Škrlatica – the First Lady of the Julian Alps

Škrlatica – Finally Meeting the First Lady of the Julian Alps

It seems I wasn’t the only one who chose today for a first encounter
with the mighty northern face of Škrlatica – the elegant “First Lady”
of the Julian Alps, standing proudly above her rugged neighbors.

Early Morning Chaos in Vrata Valley

Just before 6 a.m., confusion ruled the parking area in Vrata.

“You won’t be able to park here.”
“But the sign down below said it’s open.”
“It is open… just full.”
“What about the roadside?”
“That’s a fine from the national park.”

For that kind of money, I’d rather invest in a proper lunch later.
So the hike began with an extra 45 minutes of walking on quiet asphalt,
morning sunlight filtering gently through the forest.

On the Way Up

The trail was lively. Plenty of young women charging uphill —
mountain gazelles, perhaps.

“My boyfriend and friend went to climb the north face of Triglav.
I’m heading to Škrlatica instead — meniscus injury.
Eco-style, with a wooden stick. Like Jacob… just a few thousand kilometers away.”

Two girls from Tolmin were moving fast.

“We’re in a hurry — we need to catch the bus.”
“The free one from Mojstrana.”

At 2,740 Meters

At the summit, two hikers were claiming every inch of space
for that perfect photo. Whether they got it remains a mystery 🙂

“First time,” said several Slovenians proudly.
“Yes, yes, first time, very nice weather,” added an older Polish gentleman.
“Da, prvi put,” smiled a climber from Zagreb.
And then a familiar face from across the valley — “Oh hey, we meet again.”

The route is one of the most beautiful in the range —
rocky, dramatic, with a short via ferrata section near the top,
surrounded by sharp limestone towers of the Julian giants.
Some you recognize. Some you once did.

The summit delivered heat, a drone buzzing overhead,
and — strangely enough — news about Slovenia losing a handball match.
Seriously… does the connection even work up here?

Later in the day, dark clouds wrapped the peaks in a grey veil,
making the descent a little more demanding.

“This Is the Year”

Škrlatica was always the mountain I talked about.
“Next year I’m going.”

Well, it took until 2024 to make it happen.
Sometimes it takes time to commit to the bigger stages.
But honestly? It wasn’t nearly as intimidating as the warning signs —
and the internet — would have you believe.
Or maybe I simply had a good day.

Either way, I’m glad I finally met the First Lady.
I doubt this was our last conversation.
Perhaps the next one will just take a few years.