Slovenia’s Winter Sports Culture

Snow here isn’t background scenery; it’s a way of life. In this episode, we step into Slovenia’s winter pulse, where ski jumping is a family ritual, weekends revolve around the forecast, and visitors are welcomed not just as guests, but as participants. From the lively slopes of Kranjska Gora and Krvavec to the serene cross-country trails of Pokljuka and the valley beauty of Jezersko, we explore the most accessible, rewarding ways to ski, glide, sled, and enjoy winter – without the crowds.Two elite athletes, both with their family roots from Gorenjska, a region named among the Best Places to Go in Europe in 2026 by Condé Nast Traveler, guide us through this landscape from opposite sides of the Atlantic.Hockey legend Anže Kopitar, who built his career in the United States, shares what he recommends to friends when they visit Slovenia: basing themselves in Bled or Ljubljana, day-tripping across Gorenjska, and balancing crisp mountain mornings with riverside coffee and Michelin-starred dinners. He reflects on bringing the Stanley Cup to Lake Bled and explains why Slovenia’s small size is one of its greatest strengths – where the sea, the Alps, and the capital city are all within easy reach.We also head to Planica, Slovenia’s iconic ski-flying valley, where visitors can walk beneath the legendary hill, tour the Nordic Museum, experience indoor skydiving, or zipline across the valley for a ski jumper’s-eye view.Slalom racer Lila Lapanja offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at elite alpine skiing. Raised in Lake Tahoe and now competing for Slovenia, she speaks openly about her decision to return to her roots and join the Slovenian national ski team. She shares her personal life story, her strong USA–Slovenia connection, and what it takes to run a lean, independent “Team Lila” – from coaching and ski service to logistics and mental preparation. We dive into race-day details: breathing cues at the start gate, trusting feel as light and ruts shift, and how hundredths of a second can define an entire season. If you’re planning a winter holiday, think Slovenia: come for the snow, stay for the culture, and leave with a new respect for mountains that shape everyday life.Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, share it with a friend who loves winter, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Feel Slovenia the Podcast is brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Board and hosted by Dr Noah Charney.For more inspirational content, check out www.slovenia.info and our social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Tripadvisor.