Above Cerklje na Gorenjskem, the road climbing to the Krvavec ski resort stands out as one of Slovenia’s most feared ascents, with a profile that rivals the great Italian ramps.
A short but merciless climb
From Cerklje na Gorenjskem, it’s 9.7 km for 960 m of elevation gain up to the cable car base station, averaging 9.9% and regularly exceeding 12 to 15% for several consecutive kilometres, with no real flat section to recover.
A benchmark of Slovenian cycling
Krvavec has featured as a stage finish in the Tour of Slovenia on several occasions, its difficulty making it a real test for the climbers in the peloton. The view from up top, opening onto the Julian Alps in the distance and the Gorenjska plain below, rewards the effort once the resort is reached.
Getting the ride right
A very forgiving gear, around 32 to 34 teeth at the back, helps maintain a decent cadence on the steepest sections without blowing up too early. It’s also worth setting off with enough water, as refill points are scarce once you leave Cerklje na Gorenjskem.
When to go
May to September, outside the winter season when the resort hosts skiers and the road can remain snow-covered at altitude.
Good to know
Kranj, a university town about twenty minutes away, offers a wider choice of accommodation than the villages at the foot of the climb, with easy access to Ljubljana for extending the trip in the Slovenian capital.
