Planica is where ski jumping transforms into ski flying. The giant hill in this Slovenian valley enables jumps of over 240 meters, pushing athletes to the absolute limits of the sport.
Ski Flying
Ski flying differs from normal ski jumping primarily in scale. The larger hill allows athletes to reach greater speeds and soar further than on any normal jumping hill. Jumps routinely exceed 230 meters, with the world record pushing past 250 meters.
The experience of watching ski flying is unlike anything else in winter sports. Athletes genuinely appear to fly, hanging in the air for several seconds before landing.
World Records
Planica has been the site of numerous world records throughout ski jumping history. The venue's favorable aerodynamics and massive hill dimensions create ideal conditions for the longest jumps ever recorded.
Champions like Stefan Kraft, Ryoyu Kobayashi, and Halvor Egner Granerud have soared down this legendary hill.
The Nordic Center
Planica also hosts cross-country skiing events, making it a complete Nordic skiing venue. The trails through the Julian Alps provide spectacular racing terrain.
Slovenian Passion
Slovenia punches far above its weight in ski jumping, and Planica is the heart of this passion. The Prevc family and other Slovenian jumpers enjoy tremendous home support here.
Location
Planica sits in the Tarentaise Valley near the border with Austria and Italy. The Julian Alps provide a dramatic backdrop for the world's most spectacular jumps.
Getting There
The venue is accessible from Ljubljana Airport (about 80 km) or Klagenfurt Airport in Austria. The mountain scenery along the way is spectacular.