International Youth Camp - Hike to the Remains of the Triglav Glacier

Water — Apr 20, 2026

Dijana Čataković Biagi | Katarina Žemlja | CIPRA Slovenia

The shrinking of the Triglav Glacier is one of the most direct pieces of evidence of climate change. Due to the continuous reduction of its area, we are likely the last generation that can still observe the remains of the Triglav Glacier in person. Young people aged 18 to 29.9 from Austria, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Slovenia have the opportunity to take part in a unique multi-day event dedicated to exploring this very glacier. The event will be held in English.

The four-day international youth camp is organized by CIPRA Slovenia in cooperation with ZRC SAZU. Miha Pavšek, a climate geographer and glaciologist from the Anton Melik Geographical Institute, will also be joining us. The camp will take place within the framework of the Young Glacier Voices project, co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme.

During this four day event, we will explore and discuss the changes happening to Slovenian (and other Alpine) glaciers, the consequences these changes have for the environment and local communities, and what risks we are already facing—and are likely to face even more in the future. We will also touch on the growing pressure on natural resources particularly due to increasing interest in land use and mineral extraction and reflect on what this means for the sustainable development of the Alpine region. On the first day, we will also visit the Slovenian Alpine Museum.

Please read carefully!
You can only apply if you are in adequate physical condition (able to mountaineer for 4–5 hours per day with an elevation gain of more than 1000 metres, and carry a heavy backpack), and do not have a fear of heights (on the second day, part of the route goes along steel cables – see the photos in the application form).

WHEN: 31st of August – 5th of September for participants from abroad (31st of August and 5th of September are arrival and departure days in Slovenia; for participants from Slovenia, the event takes place from the 1st September to the 4th of September, unless you live in a remote area and would find it difficult to arrive in Ljubljana early in the morning on the 1st of September).
FOR WHOM: Young people aged 18 to 29.9 with a place of residence in Slovenia, Italy, Austria, or Liechtenstein.
COSTS: Travel expenses, food during the camp (you cover your own meals while travelling), and accommodation are free of charge, as the event is funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

Triglav Glacier from Begunjski vrh, photo: archive of GIAM ZRC SAZU.

PROGRAMME OF THE EVENT

31. 8. travel day to Slovenia for participants from abroad (sleeping in Ljubljana/Jesenice/Lesce – TBD.)

1. 9. Meeting in Mojstrana with Slovene participants, visiting Slovenian Alpine Museum, having lunch and hiking 10 km (2,5-3h, 413 m of elevation) to Aljaž Lodge in the Vrata Valley, dinner and sleeping there (sleeping in shared rooms!)

2. 9. After breakfast we will head up (please note that this is not a simple hike, but a demanding mountain tour, requiring good fitness, surefootedness, and comfort with exposure) to the Valentina Staniča hut below Triglav (the hut is on 2,332 m) via the route through Prag -
https://www.hribi.net/izlet/aljazev_dom_v_vratih_dom_valentina_stanica_pod_triglavom_cez_prag/1/203/277) Elevation gain: 1,345 m, hiking time: approx. 5 hours; helmets are required for the middle section of the trail. Dinner and overnight stay at the Valentina Staniča hut.

3. 9. After breakfast, we will mountaineer to the entrance of the Triglav Abyss (from Stanič Hut–Kotel–edge of Triglav’s north face (Triglav Abyss in on 2,426 m ), approx. 1.5 hours; descent through the western entrance into the entrance chamber (rope railing if necessary), approx. 1 hour; ascent to the remains of the Triglav Glacier (2450 m), ascent to the Triglav Lodge on Kredarica (2513 m) via the Ledeniški Pass (2486 m), lunch at the hut; afternoon hike across Kredarica (2,540 m) and below Rža back to the Stanič Hut - Dinner and overnight stay again at Stanič hut.

4. 9. After breakfast, descend from the Valentin Stanič Hut to Krma (from the hut below Dovška Vrata, past Pungrt and Kravja Dolina to the Zgornja Krma plateau, and via Polje, Malo Polje, Vrtača, and Debela Bukva to the Pri Lesi parking lot; approx. a 4–5 hours walk. Then, travel by van to Mojstrana/other towns (depending from where participants will be from). Lunch and departure day for Slovene participants and non-Slovene participants who have good travel connections on that day. Other particpants can sleep one more night in Ljubljana/Jesenice/ ... (depending on their departure connections)

5.9. Departure day for participants from outside of Slovenia

The total number of participants, including organisers, is 15. Qualified mountain guides will also be present in the group. An accident insurance policy will be arranged for the group but participation is at your own risk.

As places are limited, a selection process may be carried out if necessary. Selected participants will be required to pay a €30 deposit, which is to be transferred to CIPRA International. The deposit will be fully refunded after the event and serves as confirmation of of your commitment to participating.

Triglav Glacier photographed with a drone, photo: archive of GIAM ZRC SAZU.

APPLICATION

Mandatory application via an online form.
Submitting the application does not guarantee you a place. Participation is confirmed only upon receiving a confirmation email. You will be informed of the selection results by 15 June 2026 at the latest.
For any questions, we are available at: dijana.catakovic@cipra.org.