Kope

Kope sits high on the rolling, spruce-covered Pohorje plateau in the Carinthia region of north-east Slovenia, above the towns of Slovenj Gradec and the Mislinja valley. The terrain is broad, gentle and forested, spreading across a plateau rather than tumbling down a steep face, which gives the whole place a soft, unhurried character. It has long been a favourite with families and cross-country skiers who value peace, space and easy slopes over adrenaline. Small in scale and low on crowds, Kope feels like a genuine local mountain retreat, wrapped in forest and far from the bustle of the bigger Alpine names.

Go for a tranquil, affordable family day on undemanding slopes, with some of the region's best nordic trails on your doorstep. It suits beginners, young children, cross-country skiers and anyone seeking a quiet, wooded plateau away from the crowds. Those chasing steep terrain or big vertical should look elsewhere, but for gentle winter days in unspoilt surroundings it is a gem.

The plateau's elevation and heavy forest cover help Kope hold snow well once the cold arrives, and the sheltered, north-leaning terrain keeps the pistes and trails in good order through mid-winter. Conditions are best deep in the season; the tree-lined setting gives good skiing even when the light is flat.