Viševnik Winter Ascent - Slovenia
- Hamish Kuperus
- Apr 26, 2024
- 5 min read
Viševnik what a great route both in the summer and winter, but in this we will focus on the winter ascent. Overall the route is super accessible, beginner friendly, and has plenty of scope to extend. The full circular route is 8km with 750m of elevation which will take around 4:30hrs, up and down route A (more detail below) is slightly less around 6.5km - 7km.
Overall Route and Conditions
If you have never visited Slovenia either in the summer or the winter then you are missing out, it is an outdoor paradise where escaping the crowds is relatively easy, beautiful vistas, and a relatively inexpensive European country to visit. Viševnik as noted is a relatively easy, beginner friendly mountain to ascend, especially in winter with beautiful views - with good conditions.
Being a winter ascent, it is crucial you have knowledge of winter conditions, snow conditions, route planning, map reading etc. if going by yourself unguided. In poor conditions this route is incredibly difficult and dangerous especially if you're inexperienced (as can be seen in poor conditions below). The route noted her can be split into two sections (A & B) - for more experienced parties the circular route (A & B) is definitely recommended, but those with less experience or confidence it is worth going up and down route A, or if the conditions do not permit doing the circular route.
Route section A does not have to many areas prone to avalanche however, does not remove the possibility and knowledge regarding the conditions is vital. Route section B has multiple more avalanche prone sections which need to be taken with care and following the EU avalanche warning forecasts is a must! Link is here for the most up-to-date forecasts.
In poor conditions this route is difficult to navigate and you can find yourself up to your chest in snow
Route Section A
The start of the route and parking is opposite the sports hotel and military building (as seen in the map) in the large parking area which costs between €3 - €6 depending on your vehicle.
From the parking you take the large track to the disused ski center between the hotel and military building (this is often very icy and slippery). Once you reach the ski center get ready to go up-hill! You follow the ski slopes upwards on the tracks just within the trees to your left, as long as you're following the ski-slopes upwards to your right then you are on track. Markings are the path is fairly obvious at this point.
From the top of the second ski slope you get pushed into a gully which is very steep and will get you puffing! If you have managed to get to this point without crampons or micro-spikes then it would be a good point to put them on. Once you reach the top of this section you come to a plateau and there is some signage for the top of Viševnik to your left.
From here, if there has been a recently flurry of snow, conditions/visibility is poor, or you're first on the mountain, route finding can be very difficult. There is relatively very little signage from here and it is very easy to stray off the path and end up in very deep snow. However, in good weather or with tracks it is fairly obvious the general route you must take, however, a map and a compass never goes a miss.
You carry on heading West uphill until you get to a very large and flat ridgeline, plus the final obvious sign for Viševnik. When you have reached here you head North to Viševnik ridgeline and you should find yourself coming out of the forestry. The path meanders up this large flat ridgeline with a large basin to your right. In poor conditions or after recent snowfall, this section can be incredibly deep and route finding can be difficult. As you approach Viševnik ridgeline the it becomes far steeper and the snow lessens and changes for ice (as can be seen below). This is due to the wind that hits the ridgeline so do tread carefully and be aware of any overhanging cornices - you don't want to go and stand on them!
From here you are on the final approach to the summit of Viševnik and follow the obvious (narrow at points) ridgeline West to the summit of Viševnik which steepens just before the top. When you're here enjoy the lovely views of Mali Draški, Ablanca and all the other mountain around!
Route Section B
For this section to make the route circular more experience is required, an understanding of avalanche hazards and interpreting weather is definitely required! The addition of a walking axe would be beneficial but not a necessity if you are very competent.
From the top of Viševnik you carry on West towards the saddle between Viševnik and Mail Draški on the faint track yo can see on the picture above. You stay to the left bellow the ridgeline for the majority of the way, only crossing over to the right about 2/3rds of the way along. To begin the route is fairly easy but just below the jagged peak you can see in the picture you come across a very steep snow section you must cross. This is where avalanches can occur due to the steepness and it being South facing is getting a lot of sun. Care must be taken along here, and an axe is a great for confidence.
The route in good weather is fairly obvious, but in poor conditions, it would be very difficult to stay right. Once you have transferred naturally to the right of the arete it becomes a very steep descent. Being on the North facing side the snow should be more stable in sunny conditions but can still be fairly wet, so again care must be taken. Once in the saddle you head East straight into the basin in front of you and follow the natural valley bottom and contour to the base of Viševnik onto the path you came up on. You will emerge back at the plateau above the initial steep gully climb on route section A. From here you follow your original route back to the start through the ski center and back to the car.
Looking back up the ridgeline from the valley to the North of Viševnik
Kit
Since Viševnik is a relatively straight forward mountain you should have the usual winter kit including warm layers, waterproofs, map etc. In addition however:
Walking poles - very recommended
Crampons ideally but micro-spikes will be okay if just doing route section A
Walking axe - not necessary for route section A but advised for route section B
Avalanche and weather knowledge
I hope this is of some use to those thinking about doing this route. I highly recommend going up if you want a short but stunning winter outing in Slovenia and located about 30 minutes from Bled.
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