Maribor Pohorje is Slovenia’s largest winter resort, set on forested slopes just above the country’s second-largest city, Maribor. The mountain offers around 35 kilometres (22 miles) of skiing and riding, including the renowned 7 km (4.3 miles) night-ski run, Slovenia’s longest floodlit slope. Families appreciate a range of easier trails, while Areh (the higher sub-area) invites skiers wanting more advanced terrain and cross-country options. Down in the valley, Maribor’s cultural heritage, charming Old Town, and spirited nightlife add an urban twist to your mountain escape.
Here’s a practical guide we’ve put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Maribor Pohorje ski holiday. You’re going to learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or chill out after skiing.
Let's get started!
Maribor Pohorje rests on the Pohorje Mountains, directly bordering the city of Maribor, near Slovenia’s north-eastern border with Austria.
Nearest airport
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Slopes meet the city | Low altitude |
| Longest night-ski in Slovenia | Limited advanced terrain |
| Family-friendly | Compact domain |
| Easy access & affordable | Après-ski on mountain is subdued |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Maribor Pohorje has to offer.
Maribor Pohorje’s gentle forested pistes suit early learners. Both the main lower slopes near the gondola base and sections in Areh provide easy runs and dedicated ski-school zones. The well-regarded local instructors are used to guiding novices, especially families, ensuring a comfortable introduction to skiing. If you prefer calmer times on the snow, you can even sample the floodlit slopes in the evening for extra practice.
Intermediate skiers thrive on blue and red slopes, plus the notable Čopova run that sweeps down to the Snow Stadium when snow is ample. With 35 km total, you won’t exhaust the domain in a single day, especially if you factor in Areh’s terrain. The well-forested runs maintain a scenic, cosy feel, especially midweek when visitor numbers dip. Night-ski sessions let you extend your daily mileage on the illuminated track.
Though advanced terrain is limited, some steeper sections under the gondola or around Areh can test your technique, especially in firmer conditions. During the annual Golden Fox women’s World Cup, the race run sees top-level competition on the giant slalom and slalom track. Beyond that, freeride lines are short, and big off-piste expansions are minimal, experts typically enjoy a day or two here, then might venture elsewhere if craving more challenging slopes.
Snowboarders appreciate the gondola access (minimising T-bar usage) and broad intermediate runs that are ideal for carving. The area occasionally sets up small freestyle elements near mid-mountain, though it’s not a major park hub. The approachable slopes and easy logistics from the city also make it a prime spot for novices and families with snowboarding teens or kids.
The 2024/25 ski season for Maribor Pohorje started on December 7th, and it's expected to run until March 31st. If you're planning a ski holiday to Maribor Pohorje this winter, be sure to explore our Maribor Pohorje deals for the best ski offers available.
Maribor Pohorje offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 7 cm (2.75 in) and 9 cm (3.54 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 1.5 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall increases with 14 cm (5.51 in) and it occurs more frequently across 2.0 days each week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of February, traditionally the snowiest week in Maribor Pohorje, with 18 cm (7.08 in) of snow over 2.0 days. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 3 cm (1.18 in) of snow over 0.4 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 7 cm/2.75 in | 1.3 days |
| January | 9 cm/3.54 in | 2.0 days |
| February | 14 cm/5.51 in | 2.0 days |
| March | 6 cm/2.36 in | 1.2 days |
| April | 3 cm/1.18 in | 0.4 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Maribor Pohorje’s dining fuses mountain tradition with the city’s modern culinary flair. On the mountain, you’ll find koče (huts) serving hearty Slovenian dishes, often with a homely interior. In Maribor (for broader options or evening meals):
Look out for Slovenian wines from the Štajerska region, plus typical sweets or pastries for dessert. Mountain huts can also remain open for night skiing, letting you grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine mid-run.
Après-ski up on Maribor Pohorje is fairly low-key, focusing on small slope-side bars or huts. However, the proximity to Maribor unlocks a city-based evening scene, especially around Lent (riverside district) or the Old Town. Highlights include:
Download Maribor Pohorje piste map here
