The largest ski resort in Slovenia by area is Maribor Pohorje . The total length of the tracks here is 64 kilometers. It is here that the Maribor thermal center of the same name is located. Maribor Pohorje is located 6 km from the city of Maribor and 17 km from the Austrian border.

For the last 30 years, the stage of the Women’s Alpine Skiing World Cup – “Golden Fox” has been regularly held here. The ski season in Maribor Pokhoria lasts from December to April.

It was the holding of international competitions that turned Pohorje into a popular ski center not only for family tourists, but also for professional skiers. Here is the largest number of “black” – extreme trails in terms of difficulty in all of Slovenia.

The resort has a very well-developed infrastructure, and the service and quality of service to tourists here is top notch. On its territory there is a track for night skiing, which is illuminated by floodlights in the dark.

In addition to downhill skiing, Maribor Pohorje can offer other types of active recreation. There is a track for cross-country skiing. Snow cannons work on all tracks. Therefore, the resort is ready to work even in adverse weather conditions. And the snow cover lasts almost 100 days a year.

Map of Maribor Pohorje

Weather

The season officially runs from December 23 to March 24. The climate here is extremely mild, and Maribor, located just 10 minutes away, is a port city and a beach resort! He asks, where does the cold come from?

In fact, it’s all about the Alps. It is they who retain the cold air in the winter period, as a result of which on the slopes of Pokhorya you can see a full-fledged snowy winter with a stable -5… -8 oС. However, the problem is that it is installed only until mid-December. Until now, one can only dream about permanent snow cover.

January and February are stable here, but by March the cold recedes, the temperature fluctuates around 0, and the situation is saved by artificial snow systems on ski slopes. They successfully cope with this task until the 20th of March, after which the ski season at the resort ends.

Tracks and lifts

Winter in Maribor Pokhoria

The resort complex itself is divided into the following three parts.

Snow Stadium is the lowest (up to 900 m) complex of mostly simple tracks, more suitable for beginners. Ideal for family skiing.

Bolfenk . Located at an average altitude (from 900 to 1150 m), it is popular among young people with a decent level of skiing. There are “red” tracks.

Areh . The highest part of the complex (from 1 km to 1.3 km above sea level). Despite not having the highest peak point, it has several “black” tracks at its disposal, which is of interest mainly to professionals.

In addition, Maribor Pohorje is bordered by a number of small areas for skiing – and completely independent, with their own hotels, entertainment and opportunities. To travel to them, it is most convenient to buy a multiskipass.

Specifications

Skiing area: 336-1347 meters

The total length of the tracks is 64 km, of which 30 km are blue, 20 km are red, and 14 km are black. The ski center has 20 lifts. The resort has the longest illuminated track in Europe – 4.5 km.

Ski slopes, units:

in total – 60

• Blue – 20
• Red – 35
• Black – 5

The length of the tracks for cross-country skiing is 20 km.

There is also a sledding track (800 m).

There is a kindergarten in the snow in Maribor Pohoria. In the ski school, you can take lessons in alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, carving and telemark.

For fans of cross-country skiing, there is a 27-km path through the forest massif. For those who prefer snowboarding, the resort has a half-pipe, a couple of separate runs, and a dedicated snowboarding school. There is also a children’s school with foreign language instructors.

 

It doesn’t matter what skill level you have, both amateurs and professionals will find what they’re looking for here. Choose what you like: many easy routes and comfort — or extreme and the proximity of the tracks to hotels, reducing the journey to training to a minimum.

Hotels in Maribor Pokhory

The resort has a large number of hotels that differ in location, star rating and level of comfort. The 5-star hotels of Maribor Pohoria are located near the slopes, surrounded by beautiful forests, a few meters from the funicular and not far from the ski lifts.

The most numerous 4-star hotels in Maribor Pohoria offer swimming pools with thermal water, Finnish and Turkish baths, gyms and much more for tourists. Rooms are equipped with satellite TV, Internet access, air conditioners.

There are cheaper hotels in Maribor Pokhoria , with a slightly lower level of comfort and, accordingly, with 3 stars. They are located further from tracks and lifts.

Guest House Sovič is a 3-star hotel

Guesthouse Sovič is located in the village of Oplotnica. It offers a restaurant, a bar, a garden and free Wi-Fi in the entire territory. Family rooms and a terrace are available. Private parking is available for an additional fee.

At the guesthouse, the rooms feature a patio with a garden view. All rooms at Guest House Sovič have a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

Guests are served a continental or vegetarian breakfast.

Guests of Sovič Guest House can go hiking, skiing and cycling.

The guest house is located 49 km from the resort of Rimsko-Toplice and 34 km from the city of Maribor. The distance from Guest House Sovič to Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport is 105 km.

Mercure Maribor City Center 4-star hotel

Hotel Mercure Maribor City Center is located in a quiet area in the center of the city of Maribor. It offers free Wi-Fi, a fine restaurant and a conference center. On the territory of this renovated hotel there is an entertainment center, a bar and a cafe.

Stylishly decorated rooms have air conditioning with individual control system, mini bar, LCD TV with international channels and free tea/coffee making facilities. Guests are provided with towels, a selection of pillows, pure cotton bed linen and toiletries with organic extracts.

The hotel restaurant offers à la carte or buffet service and specializes in Slovenian and international cuisine. Guests can also order breakfast in their room.

In addition, guests can use a combined dry/wet sauna with chromotherapy, as well as various types of massage.

The hotel’s business club is suitable for meetings and events of various formats. In addition, the hotel has 3 halls with air conditioning and modern technical equipment.

Bolfenk Resort 4-star hotel

Built in the style of an Alpine chalet, this hotel is located in the middle of an evergreen forest. Bright, spacious rooms and various facilities for relaxation and fitness, as well as for business travelers are available to guests.

Guests are provided with comfortable rooms with a private balcony, from which there is a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside. Guests can rent a bicycle or go hiking in the surrounding area. During the season, a ski school operates on the territory.

In the spa center of the hotel, you can order sessions of various types of massages and procedures for the care of the face and body, as well as visit the indoor pool, Turkish bath and Finnish sauna. In addition, the hotel has a large restaurant and a spacious meeting room with a high ceiling, a projector and a television screen.

The hotel can be reached quickly by car / taxi or by cable car. There is free parking in front of the hotel. The distance to the city of Maribor is 23 km.

Hotel Zarja 3-star hotel

Hotel Zarja is surrounded by Pohorja hills. It is located approximately 1200 meters above sea level. This quiet and beautiful place is ideal for both active and relaxing vacations.

This family hotel is decorated in the style of a country house. Admire the wooden and stone architecture of the hotel. Accommodation is offered in comfortable apartments with modern equipment in accordance with high standards. From the apartments, guests can enjoy a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside.

Hotel Zarja is located just 3 km from some of the best slopes in Slovenia. Behind the hotel you will find a ski slope.

In the summer, enjoy biking, hiking, and horseback riding on quaint trails. More and more visitors are interested in collecting medicinal herbs, mushrooms and wild berries.

Apartments Mariborsko Pohorje 4 star hotel

Apartments Mariborsko Pohorje are located in the district of Hochko Pohorje in the Podravje region, close to the Sleme ski lift. Free Wi-Fi and free private parking are available.

The apartment has parquet floors, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a dining area, a TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with bidet and a hairdryer.

Hiking and skiing can be enjoyed in the surroundings. Guests can rent ski equipment, ski down directly to the apartment door and purchase ski passes.

What can be seen and what to do

Both in the resort itself and in neighboring Maribor, there are many opportunities for recreation. There are also architectural masterpieces (historically, Pohorje is a part of Austria-Hungary with its sophisticated style of construction), and a spa (Terme Maribor complex). Well, in winter, of course, mountain skiing, sledding, snowboarding and paragliding play the first violin – you can also do them if you wish.

In winter

There is plenty to do here besides mountain skiing.

Take a walk in winter Maribor – and if you’re lucky, even during the Christmas holidays. The old architecture of the historical center surrounded by preparations for the main holiday of the year is an unforgettable sight!

Fans of extreme entertainment can enjoy night descents with torches, paragliding, group skydiving and hot air balloon flights.

Visit local restaurants and cinemas, go shopping in Maribor (local boutiques have a good selection, especially during the Christmas holidays).

If you are tired of ordinary walks in the mountains, then take a look at the interesting programs conducted by the resort staff:

· Night sledding

It is in Maribor that the longest track in Europe, intended for night skiing, is located. Its length is 7 km, and the height difference is 1000 meters. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the enchanting mountain scenery at night.

· A romantic walk for two

If you came to the resort with a loved one, then you should pay attention to this excursion. In 40 minutes, you will be taken on a sleigh along the most picturesque tracks of the resort – Bellevue and Areh, and you will also be offered a glass of mulled wine or blueberry brandy.

· Giant slalom

If you have long felt like an athlete, then you should take part in downhill competitions. The rules are simple: you need to get off the mountain faster than your rivals. Races are held on the slopes of Mount Poštela or Cojzerica, and anyone can take part in them.

· Huge swing

A huge swing is probably the only type of recreation at the Pohorje resort that does not require physical expenses. Everything is very simple – you sit on a giant swing and admire the snowy Maribor. Riding time is 15 minutes.

· Football XXL

Winter football is an excellent entertainment option for large companies. The rules are simple: 6 people play in each team, who are connected to each other and move in a limited space. Fun is guaranteed!

· Search for treasures

Treasure hunting is one of the best types of recreation for children and adults. Everything is quite simple: the curator of your group hides treasures in the most unexpected places, and you look for them. By the way, when making a plan, the tour guide takes your wishes into account.

· Walking on snowshoes

If you are tired of walking along the usual routes, rent snowshoes and go for a walk in the quiet Pokhorsk forests.

In summer

Active recreation of all formats – from hiking with tents to bicycle tours. The excellent infrastructure does not go anywhere with the melting snow: guests of the resort are offered all the summer entertainment related to sports and tourism.

Maribor Pohorje in summer

Ljubljana Zoo . About 20 hectares without enclosures – animals are in their natural habitat. Many of them can be fed, and some can even be petted.

All year long

Regardless of the season, you can always have fun in the following places when you visit Slovenia.

Oceanarium . It is located near Maribor and always attracts the attention of tourists with children. More than a hundred species of exotic reptiles and fish are collected here, including the famous poisonous fugu fish.

The large Bumbar Park play complex has many attractions and entertainment for children and adults. After games and adventures, you can have a snack in a local cafe.

Chatezh thermal baths – go and visit the famous thermal complex “Riviera”, which consists of two parts – Winter and Summer. The total area of ​​pools and playgrounds with attractions is more than 10,000 m ² . Winter Riviera is reliably sheltered from the cold with a translucent roof and is also open to everyone during the ski season. Olympic pool, Pirate Island, sunbathing area and simulation of all kinds of water phenomena – you just won’t want to leave!

Maribor thermal springs

In addition to skiing, Maribor can also offer you relaxation in thermal springs. One of the best thermal complexes in Slovenia is located on the territory of the city. The temperature of the water here is 44 ° C, and it is delivered from a depth of 1200-1500 meters.

The Maribor thermal complex has everything for a complete rest: swimming pools, saunas, Turkish baths, a solarium, as well as various medical equipment. Those who want to regain their youth or improve their health should pay attention to this complex – the center has specialists who will select the procedures you need and create a complete complex.

Wineries

Visiting winemakers is one of the most popular activities among tourists in Maribor. And not for nothing – there is really something to see and try here.

Ramsak wine

The town has several wineries, the largest being Ramsak and Vinogradi Horvat. Their work plan is the same: first you come to the wine museum, where they tell you the history of winemaking and a specific brand. Next, you go to the tasting room (some wineries accept guests only if seats have been reserved in advance) and try different wines. Usually the hosts offer to choose several drinks at your discretion. And after that, most visitors go to the store to buy their favorite type of wine.

Winery Vinogradi Horvat

The Ramsak winery makes sense to visit if you want to see the largest grape press for wine in Europe, as well as sit in a cozy gazebo under the vine. And the Vinogradi Horvat winery will appeal to those who want to see a real wine cellar and have a delicious dinner. The owners of the winemakers are very friendly, so you have no chance to leave Maribor without making friends with them.