Expectations are based on the early start of the winter season this year and the activities carried out by the lift operators and the Slovenian skiing centres, Jesenšek told a press conference in Ljubljana.

Slovenia boasts 10 large, 18 mid-sized and 59 small skiing centres which cover a total of 1,300 hectares and operate 200 ski lifts. In total, the country offers 300 kilometres of slopes, 280 kilometres of cross-country skiing tracks and 24 kilometres of sledge runs.

Last year's novelty - a single ski ticket giving access to all ski centres across the country - has been received very well by domestic as well as foreign visitors, especially from Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Hungary, Damjan Pintar of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS) added.