In a strong display of cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange, the Alpine Association of Slovenia (Planinska zveza Slovenije – PZS) conducted a two-day training program in Peć (Peja), Kosovo, on March 21–22, 2025. The event, hosted by the Mountaineering Association of Kosovo (FBNSK), brought together more than 25 local trail workers and several representatives from Albania for both theoretical and hands-on sessions focused on trail marking and maintenance standards.
This initiative originated at the 2024 EUMA conference in Paris, where the heads of hiking trail commissions from Slovenia and Kosovo—Uroš Zagoričnik and Raif Gjikolli—met and identified a shared interest in enhancing trail management practices. The encounter quickly evolved into concrete action, culminating in the organization of this collaborative training effort.
During the first day, Slovenian instructors presented the theoretical foundations of their well-established trail marking system, the organizational structure of trail workers within the Alpine Association of Slovenia, and the integration of digital tools such as maPZS—a public-facing Geographic Information System for hiking trails. The second day took participants into the field, where they learned essential techniques including steel cable installation, drainage construction, vegetation clearing, and the application of Slovenia’s iconic Knafelc trail markers.
The delegation from Slovenia included Jože Rovan (President of PZS), Uroš Zagoričnik (Head of the Trail Commission), Maksimiljan Kotnik (Training Committee Leader), Jurij Videc (Technical Trail Group Member), and Katarina Kotnik (Professional Associate at PZS). Their combined experience and practical approach were met with enthusiasm and appreciation by all participants.
A highlight of the visit was the signing of a cooperation agreement between the trail commissions of Kosovo and Slovenia, laying the groundwork for long-term collaboration in the field of mountain trail development, standardization, and sustainable maintenance.
This event exemplifies EUMA’s mission to foster transnational cooperation among European mountaineering organizations. It not only strengthened professional ties but also built lasting friendships among mountain enthusiasts across borders.
Photos: Courtesy of Alpine Association of Slovenia (KPP PZS Archive)
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