Need a break from the Advent craze? Craving a winter sports fix?
We might have been laying it on heavy with Advent lately, but we're aware December is not all about mulled wine and sausages. When the frenetic crowds descending upon Christmas markets become a bit too much to handle, here's what you can do: leave town, head uphill, and spend a day enjoying an authentic winter wonderland.
Zagreb and Rijeka in particular offer a great opportunity to unwind surrounded by pristine natural scenery not far from the cities themselves. The first snow of the year is in, and many citizens have already hurried to two popular destinations to make the most of their weekend while the weather is relatively pleasant: Sljeme and Platak.
The mention of Rijeka in the context of winter wonderlands might come as a surprise to some; after all, you won't often hear coastal cities mentioned where winter sports are considered. And yet, even though Rijeka is still far from getting snowed in, a great destination awaits a 30-minute drive away: the regional centre for sports, recreation and tourism 'Platak'.
Speaking about surprises, Platak opened this year's skiing season before Sljeme did. According to Novi list, this attractive destination has seen the first snow two weeks before the beginning of their winter season, but has since got more snowfall and is now covered in a white layer measuring up to 50cm in some parts. On December 2, 2017, five ski runs welcomed their first visitors, with three more about to open next weekend. The management also announced they're planning to introduce night-time skiing on the slope of Radeševo 1 as soon as the weather conditions allow for it. On Tuesdays and Fridays, visitors will be able to enjoy an evening on the brightly lit slope from 19 to 22.
You can easily reach Platak both from Rijeka and Zagreb; regardless of the direction you're coming from, take the highway exit at the Automotodrom Grobnik, keep driving for 8 kilometres on the old local road to Zagreb and you'll see a sign pointing you in the right direction. A day pass to Platak will cost you 110 kuna on workdays and 130 kuna on weekends. (Not a fan of skiing? Rent a sled for 40 kuna and cater to your inner child.)
In case you're visiting Zagreb and you're not up for a trip to another region, opt for Sljeme, the highest peak of Medvednica mountain located north of the Croatian capital. Even though none of the five ski runs on Sljeme are yet in operation, the popular destination already holds a certain fairy-tale appeal:
Leave you ski gear at home for now and just head to Sljeme to recharge your batteries in this enchanting Arcadia:
Don your warmest winter gear, take a friend or two along, and go make some snow angels. Mulled wine can wait.
Photo credit: Platak official website, Ana Željezić
