Podkoren 3
Ski trail in Slovenia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Podkoren 3 is a black World Cup technical ski course in Slovenia, located on Vitranc mountain in Podkoren, Kranjska Gora. When it debuted over 42 years ago in December 1983, it was in Yugoslavia, and was constructed by Peter Lakota, a successful Slovenian ski racer.
| Podkoren 3 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Place: |  Kranjska Gora |
| Mountain: | Vitranc |
| Architect: | Peter Lakota (SLO) |
| Member: | Club5+ |
| Opened: | 1 December 1993 (L) 2 December 1983 (M) |
| Level: |  advanced |
| Competition: | Vitranc Cup |
| Giant slalom | |
| Start: | 1,278 m (4,193 ft) (AA) |
| Finish: | 836 m (2,743 ft) |
| Vertical drop: | 442 m (1,450 ft) |
| Max. incline: | 30.5 degrees (59%) |
| Min. incline: | 10.2 degrees (18%) |
| Most wins (M): |  Ted Ligety (6) |
| Most wins (W): |  Marta Bassino (2) |
| Slalom | |
| Start: | 1,035 m (3,396 ft) (AA) |
| Finish: | 836 m (2,743 ft) |
| Vertical drop: | 199 m (653 ft) |
| Max. incline: | 25.2 degrees (47%) |
| Min. incline: | 11.9 degrees (21%) |
| Most wins (M): | Alberto Tomba (3) |
It has been hosting slalom and giant slalom for the Vitranc Cup (Pokal Vitranc) since then.[1] It replaced previous slopes; Bukovniški smuk (1961–70) and old gas station slope (1971–83).
With a 59% incline at the start of giant slalom, it is the ski slope with the steepest part in Slovenia. It is located close to Planica and Rateče (near the Italian and Austrian borders).
This slope is considered one of the top three hardest giant slaloms in the world, along with Alta Badia (ITA) and Adelboden (SUI).
The slope is part of "Podkoren I" section, one of four, right in the middle of Kranjska Gora Ski Resort.[2][3]
History
In December 1983, this course was officially opened with women's and men's slalom (20,000 people), replacing the old previous course above the nearby gas station. [4][5]
In 1985, a total of 40,000 people has gathered in two days. 30,000 alone at the slalom where Rok Petrovič won in front of a home crowd, one of the most iconic and most visited and events in Kranjska Gora.[6]
In 1986, a total of 20,000 people saw another home win for the second year in a row, with Bojan Križaj and Rok Petrovič being first and second in SL. Swiss athlete Joël Gaspoz won the giant slalom a day before, for the third year in Kranjska Gora a row.[7][8]
World Cup
| Alberto Tomba |
Ted Ligety |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Won record 3 slaloms | Won record 6 giant slaloms |
Men
Vitranc Cup held since 2 December 1983 on this course which hosted a total of 77 World Cup events for men (6th of all-time).
- MEN'S EVENTS IN YELLOW DID NOT COUNT FOR VITRANC CUP
- Replacement for Borovets (1987), Madonna di Campiglio (1990), Adelboden (2000, 2010), Aspen (2001) and Ga-Pa (2016).
Women
On 1 December 1983, official opening with first ever event on this course held and the only "Vitranc Cup" event in women's history.[10]
At the 60th edition (2024) Slovenian Ski Association (SZS) took over the organisation of Golden Fox from the original and long time organiser from Maribor ski club "SK Branik". In 2025 competition lost the right to name and promote the event under the well known brand of Golden Fox.
- WOMEN'S EVENT IN YELLOW DID NOT COUNT FOR GOLDEN FOX
- Replacement for Bergen (1991).
Club5+
In 1986, elite Club5 was originally founded by prestigious classic downhill organizers: Kitzbühel, Wengen, Garmisch, Val d’Isère and Val Gardena/Gröden, with goal to bring alpine ski sport on the highest levels possible.[11]
Later over the years other classic longterm organizers joined the now named Club5+: Alta Badia, Cortina, Kranjska Gora, Maribor, Lake Louise, Schladming, Adelboden, Kvitfjell, St.Moritz and Åre.[12]