Climbing Center Launches in Prevalje, Slovenia: A Hub for Indoor and Outdoor Climbing Enthusiasts

The opening of a state-of-the-art climbing center has taken place in Prevalje, Slovenia.

In Prevalje, a northern Slovenian town, a new climbing center featuring both indoor and outdoor climbing opportunities has been launched. This €5 million project includes a unique addition of an astronomical observatory on its rooftop.

Offering climbers a vast area of 2,200 m2 for both indoor and outdoor climbing, along with an external ferrata, the center stands as one of the most significant investments in Prevalje's history.

Situated in the Koroška region, which was significantly affected by the August floods, the climbing center is seen as a symbol of positive development, expected to enhance sports culture and contribute to the region's tourism growth.

The Mayor of Prevalje, Matic Tasič, emphasized the center's distinct features, labeling it as one of the most appealing globally.

The Koroška region is renowned for its enthusiasm for sports, and it's the home region of the world's top sport climber, Janja Garnbret, from Slovenj Gradec.

Garnbret, a 24-year-old Olympic gold medalist, praised the center's heartfelt construction and was pleased with the growth of sports climbing. She plans to use the facility for training for the upcoming Olympics, with hopes that it may also be the training ground for future world or Olympic champions.

According to Tasič, Garnbret's success was a significant inspiration for the investment. However, a key motivation was addressing the declining physical fitness levels among children and youth compared to previous generations.

The construction of the project spanned a year and a half. Andrej Gradišnik, a mountaineer and the head of Vertis group, whose company Vertikala-X was responsible for the construction, described the project as a unique endeavor, stating that the center ranks among the top in terms of offerings and design.

Significant funding for the center came from various sources, including a €2 million anonymous donation, contributions from the ministry responsible for sports, and the Eco Fund, which supports environmentally friendly projects.

The Minister of Economy, Tourism, and Sport, Matjaž Han, expressed confidence that the center would attract sports enthusiasts and tourists worldwide, thereby enhancing the area's tourism sector.