The event, organized for the eighth consecutive year by Jezeršek gostinstvo in partnership with Turizem Ljubljana, RTC Krvavec, and Koželj, House of Fine Wines, is not just synonymous with top-notch culinary experiences on the snow but also an exceptional opportunity for unforgettable team-building among catering collectives and forging new business relationships. Additionally, the event serves as a fantastic promotion of the culinary profession among youth, providing opportunities for networking, encouragement, and education. Gourmet Cup Ljubljana undoubtedly contributes to the further development and recognition of the gastronomic excellence of Ljubljana, the region, and Slovenia.

Following the morning registration, participants will engage in the draw for starting numbers and enjoy a delicious Gourmet breakfast, including a taste of the famous Ljubljana breakfast made from ingredients sourced locally, following the principle of "from local fields to the local table, to the guest," and Filip Flisar's original Pohorje ham (Pohorska šunka). Mercator will also provide a morning boost with 100% organically grown and high-quality products from the Bio Zone line. Once refreshed, the most eager participants will don their ski boots, gear up, and race for victory in the Gourmet Cup. After conquering the slopes of the popular Krvavec ski resort, which this year boasts a new six-seater chairlift, competitors will vie for medals in six categories. The fastest contenders will once again be rewarded with numerous prizes, including a memorable summer experience at Krvavec courtesy of RTC Krvavec for the overall fastest and a special prize for the winner in the catering category – a three-year lease of a professional dishwasher (Winterhalter) and a one-year lease of a professional ice maker (Pulito Solutions).

In addition to the informal gatherings of catering and wine-collective colleagues, the event in recent years has made significant efforts to promote the culinary profession among young talents. This year, young culinary talents from seven Slovenian culinary schools, mentored by top Slovenian Chefs, will be responsible for the gastronomic delights at Gourmet on the Snow at Plaža Krvavec. These schools include Višja strokovna šola za gostinstvo in turizem Maribor with mentor Sebastjan Plevčak (Restaurant 7), Višja šola za gostinstvo, velnes in turizem Bled with mentor Simon Bertoncelj (Hoteli Sava, Hotel Toplice Bled), Biotehniški izobraževalni center Ljubljana – BIC Ljubljana with mentor Luka Košir (Grič), Strokovni izobraževalni center Alme M. Karlin from Celje with mentor Rok Martinčič(Gostilna Jež), Srednja šola za gastronomijo in turizem Ljubljana with mentor Igor Jagodic (Restaurant Strelec), Srednja gostinska in turistična šola Radovljica with mentor Davor Družinec (Slovenian Association of Chefs and Confectioners), and Srednja poklicna in strokovna šola Zreče with mentor Andrej Smogavec (Restaurant Spargus).

Mag. Petra Stušek, Director of Turizem Ljubljana, highlights: "Gastronomic destinations are aware that fresh ideas brought to our tables by ambitious young talents are crucial for the development of culinary offerings. We are proud to participate as partners in a project that actively promotes the catering profession among young people and provides them with a unique opportunity to present themselves, educate, and connect in one place. I believe that this undoubtedly contributes to the further development and recognition of our gastronomy, while also fostering greater interest in enrollment in culinary schools, further strengthening our culinary potential."

As befits a perfect culinary indulgence on the snow, Gourmet Cup Ljubljana will once again feature exceptional champagnes and exclusive sparkling wines from renowned brands. Among them, Louis Roederer, Medot, Monterosso, Puklavec Family Wines, Radgonske gorice, and others will stand out, with their offerings curated by the event partner – Koželj, House of Good Wines. For additional refreshment and perfect harmony of flavors, the popular Aperol Spritz cocktail and Algida ice creamswill also be available, bringing a true summer atmosphere to the ski slopes.

Jezeršek gostinstvo, the event organizer, aims to connect caterers and winemakers and encourages them to take advantage of the event for team-building within their collectives or so-called team-building. Jure Jezeršek, Business Director of Jezeršek gostinstvo, encourages: "This year, we want to elevate the event to an even higher level, as Jezeršeks know how. In addition to top-notch cuisine and selected champagnes and sparkling wines, we will provide an unforgettable musical and dance spectacle for an unforgettable experience on the snow. However, the event is not just an opportunity to indulge in culinary delights, including oysters and the best sturgeon caviar from the Alps, but also an excellent opportunity for team-building among catering and wine collectives. Therefore, we especially hope that both large and small collectives will attend the event in large numbers, as they can enjoy a carefree day together and build lasting bonds among themselves."

Of course, Gourmet Cup Ljubljana wouldn't be a true skiing event without concluding with an unforgettable après-ski party at Plaža Krvavec, further enhanced by popular Slovenian singer and guitarist Samuel Lucas.

On Tuesday, March 5th, a special version of the Gourmet Cable Car Dinner will take place as part of Gourmet Cup Ljubljana. Jezeršek's team, Tomaž Bolka from Gostilna Krištof,and a guest chef, one of the most talented, creative, and interesting Slovenian chefs of the young generation and recipient of the Michelin and Green Star, Luka Košir from Grič, will delight guests with their culinary masterpieces in the Krvavec gondolas, 1,500 meters above sea level.

Guests of this culinary cable car journey will be treated to modern Tastes of Ljubljana,featuring signature dishes made from quality local ingredients and Chef Košir's ferments.

The culinary peak of the winter is coming. Sharpen your taste buds.

For additional information and ticket purchases, visit www.gourmetcup.si.

Photographs from past Gourmet Cup Ljubljana events can be found here.

Requests for accreditation for Gourmet Cup Ljubljana should be submitted via the form posted on the website www.gourmetcup.si no later than Monday, February 26th.