The Ribnica Ice Skating Rink
Every winter, the Municipality of Ribnica sets up a covered ice skating rink in the size of 10m x 20m in the parking lot of the Ribnica Handicraft Centre. The ice rink is open daily between 10:00 and 20:00, the duration of the ice-skating season, however, depends on the weather conditions. Ice skate rental is €2. Seal-shaped skating aids are available for children to help them keep the balance and learn to skate. Throughout the ice-skating season, the Ribnica Handicraft Centre, in cooperation with the Municipality of Ribnica, prepares a series of entertaining accompanying events.
Additional Information:
T: +386 (0)1 8361 104
E-mail: info@rokodelskicenter-ribnica.si
Suggestions for Wintertime Walks and Hikes
For those of you who are not into skiing or ice skating, there are a number of options for peaceful, wintertime walks and hikes in Ribnica and the surrounding area.
The Ribnica Castle and its surroundings are especially beautiful in the winter, when they are covered with a blanket of snow and adorned with festive decorations. This is a perfect time to see the historically important castle in all its wintertime glory, take a walk around the Ribnica town centre, visit the Ribnica Handicraft Centre and enjoy a tasty meal in one of the local restaurants.
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A hike up to the Church of St. Ana on Mala gora is an unforgettable wintertime experience. Suitable hiking equipment and footwear is required as the path is quite demanding in the winter. In January, the Ribnica Alpine Club organises an annual guided group hike to St. Ana (https://www.planinskodrustvo-ribnica.si/), where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Ribnica Valley. Treat yourself to a warm drink in the mountain hut located a little downhill from the church and make sure you don’t forget a headlamp – it will come in handy in the evening.
Another very popular hike is the Christmas hike to Grmada, organised by the Grmada Tourism Society. A guided hike with the final destination at a beautiful viewpoint is a highly enjoyable and unforgettable experience. The view of the snow-covered village of Dobrepolje and Velika gora is fairytale-like. Due to its strategic location, the top of Grmada was an important signalling point during the time of the Ottoman incursions and the site of a beacon fire lit here to warn the locals of the invading Ottomans. Grmada was part of the so-called ‘fire phone’, a network of beacon fires that ran from Vinica in Bela krajina to Ljubljana. There are tables and benches next to the hut, as well as a playground for children to have some carefree fun.
The Festive Season in Ribnica
The festive season is called festive for a reason. This is a time of merrymaking, socialising, fun, good mood and gifts. During this time, Christmas decorations in towns and villages are a sight to behold and Ribnica is particularly beautiful. And there’s no shortage of events and things to do either – there is a month-long programme of events and plentiful opportunities for fun get-togethers for young and old alike. You can decorate a Christmas tree or make your own holiday greeting cards, attend concerts by various bands, have fun ice skating with your children, see the Christmas and New Year’s fair at the Ribnica Castle, tour our exhibitions and count down to the New Year while listening to live music.
Skiing
The Izver Ski Slope in Sodražica is located just under 10 km from the town of Ribnica (to get there, drive first in the direction of Ljubljana and then in the direction of Sodražica). It is suitable for children, families and beginners, as well as experienced skiers. The upper part of the ski slope is steep and the lower section is flatter. The ski run features a T-bar lift with the capacity of 678 people per hour. There is also a small snack bar, where you can enjoy hot and cold drinks, and snacks. Whenever there is a sufficient amount of natural snow on the plain opposite the ski slope, the Sodražica Ski Club – the operator of the ski slope and the associated facilities – sets up a cross-country skiing trail in a total length of 3 km.
Another must-do activity: night-time skiing on weekdays between 17:00 and 21:00 and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between 16:00 and 20:00.