Perched high above Bovec, Kanin is Slovenia's only high altitude (i.e. over 2,000m) ski centre and boasts the country's longest 'winter' season, running all the way from November until well into spring and the May national holidays. Previously a medium sized resort with 15km of ski runs, in 2009 Kanin was joined by a new lift to the Sella Nevea ski centre across the border in Italy, making it Slovenia's only transnational resort. With a good range of slopes it will appeal to everyone from complete beginners to advanced skiers and boarders. If that's not enough for you, guests with a six-day Kanin pass can also ski in a third country for two days at the Arnoldstein centre in Austria. There are off-piste opportunities at Kanin, but we wouldn't recommend this without an experienced guide.

The imposing peaks of the mountain range overlook Bovec and the truly magnificent Soča Valley, with its famous emerald river. The Soča Valley was even featured in the Hollywood blockbuster The Chronicles or Narnia. The panorama from Kanin extends all the way from the eastern Julian Alps to Trieste, the mouth of the Soča River and the Adriatic, the proximity of which ensures a tangible mix between crisp alpine air and Mediterranean-like warm breezes. In the spring this great combination really blossoms, when you can you can ski in the morning, then sunbathe on the snow-beach, or trek in the warm lush valley in the afternoon. It even makes skiing in a t-shirt a real possibility!

To get there from Ljubljana, head west on the A1 towards Koper, then leave the highway for Tolmin. Once there follow Kobarid and then Bovec/Kanin. Total travel time is just under two hours.