Kanin – Bovec
Description
The starting point for this premier stage is the town of Bovec in the Soča Valley. At just under 500 meters above sea level, the route begins on asphalt and later continues steadily uphill on a very pleasant gravel road. First, it should be noted that you can take the gondola up to Kanin if you want to save yourself the climb. However, be sure to check the operating hours.
For everyone else, the route continues steadily uphill along the south side. The forest road, which is pleasant at the start, turns into a rougher cart track, making pedaling very sluggish and laborious. You struggle your way further and further uphill until the final 100 meters of elevation gain run along the ski slope and finally end at the Kanin cable car’s mountain station on the Slovenian side. The scene here in summer isn’t particularly inviting, but it changes completely after just a few meters. Passing between heavily touristed buildings and numerous steel structures of gondola lifts, you reach the pass, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Triglav and the Soča Valley before finally coming to rest.
The descent begins shortly after, but it should be approached with caution. Under no circumstances should you choose the inviting path along the ridge. This is an impassable route, peppered with several climbing sections. The more pleasant option is the ski slope, which in summer is a massive gravel track. The descent trail begins at the saddle on the border between Italy and Slovenia, known as Prevala, at 2,067 meters above sea level. A very alpine descent rated S2 to S3, and S4 in places, leads directly down to Bovec. In breathtaking fashion, the route descends above the tree line to around 1,600 meters above sea level.
The trail becomes slightly easier for a while before getting more challenging again after Planina Krnica. The beech forest, in particular, should not be underestimated. Loose rocks and steep steps put mountain bikers to the test here. Toward the end, more and more flow elements appear on the natural trail before you finally return to civilization in Bovec. This is one of the premier tours in the Soča Valley, demanding everything from you both on the ascent without gondola assistance and on the descent.
Note: You should pay special attention to your water supply, as the mountain is extremely dry.
Map & GPX-Track
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Details of the tour
24 km
1770 m
1770 m
461 above sea level
2249 above sea level
1 day
Bovec
Bovec
2820
limited
More information
More tours nearby
User comments (4)
About the author: Martin Depauli
Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.
A really cool enduro area. I highly recommend the tour or even an enduro day with DKsport (Dejan knows every trail in the area).
After Planina Krnica, the trail is rated S2 to S3—but it's absolutely beautiful!
Started on September 15th from Bovec still in the sun, up into the fog. The path from ~1000m above sea level was not rideable due to rough gravel and steepness. So we humped up to the top. Very strenuous on the gravel track in the ski area. It's better to hike next to it on solid ground. The railroad infra is dilapidated, but there seem to be Arab investors for a new start....
Long DH in absolute solitude. Technical and slippery on loose gravel. At the end in the forest with more flow and lots of line choices.
Attention: The Kanin cable car has been out of service since the end of summer 2023. The cable car option from Bovec is therefore no longer possible. Alternatively, you can start from Sella Nevea and possibly deposit a 2nd vehicle in Bovec.