SLOVENIA’S BOVEC MUNICIPALITY LAUNCHES PUBLIC SEARCH FOR INVESTOR TO REVIVE HIGHEST SKI RESORT

The municipality of Bovec, in northwestern Slovenia, has opened a public call to find an investor to join a capital increase in Soncni Kanin, the company behind the Kanin ski resort, as part of a long-awaited plan to bring the high-altitude site back to life.

According to a press release issued by the municipality on Monday, prospective investors must commit at least 2.5 million euro ($2.9 million) in an initial round, with a further investment of no less than 22.5 million euro to follow. Bids are due by July 20.

The selected partner will be required to initially contribute a minimum of €2.5 million ($2.9 million USD) to launch the project. This initial injection must be followed by a secondary, long-term capital investment of no less than €22,500,000, bringing the total minimum project valuation to €25 million.

Local authorities have outlined strict operational parameters for the bidding process to safeguard the region’s primary economic driver.

"The purpose of the procedure is to select an investor capable of ensuring the financial feasibility of the project, implementation according to the agreed timetable, continuity of operation of the cableway installations after recommissioning, long-term maintenance of the infrastructure and protection of the public interest," the Bovec municipality stated.

The bidding window is narrow, with the municipality setting a firm deadline for potential investors to submit their comprehensive proposals by July 20, 2026.Kanin sits in the Julian Alps on the border with Italy, linked to the Italian resort of Sella Nevea. At 2,293 metres above sea level, it is the highest ski resort in Slovenia. The renovation is expected to expand the skiable area from its current 48.3 hectares by roughly 80 additional hectares.

The resort's fortunes have faded sharply since its heyday. In 1984, Kanin drew between 4,000 and 6,000 skiers a day; by 2017 that figure had dropped to around 1,000. Planners behind the revitalisation expect the upgraded site to attract about 3,000 visitors on days with good snow conditions, rising to as many as 5,000 across the combined Kanin-Sella Nevea ski area.

Cross-border ski resort Kanin – Sella Nevea, the highest ski resort in Slovenia, is one of the largest Slovenian ski resorts with 70 ha of skiing surfaces. It is visited by beginners, advanced skiers and snowboarding fans, as well as those who like to relax in the high mountain sun and air.

The longest gondola lift in Slovenia will take you from Bovec (436 m) to the sunny side of the Kanin Ski Resort (at 2,202 m). Skiers can choose between 30 km of ski slopes of various levels of difficulty. A 5 km long descent with the height difference of 1,200 m from Sedlo na Kaninu to the Italian Sella Neveo is particularly popular.

• 12 Cableways on Kanin Ski Resort – Sella Nevea

• 2 circular cableways;

• 4 chairlifts;

• 5 ski lifts;

• 1 cable car.

• 13 groomed Ski Slopes and Cableways on Kanin Ski Resort – Sella Nevea

• easy ski slopes (blue): 6 km

• medium ski slopes (red): 22 km

• hard ski slopes (black): 2 km

Kanin Ski Resort – Sella Nevea opens in December, when enough snow falls for pleasant skiing. Skiing season lasts until May, when sunrays hit the ski slopes and skiing fans often decide for afternoon rafting on the River Soča.

The high mountain weather can change fast, so you should only go skiing well prepared. Take sunglasses and sunscreen with high protection with you due to the strong sun and do not forget warm clothes too, because you may need them in bad weather.

When the weather is pleasant, Kanin’s sun terrace with a clear view right to the sea is particularly popular. Weekends are full of various activities. Restaurant Prestreljenik on Kanin is the highest-lying restaurant in Slovenia (2,202 m), which is accessible by circular cableway.