Skiing in Bled: Where to Stay Near the Straža Lift

If you’re planning a trip to Bled this winter, get ready for a magical winter trip like you can’t believe!

While there are several fantastic ski resorts in Slovenia, one of the most convenient for travelers who want to combine skiing with sightseeing is Bled. Yes — that Bled, with its famous castle, island, and stunning lake colors.

While Bled isn’t the main spot for skiing in Slovenia, it does have one super easy-to-access ski lift that’s perfect for casual skiers. If you’re looking for daring, high-octane skiing, you’ll likely be happier at other Bled ski resorts like Vogel or Krvavec, or perhaps the award-winning Cerkno resort (which is said to be the best in Slovenia) or other fantastic resorts in Slovenia.

For the convenience of being able to stay right in Bled and use the ski lift right in town, it’s hard to beat Bled’s Straža lift. The elevation is just 645 meters, so it’s not for ultra-adrenaline seekers, but it’s perfect if you want to do some casual skiing and follow it up with sightseeing and some epic day trips from Bled.

So, if you’re planning to go skiing in Bled, here are 11 wonderful wintry places to stay in Bled that are perfect for skiers, families, solo travelers, and groups of friends — we’ve gathered Bled accommodations for all budgets, so you’re sure to find something on this list that will suit your taste, needs, and budget.

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Budget Accommodations Perfect for Skiing in Bled

Vila Alpina

This lovely budget guest house is made from bricks and wood, and it looks absolutely beautiful and festive at night when the lights are all lit up. It is also a nice location within a short walk from Lake Bled, yet away from the noisy streets.

The rooms have two choices: a double or a superior double room. There isn’t too much difference between the two, but the latter has a sofa that can convert into a bed (perfect if you have kids traveling with you), plus it is also more spacious. The price difference for a night is also not that different, so both are wise options! All rooms are equipped with a safety deposit box, fridge, electric kettle, flat-screen TV, and a lovely view of the garden (though admittedly, it’s more snow than greenery in the winter).

The private bathrooms have marble walls and floors, and all have a hairdryer and enclosed shower with a wooden door and glass walls: very modern for the budget price! There is a shared kitchen for all guests to use, which also has a fridge and an electric kettle. Pets are also welcome, though some extra charges may be applicable. 

However, parking is not free, so note that you would need to pay at least €10 (around $11 USD). This is the only downside guests see, but if you don’t have a car (or don’t mind paying the price or looking for street parking elsewhere), then everything is just perfect. There are also additional services like laundry, luggage storages, shuttle services, and so on to make your stay more comfortable!

»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Villa Alpina here «« 

Garden House Bled

This hostel can get fully booked quickly, so if you’re looking at it — don’t wait too long!

The main reason is, of course, the budget-friendly prices but also the charming rustic style of each room. It can be quite hard to book their dorm room with bunk beds which sell out quickly, but in case they are sold out, the private rooms are also really affordable. And really, who needs to share when you can get a room for as low as around $55 USD for a double room and around $66 USD for a triple room? 

All rooms have comfortable beds with thick mattresses. The triple room has 2 single beds and one sofa bed. What you will like the most is that even if the rooms are a little small, they placed dividers between the rooms so that the tables or desks will have a mini living-room-like space, giving you a touch of privacy and room to spread out.

Common areas include a shared bathroom with a shower area, a shared kitchen, and a dining table. They also allow pets to stay for a charge! There are also plenty of seating areas in the common spaces as well as a hammock, tables, and a cozy fireplace that is perfect to sit around after a long day of sightseeing and skiing in Bled.

Note that toiletries are not included, so it is best to have them handy (we have suggestions on our Slovenia packing list). Parking is also free — great for those who are off on an adventure with their cars. You just can’t complain about all of these benefits at such an affordable cost!

»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Garden House Bled here «« 

Farm Stay Dolinar Krainer

This lovely farm stay is located in a quiet village on a farm. Someone who wants to experience the simple life of milking goats and harvesting food that’ll later be served on your plate should consider this lovely farm stay in this quiet hamlet a short drive from Bled.

A lot of walking should be expected if you want to roam around, as the farm is rather large; for your convenience, you can borrow their bikes for free. 

You can get a double room or an apartment here (with one bedroom). The rooms have high windows to allow in plenty of natural light, which you’ll surely appreciate in the winter when sunlight hours are few. Each room also has an ensuite bathroom, complete with free toiletries. Breakfast is optional and at an extra charge, although I would recommend it so you won’t have to go outside first thing in the morning to find your own breakfast. It is only $8 USD per person, and you will be served organic and fresh meal straight out of the farm! It doesn’t get fresher than that.

What is so beloved by guests here is that not only will you experience an adventure skiing down the Bled slopes, but also in the farm itself. The hosts might just come running towards you asking you to try some of their homemade cheeses — and come on, you know you won’t be able to say no! A must-try are their freshly squeezed fruit juices which are 100% natural and delicious. Just in case you are staying for more than 5 days, you can visit their sauna for free (otherwise there is a charge).

»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Farm Stay Dolinar Krainer here «« 

Mid-range Accommodations Near to Skiing in Bled

Penzion Berc

You won’t feel homesick here, because Penzion Berc wants their guests to feel at home and feel like family with the owners. This former farmhouse was built in 1843, and now, the third generation of Bercs are managing the property. They take each approach carefully and give the penzion (inn) their own personal touch. 

The rooms are really luxurious, with carpeted floors to keep you warm and toasty in winter, and a balcony where you can get a nice view in the morning or evening. The beds are made out of a wooden frame and the mattress is sturdy (though some guests found it a bit hard). The features become even grander if you get one of their suite rooms!

The breakfast they serve is of high quality. Guests felt that it was tasty and that it was prepared with love. Everything is also sourced locally so it adds to the freshness factor. Alternately, for lunch or dinner, you can get a la carte dishes at Finefood Berc. Some of their wines are sourced from protected Slovenian grape varieties – you can expect a unique flavor in every sip!

A ton of activities awaits you aside from skiing; at night, you can listen to the piano as it is played, and you can also borrow their e-bikes for free if you want to check the tourist spots nearby.

»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Penzion Berc here «« 

Old Bled House

This hotel is located in one of the many Bled historic houses that have been restored and transformed into a hotel. It has medieval-inspired pieces of furniture like their beds and tables – history geeks will rejoice!

They have a couple of room choices, and the ones falling into the mid-range budget category would be their double, deluxe, and superior rooms. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom, with some toiletries are provided. The sink is very stylish, made from huge carved stone. The ochre-colored tiles used are also very stylish, with intriguing patterns. The shower area is enclosed in glass walls to keep the toilets dry.

If you want a nice view of the lake plus the island, then the executive room is the one for you — perfect for a romantic stay on a special occasion.

Breakfast is optional and at an additional charge, and you can get one directly on-site for $9 USD. Coffee and tea making facilities are available in each room, so you can just partner it with something you can buy outside if you want to save money on breakfast. There is a small restaurant attached to the hotel, but not many guests opted to dine here, instead eating in the town of Bled. It offers local cuisine and also has a wine cellar where you can buy champagne or wine.

Pets are allowed in this hotel, so you can simply coordinate it with them (just be ready for some charges that will apply). Housekeeping maintains the hotel in tip-top shape and guests also noticed how spotlessly clean it is all throughout!

»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Old Bled House here «« 

Luxury Pearl Bled

Luxury Pearl Bled offers one of the most modern-styled (and pet-friendly) accommodations in Bled, perfect for skiers. Everything is brand new and it is a huge building! Most of the decor and furniture are simple, and everything just harmonizes with the concept of the apartment hotel. You can choose from an apartment with a mountain view or a penthouse apartment for a special occasion or if you’re traveling with a family or a large group.

The apartment rooms are spacious, and it has its own kitchen with a few utensils to allow you to cook breakfast or simple meals. Alternately, if you’re feeling lazy, you can also get their breakfast for only $8 USD.

The dining table is like a bar, with high chairs to sit at. Simple ceramic dinnerware is also available so you’re really not missing anything to prepare your own feast!

Beds are also large and comfortable, and the rooms are really spacious. The balconies are connected to the hallways outdoors, so just say hi to your neighbors if you meet them here!

You can also park your car for free on the street. Do not worry as they guarantee that the spaces are secured and Slovenia is very safe!. Ski storage is also available where you can keep your equipment dry and orderly. 

»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Luxury Pearl Bled here «« 

Hotel Ribno

Hotel Ribno looks beautifully rustic even from its exteriors. A little rugged, but you can tell it is charming in its own way. The interiors are very modern with a little bit of that rustic touch visible outside.

There are multiple room configurations, and all have a private bathroom and a balcony with a view of the mountains. It is a little far from the city center, but there are buses that drop by directly at the hotel which makes public transportation very easy, plus it’s near to the Straza ski lift.

The rooms are spacious, and the beds are large and sure to give you a pleasant sleep at night. The private bathrooms have pink tiles and there is a shower in the tub, plus the toilets are a bit far (which is good as it keeps it try), even if there are no divisions between the two (typical in this part of the world).

Breakfast and dinner are included so that’s really a good deal for those who want to travel in a budget-friendly way. Although the breakfast is the same daily, you have plenty of choices – you can skip some that you would love to try the next day!

You can also try their on-site restaurant that serves unique dishes plus something for meat lovers, vegetarians, and also a zero-waste menu (since the hotels aims to achieve zero waste, which is pretty freaking cool!).

Skiers and snowboarders can keep their equipment in the free storage provided. If it’s not winter, they can also book your activities like golfing, tennis, walking, or biking tours. There’s also a children’s playground so it’s not just adults who can have fun here! 

»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Hotel Ribno here «« 

Luxury

Rikli Balance Hotel – Sava Hotel & Resorts

If someone asks you for the best hotel to get a good view of the lake, Bled Castle and the alpine mountains in the distance, you can tell them Rikli Balance Hotel, hands down. The lobby of the hotel has a very unique fireplace in the middle, made out of glass and metal. There are love seats and tables in this area, where you can hang out and just relax. 

The rooms are really spacious, and you can tell that they invested in making their guests feel more comfortable in every design choice. The design is modern, with simple nude colors complemented by a single color or a pattern on the pillowcases. It’s sleek, modern, and elegant.

The private bathroom is large, and the sink is bigger than usual. It also comes with free toiletries — great if you’ve packed carry-on only. There’s also a balcony where you can see the views that they are most famous for – you can also make a special request just to be sure!

However, there is no fitness center at this hotel, and it is a bit unusual that a luxury hotel would not have this. But if you’re going to be skiing in Bled anyway (or you’re a non-exerciser), this may not be a big deal.

Regardless, they do have great spa and relaxation facilities! While it is free to use the indoor and outdoor pools, do note that the sauna and massages are for a fee. Men can also check their barbershop if they need a new, neat look!

»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Rikli Balance Hotel here «« 

Apartment Wellness Essence

This high-end apartment accommodation welcomes you with an escape to nature with their stunning two-bedroom apartments. Once you enter your room, you will have a welcome gift – a bottle of wine and some fresh fruits!

This hotel has modern features, plenty of privacy, and a huge space which is around 80 square meters in each apartment. The beds have a wooden frame, and they use really thick bed covers and warmers to keep you cozy.

There is a small window (on the slanted ceiling) above your bed where natural lighting can enter. Don’t worry, you can shut them with blinds if you do not wish to be woken up early by the sun. The wood-covered balcony will mesmerize you with the beautiful wintry sights. 

Staying here will allow you to enjoy most of the spa facilities for free. It has been awarded as one of the best wellness facilities in 2015 and 2016! You are surely going to feel relaxed and rejuvenated from the inside out.

There are six (yes, six!) different saunas they offer: Finnish sauna, hammam, hay sauna (that’s a new one for me), breadbath sauna (sit back and feel the heat of the oven while it bakes some bread that you can munch on some after — also a new one for me), rasul sauna (again… no idea what this is, but supposedly good for couples) and a bio panorama sauna (usual sauna with an outdoor view of the garden).

Guests loved that you can borrow their e-bikes for free and there are multiple charging stations on the property so you can really enjoy the sights!

»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Apartment Wellness Essence here «« 

Holiday Homes & Villas

Vila Grad Bled

The entire house has 4 bedrooms, and it can accommodate a maximum of 8 guests. The house has an elegant style, and you can tell the host has good taste when it came to choosing the furniture. The floors are made of marble tiles, and the ceilings are high which gives you a good sense of space. 

All of the bedrooms are located on the second floor. The beds are extra-long and the mattress is thick yet soft. There are also some beds with a nice waterbed, which could be fun (my inner kid is giggling)! 

It has two bathrooms, one on the ground floor and the second floor — very convenient so that no one has to go up or down a floor to use the bathroom, which could get annoying. The bathroom on the ground floor is spacious and even has a hot tub! This is also where the washing machine is located — great if you’re planning to do some laundry on your si trip. 

Ski storage is also free, and you can place your snowboarding gear here too. You will also notice a small hut outside: that’s where you can borrow bikes for free! Sometimes the host will drop by and check on everything — even better when he brings some fresh apples straight from the farm!

»» Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Vila Grad Bled here ««

What to Pack for Slovenia in Winter

We have a full Slovenia packing list, but in case you just want the quick version, here are a few essentials you shouldn’t forget to pack!

A good guidebook: While travel blogs are great, we still think a good guidebook is always handy. We suggest Lonely Planet Slovenia if you’ll be traveling quite a bit around the country, or if you are planning a multi-country Balkan trip, Lonely Planet Western Balkans includes Slovenia and many of its neighbors.

One or two swimsuits: While swimsuits may not come to mind for ski season, if you’re staying in a ski resort with a sauna, indoor pool, or steam room, you’ll likely want one! We suggest bringing two so you never have to put a cold wet one back on. We love this one.

Plenty of winter clothing: You can check our packing list above for our full winter packing suggestions for men and women. At a minimum, you’ll want to bring a warm winter jacket (I love this North Face parka), cozy snow boots, warm wool socks, touch-screen friendly gloves, a scarf, and a winter hat.

Any ski equipment and clothing: We’re not skiers ourselves, so we don’t have specific ski gear equipment, but special ski clothes — waterproof pants and jackets, goggles, etc. — and ski gear obviously should be on your packing list, unless you have decided to rent it all when you arrive at your Slovenia ski resort.

Moisturizer: Travel will beat your skin up in the best of times — and winter travel in addition to skiing will really do a number on it! If you use a moisturizer at home, bring it. If you’ve never used a moisturizer before, you really should start. You’ll be happy to give your face a boost before heading outside in the cold all day.

Sunscreen: We strongly suggest wearing sunscreen when you spend time outdoors, no matter the weather outside. The higher altitudes combined with the reflection of the sun off the snow can lead to unexpected sunburns. I love this solid Neutrogena sunscreen – it’s mess-free, works well in carry-ons, is ultra-protective, and blends in well.

More Slovenia Travel Resources

If you’re just starting to prepare for your trip to Slovenia, read our guide to planning a trip to Slovenia which features an 11-step checklist!

You’ll also definitely want to read our all-season, all-gender Slovenia packing list, which includes a huge winter section!

If you’re set on visiting Bled this winter, check out our guide for the best Lake Bled winter activities, how to visit the Bled Christmas Market, and how to celebrate Christmas in Bled!

If you’re an avid photographer, you’ll find our Instagram guide to Bled helpful (Ljubljana on the way!). We also have a guide to the best Lake Bled hotels and hostels for other times of the year!

If you need more Slovenia travel inspiration, check out the best places to visit in Slovenia, the best Slovenian castles, the most breath-taking Slovenian waterfalls, and what Slovenian souvenirs you should bring home.

We publish new content nearly every day! Bookmark our pages on Slovenia and the Balkans so that you don’t miss out on any new info or resources that we publish before your trip!

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that travel insurance is a good idea for traveling in Slovenia (or really, any part of the world)! Stephanie and I have both been paying customers of World Nomads for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption.

While Slovenia is perfectly safe to travel around, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel, so it’s better to play it safe.

Do note that if you’re skiing, you need to carefully check the terms and conditions of each policy. For example, with World Nomads, you need the Explorer plan vs. the Standard plan to be covered for winter sports accidents.

>> Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here <<