Published on
August 12, 2025
Pohorje mountains in north-eastern Slovenia, historically popular for winter skiing, is becoming a lively year-round tourism site. The change comes after warmer winters that are a result of climate change have prompted local tourism operators to rethink how they do business. The new strategy for the region is working, with a 5% rise in arrivals in the first half of 2025, reaching 192,000 visitors.
A substantial number of such tourists arrive from Croatia, Germany, Austria, and Hungary, reflecting the increased regional popularity of Pohorje as a holiday destination throughout the year. This boost in international tourism is a sure sign of the region’s new reputation beyond the winter resort.
New Attractions Drive Tourism Beyond Skiing
Pohorje’s transformation includes new attractions like the “Pohorje Trio”—a combination of a cable car ascent, a tricycle descent, and an adrenaline-packed ride on the PohorJet alpine coaster. These activities complement traditional options like hiking trails and wellness retreats, offering something for all types of travelers, from thrill-seekers to those looking for relaxation.
The introduction of these diverse experiences has helped to extend the tourism season, with visitors staying longer. The average overnight stays have increased from 2.4 to 2.6 days, and the total number of overnight stays surpassed 500,000 in the first half of 2025. Despite the growth, Pohorje remains a less crowded alternative to the Alpine resorts, maintaining its charm as a tranquil retreat.
Maribor’s Tourism Growth Mirrors Pohorje’s Success
The city of Maribor, located nearby, is also benefiting from this shift in tourism patterns, seeing a 9% increase in overnight stays in 2025. Like Pohorje, Maribor is attracting international guests, particularly from neighboring countries. As the second-largest city in Slovenia, Maribor is capitalizing on its proximity to Pohorje, offering additional attractions and cultural experiences, from historic sites to modern event venues.
Sustainability Concerns: Balancing Growth and Preservation
While the growth in visitor numbers is a positive development, Andrej Grmovšek from the Regional Park Pohorje has stressed the importance of preserving the area’s natural heritage. He cautioned that sustainable tourism practices must be prioritized to ensure that Pohorje can continue to offer a unique and authentic experience for future generations. As Pohorje gains popularity, balancing tourism growth with environmental conservation will be essential in maintaining its allure as a nature-focused destination. As Maribor and Pohorje continue to grow, their diversified tourism offerings promise to keep the area attractive for global visitors, while ensuring the preservation of the region’s natural beauty and sustainable growth.
Pohorje’s Shift to Year-Round Tourism: Opportunities and Growth
Pohorje’s evolution from a ski-only destination to a year-round tourism hotspot is paying off as the region adapts to warmer winters caused by climate change. The region’s new tourism strategy, focusing on diverse activities like the “Pohorje Trio”—a cable car ascent, tricycle descent, and PohorJet alpine coaster—has successfully attracted visitors year-round. Moreover, this type of tourism activites is giving an important boost to the economy of Slovenia and Pohorje to be an important tourism and economic centre of the nation.
Conclusion: Pohorje’s Future as a Leading Slovenian Destination
The transition from a ski-focused tourist model towards a varied year-round product in Pohorje represents a strategic decision placing the region at the forefront of Slovenian destinations. With added activities, visitor attractions, and more international tourists, the region is showing itself to be resilient in the climate change era. The region’s success mirrors wider trends within Slovenia’s tourism sector, which is adopting sustainability and innovation to draw more diverse visitors all year round.
