Kayaking in the Soča Valley, Slovenia with Kayak School Arlberg.

We had just finished our last ski tour of the season here in St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria and now our minds were focused on the start of our European spring season in Slovenia.

We have been going to the stunning Soča Valley in Slovenia to kayak, hang out and explore for many years. Our courses were full and we were looking forward to a month of spring weather, compared to the winter we still had back at home.

The Winter was not really a memorable one for the southern Alps with the majority of snow falling in Austria. The rivers were still quite low and we were waiting for the nights to warm up in the Soča Valley so that the remaining snow could make its way into the river.

However, the weather had different ideas and we had one of the coldest months of April and May on record! Though the sun was out, we were still kayaking in our amazing Whitewater One Piece Suits which kept us nice and toasty from the freezing cold water.

With little driving distances between the sections of the Soča River we also managed to find time togo hike and explore some amazing side canyons and waterfalls set in some surreal scenery and vegetation.

We stay with a local family in the valley, within stone throwing distance from the river. Sitting down in the evening over a beer or enjoying a home brewed Slivovitz (plum schnapps or firewater) and talking about life over the years in the valley brings out some unbelievable stories of survival, hardship but also of community, togetherness and sheer hard work! For us it is one of the best ways to learn about the culture, people and traditions that are entrenched in such a stunning part of the Alps.

Of course, with such a vibrant river community in the valley there are a couple of kayaking shops serving the locals and tourists alike. None more so than Alpin Action in Trnovo ob Soci. It is an Aladdin’s cave of kayaks, paddles, gear and clothing. Of course they stock a great range of Peak UK kit and our clients were making the most of the shop.

Our Spring season finished by mid-May and it was time to head back home to start our Austrian Core Courses. The Soča River had again proved to be a great start to the European kayaking season and with our accommodation booked we are already looking forward to being back thereon the emerald green waters, fantastic rapids and sections that make the river so special!

Steve

Kayak School Arlberg
Austria - Slovenia - Peru - Himalayas - Chile