Juliana SkiTour 2a - Velika Mojstrovka (2366 m), the most beautiful ski tour above Vršič

Vršič is a mountain pass that allows for a very comfortable entrance into the Julian Alps. The drive takes you up to 1611 m where 2000 m peaks are towering close by. Due to its easy access and stunning views, Mala Mojstrovka is undoubtedly the most visited peak above the pass,  both in the summer and in the winter. For Mala Mojstrovka’s senior neighbor, Velika Mojstrovka, it takes a bit more effort, but it is worth it. The view, which is already excellent from Mala Mojstrovka, widens even more on Velika Mojstrovka while also avoiding the crowds that are common place on her lower sister.

Skiing from Mojstrovka, one or the other, is a classic Slovenian ski tour which must be on the list of every winter visitor and ski alpinist. Both options are a first-class skiing experience. But the author of this description is still more inclined to Velika Mojstrovka, which adds a cherry on the top with its greater height and longer skiing.

If the road across the pass is not plowed, leave the car wherever you can and continue along the snowy road to the pass. If the road is plowed, leave the car in the parking lot below Tičarjev dom (1611 m).

Continue straight up the snowfield below Mojstrovka. At this point it is likely that you will find tracks made by previous tour skiers, as this is a popular ski tour. As you ascend the hill turn left towards the unmissable couloir which leads to Vratca (1983 m); a distinctive pass to the ridge of Grebenc. The snow in the couloir is often hard pack or ice. Be prepared to remove the skis and continue on foot with crampons to the saddle.

About 100 meters from the top of the couloir you must pass a steep and rocky section that is often without any snow. Here you can carry your skis on your backpack until you reach the large snowfields above. When the terrain opens back up, continue in the direction of the peaks above. Velika Mojstrovka is on the lookers left and Mala Mojstrovka is on the lookers right. For those whose goal is Velika Mojstrovka, cross the snow field diagonally towards the large distinct hollow between the two peaks.

Following the wide slopes, ascend further upwards to the left. Once the upper part is reached, there is a distinctive rock wall on the right side for orientation. Cross below the rock wall, continuing around to the top (2366 m).

Ski back in the same direction of the ascent to the hollow where our line merges with the descent from Mala Mojstrovka. Continue to the skier’s right edge of the wide valley and down to Drevesnica, following the snowfields all the way to the forest. ATTENTION: the area above Drevesnica is a quiet zone area where chamois overwinter and breed. When descending, stick to the far-right edge of the valley.

Just before the terminal of the snowfield, there is an indistinct path through the dwarf pine forest. Continue on and find a passage through the beech trees on the left until you reach an open plain, the former Velika planina (1595 m). On the opposite side of the plain, a road ascends back to the Vršič Pass road.

It is ideal to have 2 cars. Leave one on the road opposite an obvious snowfield where you will finish the ski tour, and continue with the other to the starting point of the ascent on the pass. In case you only have one car, the driver has to add another half an hour to the tour to pick up the car on the pass.

From the Primorska side: from Bovec head in the direction of Trenta and on to the Vršič Pass.