What is more, the first year has shown that Planica has given a boost to tourist activity in the Upper Sava Valley. The bustle in Planica nearly every day this summer -- with up to 1,000 visitors per day during the weekends -- was a pleasant surprise for the operator, too, points out the head of the Nordic centre, Jure Žerjav. “Considering the fact that the centre opened in December, we were all somewhat wandering in the dark as to what would happen. However, by looking at the current numbers, I can say we’re fulfilling the goals we had set. I’m particularly glad that everyone that comes to Planica is thrilled.”

Financial prospects are also promising – it looks like Planica will accomplish its financial goals already in its first year of operation. According to projections, about a million euros per years are needed to cover the operating costs, which Žerjav believes would be realised this year, especially since Planica Valley has a lot to offer: plenty of possibilities for top sportspeople to practise as well as numerous attractions for visitors. The wire rope from the top of Planica’s tallest ski flying hill is the most popular attraction at the moment, and the centre boasts a novelty in the form of a wind tunnel.

Precisely owing to Planica, many tourist agencies have returned Kranjska Gora, the town in the vicinity of the centre, to its programme of trips this season, which has already resulted in an increase of visits in Kranjska Gora and the nearby Slovenian Alpine Museum in Mojstrana.

Romana Erjavec, Radio Slovenija; translated by K. Z.