|
What is Slovenian trekking league? |
PRESENTATION
Slovenian Trekking League (STL) is a league consisting of several independent, but connected competitions in adventure trekking in Slovenia and its near surroundings.
The goal of these competitions is an experience of adventure trekking in different mountainous areas of Slovenia. The competitors can test themselves in endurance and inventiveness on fairly long, unmarked trails. There are several checkpoints on the track and there can also be some surprise tasks involved. The goal of each trek is also to get to know the surroundings, other competitors and the hosts.
ORGANIZATION
The main organizer of the league is association Natura, in cooperation with individual local organizers of individual treks.
PURPOSE AND GOALS
The main goal of STL is popularizing adventure trekking, creating a new product – competitive trekking, presenting Slovenia and last but not least promoting a healthy lifestyle and associating among trekkers.
Each trek supports inventiveness. Only the checkpoints and the finish line are predetermined, the way to negotiate the trail is up to the competitors. In that way they can display not only endurance, but also test themselves in orientation, communicative and tracking skills. An important aspect of the event is to have fun in the shared experience.
BASIC INFORMATION
STL are competitions organized within a 12-month league period (Trekking league 2008 for example). The leagues usually consists of 4 to 10 competitions that have to follow the basic guidelines of the competition and are spread throughout Slovenia and its near surroundings. The competitions can be organized all year but are coordinated so that not on the same day. There should be at least a period of 2 weeks between each competition, but the optimal sequence of competitions is one per month. The organizer prepares a new list of competitions every year, depending on the offer, with the aim of keeping the events as diverse and challenging as possible. Therefore, the same location may appear on the STL schedule every year, however, the trails will be different each time.
FEATURES AND TRACKS
The main feature of STL is walking, which can on occasions be combined with running. Marked or unmarked paths, cart tracks and as little as possible roads can be included in the trek.
The trail should be easy; the competitors should be warned in advance should any difficult parts or dangers appear.
OTHER REQUIRED SKILLS
The competitors should have basic orientation skills (use of compass and maps) and should also be able to find the checkpoints and finish without assistance. The STL also requires fast adjustment to different situations on the trek, fast decision making on crossroads, independent logistics regarding food, drink and rest.
The competitors can also seek assistance from local people and in verbal and non-verbal communication with other competitors.
BASIC RULES
The competitors receive the information about the location of the trek, some basic features of the competition (length, difficulty, categories, skills required) and sometimes also about places of interest on the trail.
The trail and checkpoints are revealed just before the trek (up to 48 hours before start – the decision made by local organizers).
The competitors can use all services provided by local people (mountain huts, stores, pubs, restaurants) except transport and guiding services.
The competitors are required to bring the basic equipment (listed in notices for competitions). The organizer is entitled to check the equipment any time during the trek. |
|
|
|
|
|
