Skiing and Snowboarding in Croatia 2024-2025
Northern Croatia boasts a few decent skiing locations in winter
Best time: December–February
Croatian ski resorts may not be the most renowned in Europe, but they offer decent skiing and snowboarding opportunities at a fraction of the cost of neighboring countries. With snow typically covering the northern mountains for about three winter months, these resorts provide an affordable alternative that is less crowded and more serene than popular skiing destinations. While some might assume that lower prices equate to lower quality, many Croatian resorts prove otherwise, offering a range of options to suit various budgets and needs, making them an attractive choice for winter sports enthusiasts.
Ski Season
From mid-December through February is the ideal time to go skiing and snowboarding in Croatia, as the snow season is at its peak and resorts are fully operational. During this period, you can enjoy a variety of winter sports across several locations, with perfect weather conditions for outdoor activities. Croatia offers an exciting winter experience for those looking to hit the slopes.
Sljeme Ski Resort
Croatia's northern mountains are home to several ski resorts, with Mount Sljeme being the most renowned. This resort features four ski runs totaling 4 kilometers and includes two ski lifts and a triple-chair lift, catering to skiers and snowboarders of various skill levels. Located between elevations of 730 and 1,030 meters, the slopes begin at the mountain's ridge and extend eastward along the Bijela livada and steeply down the northern side via the Red descent. Additional trails, including Green, Blue, and White descents, provide a total slope length of approximately 4,000 meters. In addition to recreational skiing, Ski Resort Sljeme has hosted skiing competitions for decades, including the prestigious FIS World Ski Cup race.
Ski Passes & Hours
At Ski Resort Sljeme, a day ticket during the main season costs €13.27 for adults and €6.64 for children. The resort operates daily from 9 am to 4 pm, welcoming visitors from mid-December to late March.
Platak Ski Resort
Platak, situated 26 km from Rijeka, offers a delightful winter sports experience with its seven ski runs and 6.5 km of slopes for skiing and snowboarding. The area features 10 km of cross-country skiing trails and is served by seven lifts that transport guests through its scenic landscape. With elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,363 meters, Platak provides a perfect setting for winter sports enthusiasts. Additionally, visitors can take advantage of ski and snowboard schools, as well as ski rental services, making it an accessible destination for all skill levels.
Ski Passes & Hours
The day ticket prices for the main season at Platak are €22 for adults and €13 for children. The general season runs from mid-December to late March, with opening times from 9 am to 4 pm.
Other Resorts
Other Croatian ski resorts include the Croatian Olympic Centre at Bjelolasica, which often relies on artificial snow. Velebno – Baške Oštarije, Rudnik Tršće, and Mukinje Plitvice provide a mix of skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Čelimbaša and Petehovac Delnice attract visitors with their scenic trails. For a more local experience, resorts like Begovo Razdolje, Vučići – Ogulin, and Rezovačke Krčevine offer affordable options for winter sports enthusiasts.
Snow Activities
Croatian ski resorts offer various alternative snow sporting activities apart from downhill skiing and snowboarding. For instance, at Platak in the Rijeka region, visitors can engage in cross-country skiing, covering a distance of 10 km. The resort makes available rental options for activities such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing that enable exploring the mountainous regions. Visitors can also enjoy the sledding trail and ice-skating rink available at Platak during the winter season.