Snježnik

Overview

Snježnik and its group can be considered as a 10 km long ridge in NW-SE direction, situated between Obruc (Grobnik Alps) and Risnjak. The lowest altitude of this ridge is 1.300 mtrs and there are 5 important peaks that has to be mentioned: Jelenc (1.442 mtrs), Planina (1.426 mtrs), Guslica (1.490 mtrs), Međuvrhi (1.462 mtrs) and Snježnik (1.505 mtrs).



Snježnik (1.505 mtrs) is a rock peak in the shape of a truncated cone surrounded by flower-covered meadows, under which are spreaded beech wood forests. Its isolated location and open views on all sides will fascinate every visitor. The slopes of Snježnik are steep and covered with grass, while the highest point is solid rock.

On the slopes between Snježnik and Guslica, where continental and Mediterranean clime confronts, you can find numerous vegetation with more than 100 herbal groups. In the immediate vicinity of the Snježnik peak are the natural habitats of karstic edelweiss. Due to this natural rarity this area has become a part of Risnjak Nature Park.

Because of its position on the climatic clash line, Snježnik has frequent and sudden weather changes in the colder part of the year. On the ridge can be particularly unpleasant due to the strong bora wind and due to the high level of humidity present at that altitude. There are also huge amounts of snow, which holds untill the spring despite the near vicinity of the sea. Due to this phemomenon and the long lasting snow cover, Snjeznik received its name - freely translated as "Snowbound".

How Snježnik looks like

Snježnik from Risnjak (E-SE)	Snježnik from NW	Snježnik from W
Snježnik from Radeševo (S)	Snježnik from SE	Snježnik from S

Summit View

The Snježnik summit is one of the most beautiful lookout points in Croatia. It offers great panorama views and especially impressive are the views of Risnjak, Snežnik in Slovenia, Obruč, Učka and the Kvarner Bay with its islands, all the way to the famous Velebit mountain.
During clear weather it is also possible to see Julian Alps, Kamnik-Savinja Alps and Karavanke in Slovenia.

Rutes Overview

The summit of Snježnik belongs to a group of easy ascends, except during winter season when there is a lot of snow and ice with low temperatures and strong bora wind. All routes are in good conditions, well marked and they are leading mostly through the shades of surrounding forests.

Snježnik main routes:

1. Platak - through Grlo - Snježnik (1,20 hrs)
2. Platak - across the ridge - Snježnik (1,30 hrs)
3. Platak - Guslica - Snježnik (3,00 hrs)
4. Gerovo - Lazac (16 km) - Snježnik (1-1,30 hrs)
5. Gornje Jelenje - Cajtige - Snježnik (3,30 hrs)

Getting There

The ascent to the top of Snježnik is undoubtedly the most attractive excursion to be taken from Platak resort.

The easiest access to Platak is by car using the old Louisiana road Rijeka-Zagreb (not the new motorway). About 2 km above the Kamenjak mountain there is sign post and junction towards Platak and another 8 km of good, asphalted, sloping road which will take us to Platak parking lot near the Sušak Lodge.

Platak can be also reached on foot from Kamenjak and it takes about 1,30 hrs. The markings begin at an abandoned inn and follow the old, run-down road to Platak. After 30 minutes the markings cross the new road to Platak at the crossroads for Kripanj, and continue for another 30 minutes, going below Mrtvacka glava (The Skull) to Mali Platak. The path continues uphill towards a well positioned belvedere (at the 5th Km of the road), known as Mali Platak (Little Platak, 1069 m.). From this lookout point you can see Kvarner Bay and on the other side highest peak in the area Snježnik. Further on the path passes beside Mali Platak weekend estate. The road then follows a slope through a lovely forest, and at the 8th km emerges at the side of the forester's hut at Platak.

When to Climb

Snježnik can be climbed any time of the season. For winter ascent the crampons and ice axe can be very useful.

The road to Platak resort in winter is regularly cleaned, but it is important to have winter car equipment.

Mountain Huts

Mountain hut Sušak - tel: +38551230908 (more info on http://malidom-platak.com/)

Mountain hut Platak - tel: +38551230905 (more info on http://domplatak.awardspace.com/Onama.html)


Mountain lodge on Snježnik (1.490 mtrs) is located immediately below the summit, under the crest and above a grassy slope. It appears as if it has literally grown out of the rock. The lodge has an entrance hall, a small kitchen, a large dining room with tables, a stove and 14 beds (it is possible to accommodate 20 persons). Under the terrace is shelter which is open all the time. Unfortunately today the hut is not open and it has to be renewed.

Red Tape

No limitations.

Mountain Conditions

Informations on weather conditions in the area can be found on
Croatian State Hydrometeorological Institute site:

Weather forecast

Maps

SMAND No. 14 - Gorski kotar IV

SMAND official website

Images

View Snježnik Image Gallery - 70 Images