Page 31 - Cross Country Travel Guide 2019

SOČA VALLEY,

SLOVENIA

he Soča Valley is the outdoor capital of Slovenia. From
T
kayaking to trail running, you’ll find it here. And that of
course includes hang gliding and paragliding. Slovenia’s

Julian Alps are smaller than the French or Swiss Alps, but packed
full of XC potential, whatever level you’re at.
The launches are Stol, near Kobarid, and Kobala, near Tolmin,
at the other end of the E/W valley. On a clear day you can see the
Dolomites to the west, but the region is dominated by 3,000m
Triglav to the north. In season (April to September) shuttle buses
run to the launches, which are grassy and well maintained. A small
site fee applies.
If you are looking to rack up distance come here to test
yourself on the classic 200km+ out-and-return route that takes
you into Italy, ridge-running out front before dropping into
bigger mountains behind. Comp pilots will find friendly events

like the Serial Cup, pictured, where the focus is on learning to
international Cat 2s. It also makes a great holiday destination, with
camping and lots of activities for the kids or others to enjoy.
Photo: Wojciech Kocot
kobala.si, sffa.org/en, serialcup.com

SLOVENIA CROSS COUNTRY TRAVEL GUIDE 2019 31