Aside from being executive director of the Enjoy Tatras regional tourist board and destination management company, Matej Hulej (pictured above) is a keen sportsman and active adventurist. He takes advantage of the Tatras region’s incredible landscape to hike, climb and ski. Sports Tourism Media spoke with him to get an expert’s viewpoint on adrenaline seeking, tourism and sport in the region.
Like Slovakian ski star Petra Vlhová, you were born in Liptovsky Mikulas and your home ski resort is Jasna. What is special about this ski resort for helping to create world-class winter sports athletes?
Litptovsky Mikulas is the birthplace of Olympic athletes. Petra Vlhová in downhill skiing, Michal Martikán in wild water skiing, or hockey players who were part of the Slovakia bronze medal-winning team from the last Olympics. The proximity of Jasna ski resort, which is the largest and most versatile in Slovakia, provides perfect conditions for sports training of athletes.
Jasna has excellent conditions and facilities for downhill skiing, the World Cup has been held here twice. For freeride skiing, there are easily accessible off-piste slopes. The prestigious event “Jasnaadrenalin”, which is part of the freeride world tour final, has been held here for almost 20 years.
What types of sports do you practise in the Tatras region?
The proximity of the mountains creates ideal conditions for rock climbing and bouldering. More than 200 sport routes and boulders create a paradise for me as a climber. I love relaxing and resting in nature on the rocks. And in the high mountains, I like to find beautiful traditional routes on my rest days. When your “office” can be considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe and the world then one must take advantage of it! Mountain biking is also a great love of mine and a key sport throughout all seasons – even winter with cycling with fat tyres, here there are over 800km of biking trails. In winter, I take a break from people on backcountry hikes in remote valleys with a freeride downhill at the end.
The ski resorts of the Tatras are versatile, so do you have recommendations for different types and styles of skier?
Jasna, as the “king” of ski resorts, is suitable for active skiers who will find conditions for all forms of skiing here and one of the best apres-ski environments I have ever experienced. Tatra mountain and Raspberry Hill are excellent for families with children, whilst you can enjoy a fantastic and unique freeride experience from the highest possible point in Slovakia from the Lomnica Peak. The family will love many other activities that accompany the skiing, such as the longest sledding track in Slovakia from Hrebienok, which is 2.5km long. Strbske Pleso is ideal for those looking for luxury and a high-quality resort, centred upon a magnificent glacial lake peppered with some very high-end hotel properties.
The Tatras region is famous for its thermal waters. What are the benefits?
After a demanding activity or training, it is great to treat the body to a relaxing massage and the goodness of warm healing water. We are so blessed to have a region that sits upon such vast geothermal resources. This has so many benefits for vacationers looking for wellness in nature; for elite athletes looking for a training base which has world-class facilities but also these thermal resources to aid recovery. And of course for skiers, what better way to rejuvenate muscles for your next day’s skiing than by sitting in a hot pool. The main facilities can be found in this guide and are spread across the Liptov and Tatras region.
What is your favourite traditional and local dish which visitors simply must try?
I love Slovak Halusky (dumplings), it’s hard to describe, you have to try it for yourself, but it includes special cheese from sheep that graze freely on the Tatra meadows and is definitely the right fuel for a day on the mountains.
The Tatras region is so photogenic, which views still take your breath-away?
One of the most magnificent views is from Lomnica Peak; this one is always breath-taking no matter how many times you take the comfortable cable car to an altitude of 2,632m above sea level. But, I also have one more secret tip and that is the view from Cerenová Rock. To reach this one, however, you have to take an easy hike of about an hour.
Have you seen the Tatras region become more popular with international visitors because of the trend towards active and green holidays?
As part of my role, I must track the various groups and types of visitors who come to our region to partake in every type of activity or just simply to relax. The different spread of nationalities is quite evident, and the general trend towards green and wellness holidays is reflected in this. Of course, the domestic and Polish markets are always strong and remain the dominant markets, but others are catching up. I often hear English, Romanian, German and Swedish here, amongst others, and that is a very positive signal for us as industry professionals. Visitors from other countries have gradually discovered that there is almost everything you need for an active mountain vacation in a beautifully compact area, such as the Tatras region of Slovakia.
This project and its activities are implemented with financial support of the Ministry of Transport and Construction of the Slovak Republic
