The Best Mountain Trail project (“Naj planinska pot” in Slovenian) is a long-term initiative, started in 2018 and aimed at preserving hiking trails and promoting responsible and safe mountaineering practices in Slovenia. The project brings together hikers, mountaineers, nature lovers and local Alpine clubs – as representatives of local communities and people living at the foothills – with one common goal: to restore, maintain and give visibility to important hiking trails that form the backbone of Slovenia’s mountaineering infrastructure. The project is closely aligned with the values and goals of mountaineering and other outdoor sports. Respect for nature, safety and responsible conduct in the mountain environment are central to all these activities. The renovation of hiking trails improves conditions for movement in the mountains. Maintained and clearly marked trails reduce the risk of accidents and injuries – one of the main goals of the project’s preventive efforts.

In addition to the physical restoration of the trails, the project includes a strong awareness-raising component. It seeks to promote understanding of the significance of volunteer work by trail markers, the importance of mountain safety and a responsible attitude toward the environment – particularly in light of current challenges related to managing visitor numbers in increasingly crowded mountain areas. These are all values essential to the sustainable development of the mountaineering community. The project also highlights the lesser-known and often overlooked trails, helping to ease the burden on the most visited sites and distribute visitors more evenly across Slovenia’s mountainous landscape.

By bringing together the general public and local Alpine clubs, Zavarovalnica Triglav and the Alpine Association of Slovenia – as the project’s initiators – are also strengthening a sense of community and cooperation, values deeply rooted in the mountaineering culture. The project is therefore not merely an infrastructure initiative, but a holistic approach to encouraging safe and sustainable mountain visitation – crucial for the future of all who enjoy spending their leisure time in nature.

Each year, the public is invited to vote for their favourite trail from a carefully curated list. The trail that receives the most votes is granted financial and organisational support for restoration or enhancement, carried out in close cooperation with local Alpine clubs. This participatory model gives a voice to nature lovers and fosters a sense of shared responsibility for the mountain infrastructure.

The main objectives of the project are to:

• Raise awareness of the condition, safety and importance of hiking trails.
• Promote responsible behaviour in the mountains, in line with the ethical principles of mountaineering and nature conservation.
• Involve the general public and the hiking and mountaineering community in decisions related to the maintenance of hiking trails.
• Support the work of volunteers and Alpine clubs who invest significant time and effort in maintaining safe and accessible trails.

The objective of the Best Mountain Trail project goes beyond the physical restoration of trails. It aims to strengthen the relationship between people and mountains through active participation, education and the promotion of values such as cooperation, volunteering and sustainable development. By highlighting the stories behind each trail – its history, cultural significance, natural features and the people who maintain it – the project deepens the public appreciation for the mountain environment and the efforts required to keep the mountains safe and enjoyable.

Ultimately, the Best Mountain Trail project is not just about restoring trails, but a movement that celebrates the Slovenian mountaineering tradition while addressing the challenges of modern outdoor recreation.