Taking a ski holiday to the smallest high-lying mountain range in the world has the major advantage of having everything at your fingertips. Slovakia’s Tatras region is compact, accessible, affordable, beautiful and above all, fun. With everything being so close, it means there is plenty of time to explore the many alternative winter activities away from the slopes in the Tatras region. Here are just a few ideas to get you started…

Head to the Tatra Ice Dome  

The theme of the 10th anniversary year of this attraction at Hrebienok (High Tatras) is a unique sacral building – the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. For the first time in the history of the Tatra Ice Dome, visitors can walk between the ice walls of the masterpiece. It is built from 225 tons of ice and, as per usual, the entry is free of charge. See vt.sk

Dog sledding in the Tatras

Have you ever wanted to become a “musher” and drive a sled led by huskies across a snowy terrain? In the High and Low Tatras this is one special activity available to tourists. Husky sledding, as a sport, has a long tradition in Slovakia, rather than for travel and transporting goods in older times. Under expert guidance and on a pre-prepared circuit, learn how to control the dogs and sled, before taking to the circuit alone. See visitliptov.sk

Chopok Chuti 

Translated as “Chopok Tastes”, this gastro event is held during the winter months. Take a cable car ride to more than 2,000m as the sun sets on Chopok Mountain – this is the start of your gastronomic journey, with the mountain-top Rotunda Panoramic Restaurant forming your crucible for a six-course dinner, paired with wine and featuring musical guests. See jasna.sk

Geothermally finding your ‘zen moment’

It might sound a little bohemian, but consciously or subconsciously we all take a huge exhale of breath when in nature. Even more so if one submerges into one of many geothermal pools across the Tatras region. The best known are AquaCity Poprad (aquacity.sk) in the High Tatras, and Besenova (besenova.com), AquaPark Tatralandia (tatralandia.sk) and Aqua-Vital Park Lucky (spalucky.com) located in the Low Tatras. All offer outdoor and indoor pools, recreation activities for families, and adult spa and sauna areas for pure relaxation. 

Taking to the slopes sitting down

Hrebienok in the High Tatras offers a bobsled track during the day and also into the late evening, on a groomed and well-lit 2.6km-long sledge track leading from Hrebienok down to Stary Smokovec. A funicular railway brings tourists to the top of the Hrebienok resort, and from there a fantastic experience of sledging for all the family begins. Another exciting activity is to jump on the night ride of a snow groomer as it prowls the mountain side like a snow cat. 

Treetop walk Bachledka

This walk is situated at the ridge of Spisska Magura, the border of Pieniny and Tatra National Park. Having followed the treetop route across the 1,234m platform admiring the flora and fauna with a bird-like sense of freedom and a unique perspective into the species-diverse forest, the main event is spiralling up the 32m-high tower, from which the Belianske Tatry Mountain range, Tri Koruny in Pieniny, and the Zamagurie area is spread across the horizon from the terrace. Views are spectacular whatever time of year, but especially when the fir trees and distant views are covered by snow. See chodnikkorunamistromov.sk

Unesco-inscribed Vlkolínec Village

The Liptov region is blessed with many well-preserved historic buildings which allow visitors to step back in time and understand the ancestral life of these mountain villages. The protected area of folk architecture at Vlkolínec is inscribed in the list of Unesco World Cultural Heritages. With 45 buildings comprising traditional log houses, this village lies on a high plateau between the Low and High Tatras and from Malino Brdo’s top station of the eight-seater cable car, it is an easy 20-minute family walk to the village of Vlkolínec. See visitliptov.sk 

Fresh Track in Jasna, Tatranska Lomnica and Strbske Pleso

We all want to feel like VIPs or get access to some special activity. Well the Tatras “Fresh Track” product certainly is that, by giving eager and more advanced skiers early access to the pistes ahead of the cable cars officially opening for the day. Carving a route through fresh snow, with very few others, is a magical experience not to miss. And best of all it includes a hearty breakfast, which can be consumed under the majesty of the snow-covered peaks. Fresh Track is available at Jasna, Tatranska Lomnica and Strbske Pleso. See vt.sk and jasna.sk

Winter hiking experience  

The Tatras region is a hiker’s paradise and this is one activity that is available all year round. Even when the snow falls, there are some routes and mountain huts that remain accessible providing all the ingredients for an unforgettable winter hike experience. These include two hikes of no more than 30 minutes from Hrebienok. The first to the waterfalls of “Studeny potok” is suitable for the older and younger generations. Secondly, “Rainer’s Chalet”, a famous mountain hut with a Tatra Sherpa Museum and the cottager’s homemade tea to sample. Just five minutes from Hrebienok is Bilek’s Chalet/Hut where you can enjoy a traditional lunch. See vt.sk

Habarka dancing night and sweet treats on the slopes

Dance the night away to traditional folkloric music at Habarka dancing night. Your experience starts in the cable car elevating you to 1,287m, where Habarka Restaurant is situated in Jasna, Liptov region. Then indulge all the senses in a magical evening of entertainment and culinary delights. During the day, if you require something sweet on the slopes, then try steamed dumplings with poppy seeds and vanilla cream, also found at Habarka Restaurant. This is not the only sweet dessert to indulge from upon high. At Café Dedo on Lomnicky Peak (2,364m) try “Formansky kolacik”. An unofficial Slovak record holder, this is a dessert served in the highest situated restaurant in Slovakia. See jasna.sk, visitliptov.sk and enjoytatras.com

For more information 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