Slovenia the Winter Sports Place Pic by B Klanik Forget your normal ski resorts and try Slovenia for something completely different. This small country, boardered by Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia is a great place to sk,i whether you are an experienced skier or just a novice and has the added bonus of being family friendly with lots of other activities to enjoy. Hard core skiers will want to head to either the Kranjska Gora or Maribor Pohorje which hold the mens' and womens' downhill World Cup events respectively. Maribor Pohorje has the added attraction of the longest illuminated ski run in Europe for those night time skiing junkies. As well as the testing runs, there are numerous opportunities for some off piste as well. Mount Kanin is another favourite area, being the highest area to ski, means the snow is good right into the spring. Other popular areas for downhill are Golte, Krvavec which is the closest to the international airport and capital city of Ljubjana and Rogla where there is the amazing Zreče Health Resort complete with thermal pools,solarium, sauna, health and beauty programs and much more besides. Skiers wishing to take their families will find the Cerkno Ski Centre attractive, this is the most modern centre and is only 50Ks away from Ljubjana. The hotel offers 2 swimming pools, a childrens' area and nursery slopes, sauna and fitness area, tennis courts and they can arrange fishing or hunting trips so it doesn't matter if Mum or Dad is the skier there is plenty to keep the non skier occupied. Perhaps the most picturesque area to visit is Lake Bled, with its island complete with church and mountains in the background, this truly is picture postcard land. As well as the nearby skiing slopes, there is excellent cross country skiing around the lake which boasts hot springs at one end. One added advantage is that Venice is quite close and is accessible by train or hydrofoil so you can fit in a visit when the tourists are not so numerous. Not to be missed are the incredible cream cakes which are the toast of Slovenia, you will find them all over the country but Bled is their birthplace so you will find the best ones here. The night life is excellent and after risking your life on the slopes you can risk your fortune at the local casino. All in all Slovenia is perfect for a winter holiday whether it is down hill or cross country skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing or even ice climbing, you will always find snow. Just incase, they also have some awesome snow guns should Mother Nature let them down. With their rich cultural traditions, great food and local wine and exciting night life you will want to return again and again. Travellers to Slovenia may find it a little confusing until June 2007 because they have just changed their currency from the Tolar to the Euro so that prices until then will be shown in both currencies, also the Slovenians will be getting used to the new money, so mistakes are easily made. Both currencies are being used so make sure you spend all your Tolars before you leave, the Euros you can save for another European trip.