Crowd of Mountaineers at the All-Slovenian Festival on Areh

Around 1200 mountaineers from all over Slovenia gathered on 13 June at the Day of Slovenian Mountaineers at the Ruška koča on Areh. In the jubilee year of the Planinsko društvo Ruše, the all-day mountaineering pulse, in addition to socializing, was marked by mountaineering hikes, a mountain biking trip, climbing on the climbing tower, a campfire, a demonstration of the work of trail markers and mountain rescuers, protection of mountain nature and other experiences for mountaineers of all generations. The event also marked the opening of the new long-distance hiking trail Pohorje - Kozjak Trail and the declaration of the best mountaineering trail 2026 - the trail from Zadnja Trenta to Bavški Grintavec will be renovated.

The traditional Day of Slovenian Mountaineers 2026 was jointly organized at the start of the summer mountaineering season by the Planinska zveza Slovenije (PZS) and the Planinsko društvo (PD) Ruše, which is celebrating 125 years this year. Mountaineers from near and far set off for the Ruška koča from Ruše or from the hut headed to Žigartov vrh or to the Mariborska koča and the Skalca waterfall; on the mountain biking trip they pedalled to Žigartov vrh, Falsko tajht, Mizni vrh and the Šumik waterfall; inPlaninci also came to the oldest Pohorje mountaineering hut; families competed on an orienteering hike. Young and adult mountaineers were thrilled by the campfire of the Mladinska komisija PZS with roasting treats, the always attractive climbing on the climbing tower, workshops on mountain nature protection and drawing trail markings, a demonstration of mountain rescuers' equipment and presentations of 125 years of PD Ruše and local providers. The central event on Areh was majestically opened by the arrival of the standard-bearers of 45 mountaineering clubs to the mountaineering anthem Oj, Triglav, moj dom. The cultural programme was enriched with music by Godba Ruše and Vokalna skupina Florentine, and with a recitation of Cankar's Kurent by Silvo Safran.

The new president of the Planinska zveza Slovenije, Martin Šolar, greeted the crowd of mountaineers with great satisfaction. "Mountaineering is much more than just walking on mountaineering trails. It is a way of life, a value that teaches us perseverance, responsibility, cooperation and respect. In the mountains we learn that we do not reach the goal with great leaps, but with numerous small steps. And that is precisely why this year's Day of Slovenian Mountaineers is also dedicated to all young people and the theme Small Steps, Big Peaks or With Children into the Mountains," Šolar emphasised and added: "Slovenian mountaineering has a rich history, but its future is being created today. It is being created in mountaineering clubs, on marked trails, in huts, among volunteers, mentors, trail markers, guides, hut wardens and many others who with their work enable mountaineering to remain one of the most recognisable and respected values of the Slovenian space. May today's day also remind us that we reach great peaks with small steps. May it unite us in the common endeavour to preserve this rich heritage and pass it on to future generations."

On 8 April 1901 the Podravska podružnica Slovenskega planinskega društva, the predecessor of the PZS, was founded in Ruše, so PD Ruše as its successor celebrates 125 years of operation. The crowd of mountaineers was hospitably welcomed at the Ruška koča by the president of PD Ruše, Lidija Valenčak, proud of the long tradition of the club, the diligent work of the economic commission and trail markers, activity in mountaineering orientation, protection of mountain nature and mountain biking. That Ruško Pohorje is the heart of their mountaineering and natural heritage was emphasised by the mayor of Občina Ruše, Urška Repolusk, who also congratulated PD Ruše on the venerable jubilee.

At the Ruška koča on Areh (1251 m) the Slovenska planinska pot, one of the oldest connecting mountaineering trails in Europe and the world, and the Slovenska turnokolesarska pot, which celebrates ten years this year, meet, and from now on also the long-distance hiking trail Pohorje - Kozjak Trail, whose opening took place precisely on the Day of Mountaineers. The long-awaited new trail, routed along existing sections of marked PZS mountaineering trails, connects more than 100 natural and cultural landmarks of Pohorje and Kozjak over 187 kilometres and encourages visits to mountaineering huts in this part of Slovenia.

At the event the winner of the Naj planinska pot 2026 selection was declared. This title, together with renovation funds from Zavarovalnica Triglav, went this year to the demanding mountaineering trail from Zadnja Trenta to Bavški Grintavec, which is cared for by PD Jesenice. On Siol.net the selection for the best mountaineering hut has been running for the twelfth year, in which mountain visitors can vote for their favourite among 147 Slovenian mountaineering huts until 8 September. At the popular Ruška koča on Areh the all-Slovenian mountaineering gathering continued long into the afternoon to the sounds of the Katra band ensemble.