Turska Gora (2,251 m) is one of the more interesting peaks of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, especially in winter conditions. In summer, it is a solid hiking trip, while in winter, the ascent through Turski Žleb takes on a real alpine character.
A steep snow gully, winter conditions and the final ascent towards the summit make this a particularly interesting tour for more experienced hikers and mountaineers who want something more than a classic winter walk.
This is not a route I would recommend for learning how to move in winter conditions. When Turski Žleb is covered with snow and ice, conditions can vary significantly depending on the amount and stability of the snow, temperature and previous weather conditions.
Turska Gora in winter – what to expect?
The winter ascent through Turski Žleb is not technically difficult in good conditions, but it is steep and serious. It is similar, for example, to the Peti Žleb on Storžič.
The biggest challenge is not the altitude of Turska Gora, but the combination of:
- the approach
- elevation gain
- steep snowy terrain
- potentially hard or icy snow
- avalanche danger
- winter weather conditions
In good conditions, the ascent can be beautiful. In poor conditions, the same route can become unpleasant.
The route
Logarska dolina → Koča pod slapom Rinka → Frischaufov dom na Okrešlju → Turski žleb → Turska gora
We did the tour with an overnight stay at Frischaufov dom na Okrešlju, which made sense in winter because of the early start towards Turski Žleb.
In winter, it is especially important to keep in mind that moving through snow will significantly slow you down. Summer timings are not necessarily useful for planning a winter ascent here. Navigation can also be somewhat more difficult on the approach to Turski Žleb.
Our timing: Koča pod slapom Rinka – Okrešelj took around 1 h 15 min, and from Okrešelj to Turska Gora via Turski Žleb around 3 hours. In total, it took us around 4–4.5 hours of ascent. In winter, this can vary significantly depending on the snow, tracks and conditions.
Turski žleb
Turski Žleb is what makes this route particularly interesting.
An attractive couloir leads to the turnoff for Turska Gora and Skuta, as well as Rinka.
Depending on the conditions, the snow can be soft and relatively pleasant to move through, but it can also be hard, icy and require much more secure movement. Personally, I prefer the latter, because that is when the ice axe and crampons grip better. When Krešo and I were there, the snow was exactly like that. We did the ascent on February 19, in hard and icy snow conditions.
If the conditions are such that you do not feel safe in the gully, there is absolutely no need to continue just because you have already reached it. The mountain will still be there.
Ascent towards the summit
After Turski Žleb, the route branches left towards Turska Gora.
Turska Gora in winter offers a completely different experience than in summer. The Kamnik–Savinja Alps under snow look much more serious, and the views towards the surrounding peaks are often one of the best parts of the entire trip.
Unfortunately, apart from the summit photo I downloaded from my Facebook, and this video, I lost the SIM card with the rest of the photos from the ascent.
How long does the ascent take?
For a winter ascent, I would not rely too much on one fixed timing.
Depending on the amount and condition of the snow, tracks, temperature and the fitness of the group, the difference in time can be significant.
Frischaufov dom na Okrešlju – overnight stay and access to Turska Gora
Down at the hut, we were in our “GSS role”. We see a guy standing in deep snow for a long time, so the hut keeper tells us to go and see what is wrong with him. The two of us and another Slovenian guy we had been hanging out with went to take a look, and the guy:
• trying to put his ski on (for half an hour)
• absolutely smashed: “he’s going to ski down”
• can’t stand, keeps falling into the snow, and it’s noon.
We dragged him back to the hut so he could sleep it off.
“Fantje, meni je čez lepo vidit kak vi meni pomagate.”
I haven’t seen a guy that drunk in a long time. Good manners, though.
Info for Frischaufov dom na Okrešlju
Address: Logarska dolina 16
Postal code: 3335
Coordinates: 46.36944925 – 14.58774785
Phone: +386 (0)41 380 177
Association: PLANINSKO DRUŠTVO CELJE – MATICA
Opening hours: Saturday, Sunday and holidays
Region: Kamnik–Savinja Alps
Gear for a winter ascent of Turska Gora
For this tour in winter, I would count on:
- crampons
- ice axe
- helmet
- winter mountaineering boots
- warm clothing
- spare gloves
- headlamp
- enough food and water
- sun protection
- avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe – if you have them
- sleeping bag for the hut
Gear itself, of course, is not enough. It is important to know how to use it and to assess when the conditions on the mountain are acceptable.
When is the best time to go?
A winter ascent of Turska Gora primarily depends on conditions on the mountain, not on the calendar.
After heavy snowfall, avalanche danger can be high. After a thaw and refreezing, the terrain can become hard and icy.
Before setting off, you should check the weather forecast, snow conditions and avalanche forecast.
Turska Gora via Turski Žleb is one of those winter tours that may not necessarily look spectacular on paper, but out in the field they quickly show why the Kamnik–Savinja Alps are serious mountains. Honestly, when I first went there, I didn’t even know about this peak; a colleague from mountaineering school recommended it to me. And I was very pleasantly surprised.
In good conditions, you get a beautiful winter ascent, a steep snowy gully and excellent views from the summit.
But precisely because the route is beautiful and attractive, it is easy to forget that conditions in winter can change very quickly.
If you have experience with winter mountaineering, know how to move with crampons and an ice axe, and know how to assess snow conditions, Turska Gora via Turski Žleb is an excellent choice for a solid winter day in the Alps.
I am a mountain guide, scuba diver & a striking martial arts instructor working in Zagreb Croatia.
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