Red Bull 400 2018

Planica, Slovenia

The picturesque Slovenian Alps and an intense uphill challenge at Red Bull 400.

Red Bull is renowned for putting on a show and creating extreme sporting events, and 2018 is the year that holds 17 tournaments of the Red Bull 400. This series of events travels around the globe hosting 400m sprints on some of the most challenging ski jump hills in the mountains. There’s nothing more extreme than the Red Bull 400 Planica in Slovenia, one of the toughest 400-meter runs in the world. The sheer steepness of the track makes it a tough, physical challenge, one that will push limits and test bodies.

Right from the very first step, the Red Bull 400 Planica track begins a daring ascent which makes this particular race a reasonably slow one compared to other Red Bull 400 events. A starting uphill sprint is not something to be taken lightly, misjudgment of the immediate incline could easily jeopardize performances for the rest of the race.

‘A race for the fittest on the infamous ski jump hill’. 

Reputation and the radical uphill race track is what compels adventurous sportsmen and women to register for the event. The categories for the Red Bull 400 Planica race include the men’s 400m, women 400m, relay races, and a professional relay. So far the men’s 400m time record hasn’t been broken since 2012, and the women’s remains unbeaten since 2016, are you ready for the challenge?

Red Bull 400 Dates And Registration

The next Red Bull 400 Planica event will be held on Saturday the 15th of September 2018. 
Registration for the race is now open, and fees are 25€ for individual competitors that register before the 15th of August. Prices will increase to 35€ for registrations after the 15th of August.

Relay registration fees start at 60€ and later rise to 80€. Participants aged 16 to 17 will need to bring written parental consent on the day of the race. Registration for the Red Bull 400 Planica race will officially close for 2018 on Wednesday the 12th of September.

How To Get To Red Bull 400 Planica

Set in the southwestern Alps of Slovenia the Red Bull 400 Planica is held on the Gorisek Brothers Flying Hill. The closest train station to Planica is Jesenice a mere 45-minute journey. From Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital a drive to Planica will take roughly 1hr 30minutes.

For travelers located in the neighboring countries of Croatia, Austria, Hungary, and Italy rail links to Ljubljana are regular and relatively inexpensive. Car rental would be the more advantageous option as you are free to explore the stunning surroundings as and when you please.

Where To Stay for Red Bull 400

Being a large and popular ski area, there are plenty of hotels and lodges available near Planica valley. Not all of them remain open outside of the winter months, but there are a fair few that do. A majority of the hotels and apartments within walking distance to Planica are comfortable, clean and will fill up fast.

Kranjska Gora is about a 20-minute drive from Planica and has many accommodation options. Here some hotels have onsite spa facilities with pools, gyms, and everything you could possibly want for an intense race recovery. Self-catered apartments may result in a good deal and a desirable location.

For all the best hotel deals and Airbnb’s in and around Planica head to the map below.

Things To Do In And Around Planica

Mountain regions including that of Planica are prime spots for miles of hiking but if you’ve had enough uphill trekking for a while consider letting loose on the Planica zipline. A highly rated activity where the wind whips through your hair and the stunning surroundings races past you. In Kranjska Gora lies the beautiful Zelenci Nature Reserve.

A significant tourist hotspot this small but gorgeous place has crystal waters and an abundance of wildlife. Speaking of water, Lake Jasna is also located in Kranjska Gora and is the perfect spot for relaxation and breathtaking views. With insanely beautiful scenery, a collection of river activities, and many attractions, Slovenia will undoubtedly put on a memorable show.