be the only person on a piste.

The cost of skiing in Kanin has yet to reach the exuberant levels of neighbouring resorts in Italy and Austria with lift passes, lessons and food at the mountain restaurant still offering excellent value for money. Don’t let the cost of a lift pass fool you into thinking that Kanin is some Eastern European backwater resort though, with a new high speed four man chair and the cable car linking Slovenia to Italy, the infrastructure within the resort is as good as any French resort.

Whilst Kanin and Sella Nevea are not going to suit advanced on piste skiers who are simply looking to cover large distances each day, the resorts offer plenty for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The superb off piste and fantastic snow record mean that free ride skiers and boarders along with those wanting to tour shouldn’t dismiss the area.