The main thing I was trying to figure out is how long the hike takes. I've read online anywhere from 3 hours (up and back) to 8 hours. I was planning to start in the town (village?) of Zirovnica, since it looks easy to get there by public transit from Ljubljana. Then hike to Valvasorjev dom pod Stolom (hut), and from there to the top (I understand there's another hut very near the summit, but it may not be open in May). I'm in reasonably good shape but, living in Toronto Canada, I've hardly ever hiked mountainous terrain like this.
My other question is how difficult is to find the trail - would it be obvious, or should I look into getting a map/guidebook? Thanks in advance and I owe you a beer (seriously).
Well, if you plan to hike from Žirovnica, this might take too long for you.
I think your best bet is to do what we did and drive up to Valvasorjev Dom with a car. From there there are 2 main trails. Both marked quite well and both take between 2 h and 2 h 30 min. One of them is called Žirovniška Trail and the other is called Zabrežka trail. Zabrežka trail is longer but more forgiving as it doesn't go straight upwards. Žirovniška trail is 2 hours of non stop ascent. Whatever suits you.
You don't need a safety climbing belt for either as neither is via ferrata, however, it's good if you rent a helmet because of the potential rocks rolling downhill.
If you go on foot from Žirovnica, I think you are looking at 4-4,5 h ascent with around 1800 m height difference.
I also think the trails are mapped on Google maps (at least one is).
Also, check for snow. Although, it will be May and it's on the trails are on the south side of the mountain, so you should be fine.
And lastly, try to go as early as posibble as in our Alps the weather changes quicker in the afternoon, so if you can summit Stol around 12 or 1pm, that's the best way to do it. Again, it will be May and you should be fine, but one can never know.
Hope that helps and if you need anything else just ask.
P. S. I am sitting in my new office now overlooking Arena Stožice, which is 400 meters away from me. May can't come soon enough.
'The Parchment' is my favourite from Senjutsu, though
