Slovenian police officers responsible for safety at ski resorts have once again been joined by their Croatian counterparts during the winter season. Until 11 January 2026, coinciding with Croatian school holidays and thus a peak influx of Croatian tourists, Croatian police officers will be assisting Slovenian colleagues in maintaining safety at the ski resorts of Kranjska Gora, Kope and Rogla.
Alongside ensuring safe enjoyment on the slopes, Croatian officers provide support in cases involving Croatian visitors, help overcome language barriers and facilitate contact with the Croatian embassy in Slovenia when necessary. Daniel Špehar is deployed in the area covered by the Kranjska Gora Police Station, which in addition to Kranjska Gora also includes the Vogel and Krvavec resorts, while Dario Dreven assists in the jurisdiction of the Slovenjske Konjice Police Station, covering Rogla and Kope. The officers are in Croatian uniform but are not carrying weapons.
A press conference marking this long-standing form of cross-border cooperation was held at Rogla. Slovenian police representative Alojz Sladič, alongside Croatian police representative Anđelko Antolić, outlined the initiative and highlighted that the cooperation dates back to 2014. That year, the police forces of both countries signed a special protocol covering joint efforts during peak tourist seasons – the summer season on the Croatian coast and the winter season on Slovenian ski slopes.
Mr Sladič noted that, despite the season only just beginning, police have already dealt with eight cases involving serious injuries. One incident occurred during sledging on a closed ski slope, while the remaining cases occurred while skiing. Most injuries resulted from falls, with collisions between skiers occurring less frequently. Children are the group most frequently involved in accidents, and several of those injured this season were from Croatia.
Over the past five ski seasons, Slovenian police have dealt with a significant number of minors who sustained either serious or minor injuries in ski-slope accidents. The majority of those injured were under the age of 14.
The most frequent offences committed by skiers include reckless or dangerous skiing, cutting across the path of slower skiers when overtaking, skiing off-piste and re-entering marked runs in a hazardous manner, skiing on drag-lift tracks, using closed ski areas, ignoring instructions from ski patrol or behaving inappropriately towards them. In cases of serious misconduct, the ski patrol may ban skiers from further skiing and revoke their ski pass for the day. Police-issued fines for such offences range from €400 to €800.
Respect the rules on the slopes
To ensure that skiing remains both enjoyable and, above all, safe for everyone, visitors are once again urged to comply with international FIS Code of Conduct for Skiers and Snowboarders.
Skiers should adjust their skiing to their level of knowledge and ability, snow conditions, and conditions and traffic on the slopes. They must drive at a speed that allows them to stop safely or change direction whenever necessary.
Adequate physical fitness is also important, and skiers are advised to carry out at least a basic warm up before heading onto the slopes. Skiers should follow the instructions and directions of ski patrol or police officers, as well as signs and markings on ski runs. They must also behave in a way that does not endanger others, cause damage to equipment or signage, or increase the risk of injury.
The use of ski helmets is compulsory for children up to and including the age of 14, and strongly recommended for all skiers, including adults.
Finally, visitors are reminded to take care of their personal belongings. Ski equipment should not be left unattended, and valuables should be kept secure at all times.
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