Slovakia is an incredibly beautiful Eastern European country that annually attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. More than 80% of the country’s territory is occupied by mountains – the Tatras in the north and the Carpathians in the south and east. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that winter sports have received great development in Slovakia. Today there are over a dozen ski resorts here, distinguished by a high level of service and a developed tourist infrastructure.
Their popularity among travelers is also facilitated by favorable climatic conditions: winters with heavy snowfalls, but at the same time with temperatures quite comfortable for skiing. Below is a list of the most popular Slovak ski resorts with a description of their technical characteristics and additional recreational opportunities.
Tatranska Lomnica
Tatranska Lomnica is one of the most popular winter resorts in Slovakia. It is located on the eastern slopes of the High Tatras mountain range and consists of three ski areas, united by a common ski pass. These are Skalnete Peso, Lomnicke Sedlo and Jami, located at different altitude levels and with trails of varying difficulty. All slopes of this resort are laid on the slopes of Lomnicky Štit, the second highest peak in the country.
Those who like to tickle their nerves usually choose Lomnicke Sedlo for skiing with its steep “black” slopes. But in Skalnet Pleso, flatter “blue” slopes predominate, perfect for amateurs of average skill level. Yami, with its simple slopes, is ideal for family skiing with a child or for beginners who are starting to ski for the first time.
Getting from one ski area to another is not difficult – free ski buses run between them. Also in Tatranska Lomnica there are specialized slopes designed for snowboarding, slalom and carving, and there are virgin areas for freeride lovers.
Among the main advantages of this ski center is its excellent technical support. The latest high-speed lifts and a system of contactless ski passes operate here, which eliminates the occurrence of any queues. According to tradition, every evening the resort hosts various entertainment programs – sleigh rides, “Dinner of Impressions”, etc.
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to Tatranska Lomnica is to fly to Poprad International Airport , which is 18 km from the resort. From here you can order a transfer or take a taxi directly to the ski center. The journey by car will take no more than 20 minutes. From the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, you can get to Tatranská Lomnica by rail if you change trains in Smokovec.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 1746 meters
- Resort height – 888 – 2634 meters
- The total length of the ski slopes is 17.5 km
- Number of tracks – 16
- “Green” – 1 piece, 2.5 km
- “Blue” – 9 units, 8.7 km
- “Reds” – 5 units, 5.2 km
- “Black” – 1 piece, 1.2 km
- Lifts – 11 (5 gondola, 3 chairlifts, 3 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 48€ / 35€
- Season duration: beginning of December – end of March
Yasna
Jasna is a ski center operating on the slopes of the Low Tatras mountain range. In total there are three areas for alpine skiing: Chopok, Zahradki and Otupne. All of them differ in the characteristics of the slopes: length, steepness and tortuosity. Therefore, here skiers of any level of training will be able to choose a route of their own – from beginner amateurs to extreme freeriders.
27 km of slopes here are covered by an artificial snowmaking system of 527 snow generators, which makes it possible for comfortable skiing even during the spring thaw. All tracks are equipped with mechanical lifts that deliver athletes to the starting points and have a capacity of 30 thousand people per hour. Many local tracks have international certification, which allows official downhill competitions to be held here.
For extreme sports enthusiasts, Jasna has 12 off-piste areas, differing in the steepness of the slope. There is also an illuminated Bela Put route with a total length of 990 meters for skiing after sunset. On the slope of Mount Chopok there is a well-equipped snow park for fans of freestyle and snowboarding, and at its foot there are flat cross-country ski tracks.
Jasna has excellent conditions for après-ski lovers. There are restaurants, snack bars and bars here; in the evenings, the club located at the resort hosts incendiary discos. Active guests can enjoy paragliding, hiking in the picturesque surroundings, or visit the fitness center with a sauna and swimming pool.
How to get there?
The closest international airport to Jasna is Poprad. It is located 60 km from the ski resort, and from here you can order a transfer or take a taxi yourself. There is a regular bus from the Poprad city bus station to Jasna. Jasna can also be reached from Kosice Airport, which is 190 km away. In this case, the journey will take about 2.5 hours.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 1074 meters
- Resort height – 950 – 2024 meters
- The total length of the ski slopes is 36.5 km
- Number of tracks – 17
- “Blue” – 5 units, 11.2 km
- “Reds” – 9 units, 18 km
- “Black” – 3 pcs., 7.3 km
- Lifts – 30 (4 gondola, 8 chairlifts, 18 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 43€ / 30€
- Season duration: beginning of December – end of April
Jezersko – Bakhledova valley
On the eastern slopes of the High Tatras there is a year-round resort center called Jezersko – Bachledova Dolina. In summer, it offers tourists hiking in the picturesque surroundings, rafting on the Dunajec River and mountaineering. In winter, 7 km of ski slopes of varying difficulty open here, from gentle slopes for beginners to very steep and winding routes suitable for extreme sports enthusiasts and professional athletes.
The disadvantage of this area is the inconsistent snow cover, but this problem was solved by equipping all ski slopes with a snow generator system. Thanks to this, even in winters with little snow and during a thaw, the trails remain in good condition and vacationers do not feel discomfort.
All slopes in the Jezersko-Bahledova Valley are equipped with mechanical lifts, the lower station of which is located directly next to hotels or car parks. Vacationers do not have to bring their own skis to the resort – all sports equipment can be rented here. Beginners and children are offered the services of a ski school, which has experienced trainers and instructors on its staff.
How to get there?
The best way to get to Jezersko from Poprad International Airport is to book a transfer . In addition, in Poprad you can rent a car or take a regular bus that goes past the Bachledova Valley.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 340 meters
- Resort height – 820 – 1160 meters
- The total length of the ski slopes is 7.4 km
- Number of tracks – 11
- “Blue” – 2.3 km
- “Red” – 3.6 km
- “Black” – 1.5 km
- Lifts – 7 (1 gondola, 1 chairlift, 5 drag lifts)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 27€ / 25€
- Season duration: end of December – end of March
Donovaly
Donovaly is one of the most popular ski resorts in the country, widely known far beyond the borders of Slovakia. The ski slopes here are located on the slopes of the mountains surrounding the village of the same name. All of them are divided into two ski areas: Zagradishte and Nova Golya, each of which has its own characteristics. Zagradishte, which has relatively simple trails, is more suitable for inexperienced lovers and for family skiing with a child. Nowa Golia has quite steep slopes, allowing experienced athletes to show all their skills.
The longest track in Donovaly is about 3 km long; there is a ski “kindergarten” and a rental point. But the real pride of the resort is the largest fan park in Europe , which operates a ski school with professional trainers. At the foot of the slopes there are more than fifty kilometers of cross-country skiing, and there is the opportunity to go paragliding or visit a fitness center with a sauna. Every winter, colorful dog sled races are held in Donovalovo.
How to get there?
The Donovaly resort is administratively part of the Banska Bystrica region. The distance from the resort to the nearest airports is: 115 km to Poprad, 220 km to Kosice and 235 km to Bratislava. From all of the listed air harbors, tourists will be able to order a transfer directly to the door of the booked hotel. The nearest railway station to the resort is in Banska Bystrica, which is located 25 km from the ski center. An international highway runs past Donovaly, along which you can get to the resort from Bratislava or from the Ukrainian Lvov. In the latter case, the journey will take 6 hours.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 447 meters
- Resort height – 914 – 1361 meters
- Length of cross-country trails – 58 km
- The total length of the ski slopes is 11 km
- “Blue” – 5 km
- “Red” – 5.9 km
- “Black” – 0.1 km
- Lifts – 16 (1 gondola, 1 chairlift, 14 drag lifts)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 35€ / 25€
- Season duration: beginning of December – end of April
Strbske pleso
Strbske Pleso is a picturesque mountain lake located in the middle of the Tatras, and is considered a real natural pearl of Slovakia. On its shore there is a year-round resort center of the same name, offering tourists an extensive program of active recreation. With the onset of cold weather, more than a dozen ski slopes open on the surrounding mountain slopes. All of them are equipped with mechanical lifts, including the country’s largest 15-seater chairlift.
Diverse slopes allow you to satisfy the needs of various categories of vacationers. Both beginners and experienced athletes can go skiing here, choosing the most suitable route for themselves. The length of the longest slope is 2 km, and some slopes are equipped with artificial lighting for evening skiing.
In Strbske Pleso there are separate areas for lovers of snowboarding and freestyle, and at the foot of the mountains there are relief cross-country ski tracks. Biathlon trails are no less popular, where you can not only compete in skiing speed, but also practice shooting accuracy at the shooting range. There are also two springboards, one 70 meters long and the second 90 meters long. In addition, in Štrbske pleso there is the opportunity to go rock climbing, visit the fitness center, bowling alley, billiard room, sauna or swim in the indoor pool.
The resort of Štrbské pleso offers not only sports, but also restoration of poor health. Mountain air, filled with the aroma of coniferous forests, has a healing effect on the body of vacationers, especially those suffering from diseases of the respiratory system. And for gambling lovers, the resort has its own casino, where everyone can try their luck.
How to get there?
The closest international airport to Strbske Pleso is in Poprad. It is separated from the ski center by about 25 km. Here you can take a taxi, rent a car or order a transfer . Travel time will take about half an hour. Other airports closest to Strbske Pleso are Kosice, located 140 km away, and the Polish Krakow-Balice. The route from here to the Slovak resort is 165 km and will take 2 hours 30 minutes.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 440 meters
- Resort altitude – 1400 – 1840 meters
- The total length of the ski slopes is 8.3 km
- Number of tracks – 11
- “Blue” – 7 units, 2.7 km
- “Reds” – 4 units, 5.6 km
- Lifts – 7 (4 chairlifts, 3 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 49€ / 35€
- Season duration: early December – early April
Vratna
This ski center is located in the amazingly beautiful Vratna Valley in the Mala Fatra National Park. In addition to natural beauty, this area is characterized by snowy winters and a fairly mild climate. All this makes the Vratna resort so popular both among the Slovaks themselves and among foreign tourists. In total, 18 downhill slopes of varying difficulty levels are equipped here annually, among which the predominant routes are for amateurs with some experience.
The most popular ski area in Vratna is the Bread ski area, where competitions between professional athletes are regularly held. Among other traditional events that arouse interest among vacationers, luge competitions and horse-drawn rubber boat rides should be noted.
How to get there?
The nearest international airport to Vratna is 130 km away, in the city of Kosice. The best option to get from there to the ski center is to order a transfer . You can also rent a car in Kosice and drive to the resort along roads No. 2076 and 583. To do this, drive through the village of Terchová, and then move along the Mala Fatra nature reserve all the way to the ski center.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 931 meters
- Resort height – 601 – 1532 meters
- The total length of the ski slopes is 15 km
- Number of tracks – 18
- “Blue” – 2 km
- “Red” – 9 km
- “Black” – 4 km
- Lifts – 13 (1 gondola, 1 chairlift, 11 drag lifts)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 34€ / 23€
- Season duration : from December to April
Drienica – Lysa
The ski center Drienica – Lysa is located on the southern slope of the Cergov mountain range in western Slovakia. It is 25 km away from the large city of Prešev, and in the immediate vicinity is the ancient town of Sabinov with colorful medieval architecture. This resort area is distinguished by the purity of healing mountain air, saturated with the aroma of coniferous forests, and the uniquely beautiful surrounding landscapes.
The resort territory consists of two separate skiing areas – Drienica (height 762 m) and Lysa (1068 m). In total there are 16 downhill trails, of which the more flat ones are concentrated on Drienice, and quite difficult ones on Lysa, intended for experienced skiers. Most slopes are equipped with snowmakers, and there are illuminated areas for evening skiing. At the foot of the mountains there are two flat routes for cross-country skiing enthusiasts.
The resort has a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, a sanatorium-type rehabilitation center, and a fitness center with a solarium, sauna and jacuzzi. Guests can also go horseback riding or take a sleigh ride around the area.
How to get there?
The resort is located in the Chergov mountain range, 4 km from the ancient town of Sabinov. You can get here from Kosice International Airport by bus, train or taxi. The easiest option is to pre- order a transfer directly to the ski center. The cost of travel from Kosice to Sabinov by train will be from 2 to 4 euros and will take 1 hour. By bus, the same journey will cost from 7 to 10 euros, and the travel time will be 1 hour 10 minutes.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 518 meters
- Resort height – 550 – 1068 meters
- The total length of the ski slopes is 3.4 km
- “Blue” – 1.4 km
- “Red” – 2 km
- Lifts – 10 (1 chair lifts, 9 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 22/18€
- Season duration : mid-December – end of March
Stary Smokovec
Smokovec is the oldest ski resort in Slovakia, which first welcomed tourists back in the 19th century. Since then, the resort has continuously developed and today covers a vast area with several mountain slopes. The central one is Grebenok, which has a height of 1285 meters, where the main ski routes are located. You can get here using the high-speed funicular in 9 minutes. On the neighboring Slavsky Peak there is a “Mountain Meadow” slope for slalom, which is considered the best in the whole country.
The resort has both gentle slopes for beginners and challenging routes with a steep slope. But most of them are intended for amateurs of an average level of training – not too difficult, but quite comfortable and allowing a wide range of vacationers to get the thrill of speed. There is a 3 km long sledding track nearby. The resort has a sufficient number of hotels and restaurants, the first of which were opened over a century ago and represent interesting examples of ancient architecture.
How to get there?
The closest international airport to Stary Smokovec is Poprad. The distance between the ski center and the air harbor is 12 km and can be covered by regular bus or train. In both cases, travel time will not exceed 20 minutes. You can get from the center of the town of Stary Smokovec to the bottom of the funicular station on foot, walking 5 minutes up to Mount Hrebienok.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 455 meters
- Resort altitude – 1025 – 1480 meters
- The total length of the ski slopes is 7.9 km
- Number of tracks – 7
- “Green” – 1 piece, 2.4 km
- “Blue” – 4 units, 3 km
- “Reds” – 2 pcs., 1.5 km
- “Black” – 1 piece, 1 km
- Lifts – 14 (1 gondola, 13 rope tows)
- Day ski pass for adults/children – 49€ / 35€
- Season duration: early December – early April