This year's magical mystery tour took place in Slovenia. We'd always been intrigued by the Julian Alps, and with our colleague Klemen Gricar happy to introduce us to his home area and give us ideas and beta, we figured we would give it a try.

The "Gang", five this year once again, was up for it, so off we went.

Trips this cohort has done with us in the past:

Marc Gallie

Chris Robinson

David Ries

Norway, April 2018
Val Clarée, March 2017
Albula ski tour, March 2015
Vallée Blanche, March 2011
Silvretta, March 2008
Ortler skiing, April 2004
Haute Route, April 2002

Mo Moceri

Paul Farrelle

Return to all recent trips

Day one, our fifth man, David Ries, is not yet on site. The rest of us are: Mark, Marc, Mo, Paul, and Chris (Left to right). Kathy is behind the camera obviously!

The ski resort at Kransjka Gora was our home for the week. A furry, foresty vibe, we felt like we were in the land of trolls.

Our lodging, the comfortable and friendly Gostlina Pri Martinu.

Nestled among the very craggy peaks of the Julian Alps.

Day one: A frigid north wind, but clear skies in the forecast, we headed up to a nearby ski area, Sella Verea. Skinned from the top hut, here.

The hut dropping away in the background, there is really steep terrain around here!

Encountering an extremely interesting combination of conditions as we progressed: gusty winds but warming temperatures, very variable snow pack (windblown new snow on top of and among thick icy rain crust), buried pea-sized graupel... altogether too many red flags and internal alarm bells going off. We quickly turned around and made another plan.

Plan B involved a more sheltered and better structured slope. Even got some skiable snow!

Plan B also involved some interesting route finding in somewhat complex terrain.

Incredibly beautiful and unique landscape.

Almost back on piste now.

Day two, joined by David, we ended up in the back country behind this unique convent within the boundaries of a ski area.

Its one "street" a narrow lane of irresistible bars, coffee shops and restaurants. A time- and group-management challenge! But we couldn't NOT stop to check it out.

Our tour turned out to be shortlived, for various reasons: late start, surprisingly technical and tricky skinning terrain, and a serious time pressure as this ski area closes with police patrols at 4:30 sharp! As we headed back home, the views of the distant peaks grew more somber. What I believe in the story-telling biz they call "foreshadowing". The next few days were very wet and stormy!

On day three, an extremely wet day, we were lucky to have Chris research an alternative activity for us: a tour to a famous cave and castle. But first! Coffee!!!

This cave actually has an impressively developed infrastructure including a multilingual convoy of tourist trains. David awaits departure.

And off we go!

Artfully lit chamber after chamber for a good 10 minutes on the train.

Followed by about an hour's guided tour on foot through the caverns.

And of course, the obligatory exit through the (strangely beautiful) gift shop!

After the caves, a visit to the Predjama Castle, a Renaissance castle built into the mouth of a cave.

The castle is now essentially a museum. This exhibit, yes, a bit creepy and spooky, but so lovingly crafted!

Looking out of the cave into the village.

Day four: Another storm day, warm and wet. We skinned up to a local ski club hut, hoping to go higher but again strong gusty winds and very poor visibility discouraged us.

Plus we were massively distracted by the fascinating local dessert plate!

Day five: slightly better weather but still poor visibility, we head up a mountain called Stubek. It had snowed heavily enough that even with chains we had to park before the start of the trail. Finally above treeline here, it's calm and beautiful in the new snow.

Nearing the summit, the sun is trying ... to ... break ... through!

On our way down, we paused to try and help a fellow apparently trying just a litttell too hard, to get up to his holiday cabin... (He finally called us off and hunkered down to await a tow truck).

Day six, a lovely day, but not so many photos. Descending heavy new snow from Cima Bella.

Ski buds.

On our last day, again we tried and failed to get above treeline; the weather was just too inhospitable and avalanche conditions bad. We settled for a beautiful, peaceful walk and glide through the woods, and a nice lunch in a mountain restaurant.

Our luck with weather and snow was frankly not the best. But we were impressed by the rugged peaks and hospitable people, we will definitely make our way back!