Lanževica 2003 m: Komna’s classic ski tour from the “neighbor’s side”

From Dom dr. Klementa Juga, follow the route toward Krn Lake. The military mule track climbs through the forest in long and short switchbacks beneath the supply cableway. At about 1300 m, where the mule track turns right beneath the cableway for the last time, do not follow it; instead continue on the left variant, staying on the left side of the cableway all the way to the top break. This choice is important because you will ski back this way; the right variant is more dangerous and exposed.

Pass the upper cableway station and continue on a gentler ascent to the interesting snow gauge, where boards mark April snow depths from individual years. Cross the deeply cut saddle (1430 m), descend the other side, and traverse above the mountain hut at Krn Lakes (closed in winter) to the shepherd huts at Planina Duplje (1384 m). Here, you finally leave the forest behind and the valley opens up.

From the huts, you may continue right toward magical Krn Lake, or save this detour for the return. The walk from the pasture to the lake takes about fifteen minutes and is richly rewarded by views of the frozen lake with Mount Krn behind it. Afterward, return to the pasture. Continue ascending leftward, following the main valley around Velika Montura, rising on your left. After the first climb, the route levels out and the valley widens, then rises again on the far side. Continue along the left edge of the valley to the remains of the former Italian military barracks Cesare Battisti at Za Lepočami. Through the distinct gully left above the barracks, ascend into the vast high-karst world of Komna.

You will first see the summits of both Bogatin peaks. Continue the semicircular ascent around Velika Montura, and soon Bogatin Saddle appears, leading onward to Komna. Left of the saddle, Lanževica finally comes into view. The slopes are open and broad, allowing several route variants toward the summit.

The most obvious option is the pronounced ridge directed toward the top. Follow it to the final slopes, then continue through suitable passages leftward to the ridge and along it to the summit of Lanževica (2003 m).

Descend by ski along the ascent route. You may choose your own lines, but in the upper part be careful not to ski into deeper karst depressions, as climbing out again can be tiring. In the final forest descent, below the upper cableway station, be sure to turn right downward beneath the cableway, not left along the summer mule track.