Skiing and snowboarding

Did you know Slovakia's ski resorts offer the best skiing and snowboarding in Eastern Europe? Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of numerous National Parks, the country's ski centres are accessible from all the main city airports as well as the local airport of Poprad, at the heart of the skiing mountain region. They offer opportunities for beginners and seasoned skiers and boarders alike. The High Tatras mountain range are certainly the jewel in Slovakia’s crown, with the highest mountains in the country and indeed, the entire Carpathian range, reaching heights of up to 2,654 metres.

With huge investment in recent years, any outdated preconceptions of old eastern European infrastructure are soon dispelled: the lifts are modern, with heated seats and bubble covers. Not only are the surroundings some of the most picturesque and historic you are likely to encounter on a winter holiday, but it also has all the latest equipment and services you would expect of modern ski resorts.

The season starts at the end of December including atmospheric Christmas and New Year stays. It should be noted that like other mountain regions including the Austria and French alps, milder temperatures at this time of year mean snow conditions may not be at their best. The high season kicks off in January and runs to the end of March. For groups it is a great time to avoid the masses outside of the school holidays, although in reality the slopes in Slovakia are rarely so uncomfortably crowded. And for families it is the ideal destination for your half-term winter holiday.

Alternatively, why not take the opportunity to revitalise yourself in the spring sunshine at the beginning of April. And for apres-ski? Here in Slovakia you really can encounter that truly authentic winter experience: hit the slopes during the day and afterwards reward yourself with a visit to a thermal water park for a spot of well-deserved relaxation. Outdoor and indoor thermal pools, saunas, jacuzzis, wellness and attractions for the whole family await!

A paradise for lovers of downhill skiing and snowboarding and home to Tatranska Lomnica, the highest ski resort in Slovakia (2,190m) with a vertical drop of 1,300m, including a top-class 6.5km long piste, modern chairlifts and cablecars and snow making equipment.

Not far from Tatranska Lomnica, and accessible by modern mountain train connecting the mountain settlements, Štrbské Pleso is another resort popular with families, children and experienced skiers too. Other skiing resorts include further east Bachledka close to the mountain settlement of Zdiar, and in the western Tatras, Spalena Dolina.

Finally, the biggest and busiest of the Slovak resorts is Jasna, located in Demanovska Valley within the Low Tatras National Park. With 30 cable cars and lifts and the ability to transport more than 30000 people per hour, the resort offers 49 km of pistes suitable for beginners, families with children, advanced skiers and freeriders.

In March 2016, it hosted the women’s world cup slalom and giant slalom competitions.

Slovakia has something for everyone, we’re sure you’ll agree.