Winter Hike Julian Alps from Bled: Snow-covered summit views

Two hours on the summit with Triglav and the surrounding peaks spread below you

An eight-hour winter hike in the Julian Alps departing from Bled, starting at the Pokljuka plateau and climbing through a snowy forest to a mountain pasture, then above the tree line to the summit. The route includes a rest stop at a mountain hut on the way up and a traditional Slovenian lunch on the way down. A local English-speaking guide leads the group, and pickup and drop-off in the Bled area are included. Microspikes and trekking poles are provided, along with snowshoes if needed. Children from age 8 are welcome when accompanied by an adult, and a moderate level of fitness is required.

The Experience

The hike begins at 1,300 meters on the Pokljuka plateau and climbs through an enchanted winter forest where the only sound is snow crunching underfoot. The route passes shepherd's cottages scattered across a mountain pasture before the forest thins and the trail steepens. After roughly two hours of climbing, you reach the summit and see the snow-covered Triglav and the surrounding valleys spread out below. The view that makes the effort worth it.

A mountain hut sits partway up and again on the descent, offering a short break during the climb and a place to rest and eat on the way back down. The traditional Slovenian mountain lunch served there is part of the day. The guide handles the route and the pacing. Transport from your Bled accommodation is by heated minivan, and the guide speaks English throughout. Microspikes grip the snow underfoot, trekking poles are provided, and snowshoes come along if the snow depth requires them.

The full day, eight hours from start to finish, is built around the climb and the descent, not around rushing. National Park fees are covered, so there are no surprises at the trailhead. The hike suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants to stand on a winter summit without arranging the logistics alone.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your Bled accommodation in a heated minivan.
• local English-speaking guide for the full day.
• microspikes, trekking poles, and snowshoes if needed.
• National Park entry fees.

Days and timesDaily · 08:00 · season until 31 Oct

Ages18 to 60 years · Seniors (61+) · 13 to 17 years · 8 to 12 years · Under 8 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupPickup optional · ends where it starts20 pickup points to choose from.Meeting point, per the operator: “Walk on the main road that goes down to Lake Bled. Look for the yellow door on the right side of the road. Our office is opposite a restaurant called Tale of Us…”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Altitude Activities

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the pace steady and the experience personal, so you move as a unit with the guide rather than in a large crowd spread across the mountain. Book this if you want to climb to a winter summit with someone who knows the route and the conditions, and you want the logistics (transport, gear, the mountain hut stop) already arranged.

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Top questions

Can children come?

13 to 17 years; 8 to 12 years. Under 8: no ticket type, they can't be added to a booking.

What is the Pokljuka plateau and why does the hike start there?

Pokljuka is a high mountain plateau at 1,300 meters where the hike begins. Starting there means the route skips the lowest, gentlest slopes and goes straight into the forest and the climb toward the summit.

How much of the hike is above the tree line?

The route climbs through forest and across the mountain pasture, then passes the forest line and continues on snow-covered slopes to the summit. The final stretch to the top is fully exposed, with no trees for shelter or shade.

What happens if the snow is too deep for regular boots?

Snowshoes are provided and brought along if the snow depth makes them necessary. The guide assesses conditions and decides whether they are needed on the day of the hike.

Is the mountain hut lunch included in the price, or do I need to bring my own food?

The traditional Slovenian mountain lunch served at the hut on the descent is not included in the tour price and is not covered by the booking. Bring money or arrange food separately if you want to eat during the hike.

Do I need mountaineering experience or special training to do this hike?

No mountaineering experience is required. The hike is a winter walk on marked trails, not a technical climb. A moderate level of physical fitness is needed because of the altitude gain and the length of the day, but the guide leads the pace and the route is designed for hikers, not climbers.