It had been five years since I first spotted the Chamois mountain goats on mountain Snežnik in Slovenia. It was August 30th, 2018, a hot summer day. It was a wonderful surprise because I didn’t even know they frequented that area. I was overjoyed with the encounter and every subsequent ascent to the peak filled me with hope of seeing them again. Unfortunately, despite numerous ascents, months and years passing by, there was no subsequent encounter. So much time had elapsed that I no longer expected to see them. I was convinced they had moved away. I even discussed this with another photographer who primarily captures wildlife photos and he too hadn’t seen them for a long time. In recent months, a new visitor frequented the mountain – a male fox that became somewhat of a local celebrity, seen by many near the peak and hut. Although I hadn’t seen it yet, I hoped that one day it would pose for a few photographs.
First time I ever saw Chamois on Mount Snežnik in Slovenia.
Yesterday, on December 7th, my girlfriend and I decided to hike to the summit of Snežnik for our mind and body. I wasn’t even considering seeing the Chamois, but I was hopeful about spotting the fox. It was a cold yet pleasant, sunny day, just a few degrees below freezing at the starting point in Sviščaki. We packed mini crampons in case of uncertain conditions at the mountain top, took our hiking poles, wore gaiters and began our hike.
The conditions were breathtaking – clear, calm, with the sun shining and the cold air preserving the snow on the trees. The trail, partly hardened by previous hikers, was still a bit slippery in places. We weren’t rushing to reach the summit as we wanted to return with the sunset illuminating our path.
As we neared the final ascent to the peak, breathtaking views unfolded from behind the mountain. The visibility was exceptional with every peak and mountain in Slovenia, the Italian mountains, the Slovenian and Croatian Seas seen clearly. It was a true 360° panorama with stunning scenery in every direction. At the summit, I scanned the area for the fox and its footprints. I found footprints, but the fox was nowhere to be seen.
360° breathtaking views all around
I roamed around the peak, scanning for any signs of the fox. Then, amidst the snow-covered coniferous bushes, I spotted a Chamois mountain goat staring directly at me. Quickly, I retrieved my camera and captured some photographs and videos.
Chamois looking at me at mountain Snežnik
As I began taking photographs, they started to run away. We counted at least ten, gracefully bounding through the snowy bushes. It was truly an awe-inspiring sight. I was thrilled to see them again.
Chamois mountain goats jumping through snow covered foliage.
As they disappeared among the coniferous bushes, I assumed that was the final encounter for the day. However, moments later, they reappeared, gracefully leaping on the snow-covered rocks, allowing me to capture their performance on video. It was truly a show they put on for us.
Once they reached a safe distance, they settled down. I took numerous photographs and videos of them before capturing landscape shots of the stunning scenery around us. To the north, the Slovenian peaks and mountains stretched as far as the eye could see, with a sea of fog below, offering incredible views.
Mountain Triglav from Snežnik with fog in the valley
To the south, the sea glowed orange from the setting sun, resembling a mirror reflecting the sun’s incredible power and warmth. This signaled that we needed to start our descent if we wanted to reach the car by day’s end.
Orange glowing sea from the setting sun
The descent was swift, typical of snowy winter hikes. As the sun dipped below the horizon halfway down, we were treated to a breathtaking sunset. Magical hues painted the sky and at the first unobstructed view, I captured more photographs of the surrounding landscape. I couldn’t afford to miss such a moment.
Sunset with Nanos and plethora of mountains behind.
As the day drew to a close and twilight descended, we arrived at our car. Despite the chilly -6°C, after seeing Chamois mountain goats on mountain Snežnik in Slovenia again and experiencing such astounding scenery throughout the day, it didn’t feel as cold. Check out all photographs in the gallery below.
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Chamois looking at me at mountain Snežnik
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Chamois mountain goats jumping through snow covered foliage.
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Chamois mountain goats at mountain Snežnik in Slovenia.
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360° breathtaking views all around
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Mountain Triglav from Snežnik with fog in the valley
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Orange glowing sea from the setting sun
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Sunset with Nanos and plethora of mountains behind.
