In Bovec, snow rarely falls in the last decade. It does lie at a low altitude. But! If there is nothing in the valley, it doesn't mean there isn't any higher up.
We spent the New Year holidays and winter breaks of 2026 in the sun and snow. A little magic, a little crunching underfoot, and a lot of walking.
These are the tours (suitable for beginners in winter hiking, not exposed and quite popular) where we found it this year.
Mangart Saddle (as far as you can go)
In winter, the road is not maintained, and the hike towards Mangart Saddle is very flexible.
We headed towards Mangart Saddle past Mangart Pasture, along a well-trodden and firm path. You can also just go by road from the start. We walked along the road once we reached the tunnels.
You can shorten or extend the path. You can just go to the pasture. Go a little higher. Or to the first serious snow.
The terrain is open, the views are magnificent, and if it's a beautiful day, the world up there is completely different.
Suitable for families. Keep crampons in your backpack; I also recommend gaiters.
Monte Lussari from Camporosso (Žabnice)
This path is... steep. Very steep.
You start in Camporosso and follow the pilgrim's path towards Monte Lussari. You are mostly in the shade, the snow lasts a long time, and the path is usually well-trodden because it is very popular.
On the way, we climbed a little over 900 meters in elevation. Your breath only calms down at the top. First, you walk through the forest, along the river, then you reach the Stations of the Cross, soon you reach the cable car, and that's a sign that the goal is near. A little higher up, you reach the ski slope, you walk under the cable car again and arrive at a wonderful view of Mangart. A short climb past the fence and into the town or all the way to the top, to the cross, follows.
At Monte Lussari, we had lunch "at Jure's". French fries and pizza, and of course the sun and that feeling that you've earned every bite.
The descent is fast and fun. Gaiters and crampons (or snowshoes or touring skis) are essential.
Rifugio Zacchi from Laghi di Fusine (sleds mandatory!)
Starting point: Laghi di Fusine.
The path to Rifugio Zacchi is approximately 6 kilometers one way and overcomes about 450 meters of elevation. The path is mostly in the shade and well-trodden. Also very popular. If you want to get parking, it's good to arrive early. Parking is paid. The sun only appears at the hut, around noon. But it also quickly hides behind the hills.
The ascent is steady, suitable even for children if they are used to walking. A lot happens and it's quite interesting for them: people walk, ski, and sled.
Descent? Pure fun. Because you sled back. Yes, it's easier. But. Also tiring, because you have to brake with your feet all the time. After six kilometers, your thighs feel it more than on some inclines.
This is one of our favorite winter classics.
Mrzli Vrh under Matajur
A shorter but beautiful winter ascent (described in more detail here).
Approximately an hour and a half of walking and about 450 meters of ascent. The starting point is the village of Avsa, and then you just follow the signs for Matajur.
There is usually more snow only towards the summit; lower down, it is often bare.
The views towards Benečija and the valley are wide and peaceful. Less crowded. Quieter.
If you don't have a whole day, this is a very nice choice.
Ideas even without snow
Marija Snežna in Trenta
Park at Korita campsite and follow the yellow signs for the Marija Snežna walking path.
A good 7 kilometers of walking and just under 400 meters of ascent.
A peaceful, scenic, circular route, also suitable for children, takes you to a chapel above the rock and past isolated houses back towards the campsite.
T3lier above Bovec
A new peak above Bovec, a local hill, a new path starts at the mortuary in Bovec. It is a rather steep tour. A more detailed description of the path can be found here.
A great idea for a shorter walk, exploring, and combining movement and play.
All these ideas (and more concrete tips for families) are described in detail in my guide Soča Valley for Young Hikers.
If you're chasing snow, go look for it higher up.
In the Soča Valley, it's almost always hiding somewhere. ❄️
