Hut-to-hut in the Southern Julian Alps (WAAC)

02.10.24 - 07.10.24

£890 pp (paid in 2 installments)

Minimum group size 6 - maximum group size 10

‘Mikaela is such a lovely, friendly and competent guide and she made all of our group feel so welcome. It was my first time in Slovenia and the scenery is stunning!’

Stephanie, WAAC winter guest 2024

  • Inspire me!

    Starting on the sapphire shores of lake Bohinj, we will follow its beautiful northern edge and ascend up into the Southern reaches of the Julian Alps. Over 4 days of hut-to-hut hiking we will explore wild trails along the Julian Alps most southernly ridge, experiencing Slovene Mountain culture, and learning the foundations of independent multi-day journeying in Alpine regions away from the most frequented trails. Travelling in october also gives us the chance to enjoy the amazing golden needles of the Larch trees as they transform with an incredible autumn display.

  • Who's coming?

    Striking the perfect balance between holiday and skill development, all Women’s Alpine Adventure Club members are invited! This journey is ideal for those with some multi-day hiking experience either in the UK or further afield, looking to develop confidence, skills and enjoy a holiday together. We will learn how to plan routes that suit you, expanding outside of the usual famed long-distance trails, making our own connections and factoring in everything from logistics to packing, nutrition and nature.

  • Leading Together.

    This trip will be guided by Mikaela, founder of More to Explore, International Mountain Leader and lover of long-distance hiking! With over 15 years of experience facilitating multi-day expeditions and a lifetime of exploring long-distance trails - including hiking the entire length of the pyrenees with her Border Collie - Mikaela will support, encourage and guide you every step of the way.

Itinerary

Remote peaks, vast forests and welcoming alpine culture, this trip will pack in some of the best autumn views as we journey together along wild trails, creating our own hut-to-hut hiking journey. The itinerary below is intended to inspire and inform, but may be subject to change based on weather conditions.

Day-by-day

  • Mikaela will meet you at Ljubljana airport and we will transfer to our accommodation close to the shores of Lake Bohinj in time for dinner and a welcoming evening of getting to know one-another.

  • Distance: 15km

    Ascent: 1522M

    Descent: 55M

    We begin our day with an easy walk along the beautiful northern shores of Lake Bohinj (maybe even fitting in time for a dip!), before continuing up through beautiful autumnal forests with many turns, to the perfectly situated Dom na Komni, offering one of the best views of Lake Bohinj to be found, straight from the dining room.

  • Distance: 13km

    Ascent: 506M

    Descent: 506M

    Leaving our sleeping stuff at the koča, we will journey out for a day together on the vast Komna Plateau, with the potential to take in a 2000M peak, weather depending. Returning to Komna for one additional night, where we will plan our route together.

  • Distance: 13km

    Ascent: 850M

    Descent: 1072M

    Today we set off along the most southernly ridge of the Julian Alps. With steep paths, some fun scrambles and a healthy dose of exposed trails, this route brings a real wildness to our journey with up to 3 +2000M peaks.

  • Distance: 14.5KM

    Ascent: 899M

    Descent: 1649M

    Returning to the ridge in the morning, we will ascend to the peak of Vogel (1922M), continuing along the ridge before beginning our long descent to Ribčev Laz and returning to our start point for a celebratory final dinner together.

  • With time for a visit to lake Bled and another dip in the morning, we will set off on our journeys home, with Mikaela dropping you back at the airport after lunch.

Accommodation

From beautiful apartments, on the shores of lake Bohinj to remote alpine huts full of warmth and mountain culture, comfortable and welcoming accommodation is just as important to us as the routes we take in the mountains! The exact locations may change but the ethos and quality will always remain the same.

  • Apartmaji Triglav

    Shared apartments 2-4 in each.

  • Dom na Komni

    Private dormitory/shared room for our group.

  • Koča na Planini Razor

    Private dormitory/shared rooms for our group.

What’s included?

Inclusions

  • All in-country transfers (including airport pick-up and drop-off).

  • 5 nights accommodation.

  • All of your breakfasts and dinners.

  • Expert guidance and instruction.

  • Pre-trip video call.

  • Pre and post trip Whatsapp support.

  • A series of professional photographs from the trip.

Exclusions

  • Arrival costs (eg flights, trains etc)

  • Personal equipment and clothing

  • Individual Insurance (we will ask for copies of this in advance)

  • Lunches

  • Drinks

  • Additional snacks

 FAQs

  • In October we can often enjoy periods of stable sunny weather, leading to incredible autumn journeys at a pleasant temperature for hiking. However, because of this stability we can also experience longer periods of rain and even early season snow, especially on the higher peaks. Whatever the weather, Mikaela will create a route that makes the most of the conditions, enabling a wonderful experience rain or shine.

  • This tour would be suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness from regular hillwalking in the UK or similar, which can be developed in the time leading up to departure.

    Although this tour is suitable for beginners there will be elements of challenge throughout the journey. We will have some long ascents to enable us to reach some amazing and remote places and there will be an element of easy scrambling with some exposed trails.

    You will also need to be comfortable carrying everything you need for 4 days of hiking (approx 40ltr rucksacks), although Mikaela will offer advice on keeping pack weights down.

    Our routes and distances are carefully planned so we will have plenty of time to move slowly, rest and work together.

    • Route planning, Research, Forecasting and Equipment.

    • Path gradings and why they matter.

    • Navigation skills and techniques (including use of technology).

    • Basic/easy scrambling.

    • Use of huts and cottages, including booking, etiquette and safe access.

    • Understanding the alpine environment; tracks, traces and adaptations.

  • This is a hiking trip not a mountaineering course, so we will not be using or requiring climbing equipment, crampons, axes or the skills and techniques of Alpinism.

Want to know more?

I am always happy to chat and answer any questions you may have, simply pop me an email via our contact form.