Škrlatica

Škrlatica, 2,740 metres, is the second-highest peak of Slovenia and of the Julian Alps, surpassed only by Triglav. It rises in a rugged group of grey limestone summits north of the Vrata valley, at the heart of the Triglav National Park.

Long overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Škrlatica is a magnificent mountain in its own right, its bulky rock architecture and network of ridges offering some of the finest and quietest climbing in the range. Serious mountaineers value it precisely for the solitude that the crowds on Triglav leave behind.

Ascent routes are serious alpine undertakings. The usual lines climb steep rock with via ferrata sections, requiring a ferrata kit, confident movement on exposed ground and, on harder variations, roped climbing over grade II to III terrain; the limestone is typically solid but airy, and rockfall remains a hazard, so a helmet is standard. Long approaches through wild valleys add considerably to the commitment of any ascent.

The Pogačnikov dom and the Aljažev dom in the Vrata valley serve as bases for the various routes. The reliable season is July to September, once the upper faces are clear of snow. Mojstrana is the main valley approach, with guides available in the Triglav region. Škrlatica rewards experienced mountaineers with a quieter, wilder alternative to the busy paths on Triglav, and its summit gives a commanding view across the tangled peaks and ridges of the northern Julian Alps.