The Tatras mountains of Slovakia are affectionately known as “the lowest high mountains in the world” as they offer some 50 peaks of more than 2,000m, all in a compact and truly diverse region. This creates so many advantages for those seeking every type of active adventure vacation, both in summer and in winter.
For this guide, we are specifically delving into the main ski resorts of the High and Low Tatras, as the lush green topography turns white with wintery fun. We cannot introduce you to all of Slovakia’s ski resorts, but we can give you a guide to the best ones in the Tatras region. These are the resorts to sweep, carve and curate a memorable ski holiday that will keep you enthralled from dawn until dusk and let you simply breathe in this unique and dramatic scenery.
Jasna Ski Resort (Low Tatras)
Slovakia’s largest, most prestigious and premier resort simply gets better with each ski season that passes. With more than 50km of perfectly-groomed pistes centred on Mt Chopok, it caters for every level and style of skier including the world’s best, having hosted several FIS Ski World Cup races here and being the home resort of Slovakian ski star Petra Vlhová. One of its great advantages is the amount of good quality off-piste skiing with dedicated zones, which will have freeriders in raptures. New investments in cable cars and other infrastructure maintains a world-class experience and reputation.
Factfile
- Total distance of pistes: 55.8km
- No. of runs: 41
- Longest run: 3.5km
- No. of lifts: 21
- Elevation: Summit = 2004m / Vertical Drop = 1061m
- Night skiing: 1km
- Website: jasna.sk
Tatranska Lomnica Ski Resort (High Tatras)
Home of the steepest slope in the region, called the “French Mulda”, advanced skiers can ski down from 2,196m directly to Tatranska Lomnica through Lomnica pass, for more than 5.5km, making it the longest and loftiest run in Slovakia. That said, the resort is geared up for beginner-to-upper intermediate ski proficiency. In terms of magnificent scenery, epic vistas and immersing yourself in the High Tatras Mountains, just head to Lomnicky peak (2,632m) and let your breath be taken away. While there is no snow park for freestylers, there is a fun zone along the “Start vychod” slope with its undulating waves putting smiles on the faces of families and beginners.
Factfile
- Total distance of pistes: 12.2km
- No. of runs: 13
- Longest run: 2.2km (*the 5.5km run is not included in this stat)
- No. of lifts: 10
- Elevation: Summit = 2,634m / Vertical Drop = 1,746m
- Night skiing: 1km
- Website: vt.sk
Strbske Pleso Ski Resort (High Tatras)
With the highest settlement in the High Tatras, Strbske Pleso is an idyllic ski resort, known for the longest ski season in the region. It also has spectacular scenery and enchanting views of Popradska kotlina (basin) and the Low Tatras from the slope of Solisko. An ideal ski destination for families and intermediate skiers, with 9km of easy-to-medium ski tracks on the southern slopes of Mt. Predne Solisko, this chameleon-like resort is also great for cross-country skiers, who are well-catered for with eight looped circuits measuring 1.4km to 5km, and for freestylers and snowboarders with a snow park located next to a major slope, offering kickers, rails and boxes to pull off some tricks. A ski bus operates in the resort to ferry skiers to the slopes.
Factfile
- Total distance of pistes: 9km
- No. of runs: 12
- Longest run: 2.5km
- No. of lifts: 8
- Elevation: Summit = 1,825m / Vertical Drop = 465m
- Website: strbskepleso.sk
SKIPARK Malino Brdo (Low Tatras)
SKIPARK Malino Brdo is located just 2km from the centre of Ruzomberok and forms the gateway to the Velka Fatra National Park. With one of the longest single runs (3.9km) in the Tatras, 12km of slopes, plus excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing, hiking and ski touring, this resort opens up to an eclectic mix of skiers. Primarily though, Malino Brdo is great for families, with plenty of off-piste activities to combine with time on the slopes; this includes sliding on tyres, an ice tower and climbing basic tutorials. Malino Brdo Snow Park will get the heart racing for freestyle skiers and snowboarders with a 200m course of obstacles which will ensure you get air in every sense of the word.
Factfile
- Total distance of pistes: 12km
- No. of runs: 8
- Longest run: 3.9km
- No. of lifts: 9
- Elevation: Summit = 1,209m / Vertical Drop = 642m
- Website: skipark.sk
Ski Resort Stary Smokovec (High Tatras)
One of the smaller ski resorts, but perfectly formed for an enjoyable ski break, especially for beginners and for non-skier activities with plenty to do away from the pistes. Slopes are described as easy-to-moderate, comprising around 4km of runs, with the longest run of 2,350m nicely situated next to the funicular. Considering the mountain activities situated all around the resort, it is tailor-made for families with children. This includes a 2.6km sled-run from Hrebienok to Stary Smokovec. Access to the resort is made very easy as it is at the junction of the Tatra electric railway.
Factfile
- Total distance of pistes: 3.4km
- No. of runs: 3
- Longest run: 2.4km
- No. of lifts: 3
- Elevation: Summit = 1,480m / Vertical Drop = 455m
- Website: slovakia.com
For more information on other ski resorts, ski mountaineering tracks, freeride zones and cross-country skiing tracks see visitliptov.sk and enjoytatras.com
This project and its activities are implemented with financial support of the Ministry of Transport and Construction of the Slovak Republic
