The Tatras Mountains of Slovakia boast several world-renowned ski resorts, which often slip under the radar of most British skiing enthusiasts.
But that is all about to change; Snowsport Scotland & England have partnered with the Tatras mountain and Liptov region of Slovakia for the 2024-2025 Winter Ski Season, to shine a spotlight on this winter wonderland.
This Ski destination offers GREAT value for money, easy accessibility from London to the region’s capital, Poprad, and some truly memorable on-piste, off-piste, and apres-ski experiences.
The jewel in the crown of the region’s ski resort portfolio is Jasna Ski Resort (www.jasna.sk). It is the largest, most renowned ski area in Slovakia and that of central Europe. It is also just a 40-minute drive from Poprad International Airport which services flights from London courtesy of Wizzair, and since last year Ryanair.
Jasna Ski Resort c Marek Hajkovsky
Nestled in Liptov Region (Low Tatras), Jasná Ski Resort is Slovakia’s premier skiing destination and home resort of Olympic Champion Petra Vlhová, it offers something for everyone. With over 51km of pistes (without free ride zones) and 41 runs, including FIS World Cup-hosted slopes, Jasná guarantees unforgettable experiences.
Jasna has the widest range of skiing opportunities in Slovakia in a single resort, conveniently accessible by cable cars from both sides of Mt Chopok – south and north and 43 km of pistes with snowmaking machines running to the top of this famous summit, guaranteeing snow coverage. The routes are suitable for everyone from beginners to very experienced skiers.
For adventure-seekers, the resort boasts exceptional off-piste zones and freeriding opportunities, while state-of-the-art lifts ensure smooth and efficient access to every peak. In fact, 19 state-of-the-art cable-cars, chairlifts & Ski lifts are able to process 32,000 people per hour.
Jasna is the only ski resort in Slovakia that can host a Ski World Cup in downhill skiing, welcoming and witnessing battles between the world’s best female slalom skiers such as the phenomenal Mikaela Shiffrin and of course Petra Vlhova.
Awareness of Slovakia’s ski culture and prowess, has also been gaining momentum courtesy of the region’s most famous sporting daughter – Petra Vlhová, a ski alpine racer at the very top of her game.
A sporting icon in Slovakia, Vlhova is the current Slalom ‘Winter Olympic Games Beijing 2022’ gold medallist and overall Slalom FIS Alpine Ski World Cup winner in 2021. Jasna, being the home ski resort of Petra Vlhova, has named the ski slope where she won the women’s World Cup giant slalom, after her. The slope combines the best Jasna can offer, representing the combination of two pistes on which world cup races were held. Upon this, skiers can test their abilities on the very same track tested by the best female skiers in the world.
Petra was born and raised in Liptovsky Mikulas and honed her ski skills on the very same ski slopes which regular skies will experience, adding that special X Factor to everyone’s run, whatever their ability, agility or speed.
What also makes the resort special is its innovations. For those keen to be the first to the top and bottom of the slopes then “Fresh Track” offers an exclusive early-morning skiing experience like no other. Ski on perfectly groomed trails in the quiet of the mountains, before the cable cars officially open to the public. After an unforgettable morning of skiing, the fresh-trackers will enjoy a tasty breakfast at the ‘Rotunda Panoramic Restaurant’, at the summit of Chopok Peak (2,004m).
Rotunda Restaurant, Tatras, Slovakia
Night skiing enthusiasts will be enthralled by the longest, illuminated night skiing piste in central Europe, outside of the Alps. Using eco-friendly, cost-saving lighting on Piste No.10 Chaletová, means just under 5km of night skiing pistes.
Another way to enjoy the nighttime is ‘Chopok Tastes’ – a unique Mountain Top Dining Experience. Elevate your holiday with a special gastronomic event atop Mt. Chopok. Ride a cable car to over 2,000m as the sun sets, and enjoy a six-course dinner paired with fine wines and live music at the Rotunda Panoramic Restaurant.
Back for 2025 is the “Jasna Adrenalin Event” (March 2025) event for fans of skiing in off-piste terrain; they will love the twelve wide freeride zones. And for the Wim Hof’s of this world, who can bare-all and bare the cold, there is the ‘Bikini Skiing’ festival towards the end of the season in Jasna, which is both a fantastic spectacle whether you are involved or not. The other way to don your swimwear is to explore the region’s geothermal world.
Besenova Spa and waterpark
Slovakia is a land of healthy water and so it is impossible not to soothe aching muscles with a mood-boosting visit to a thermal spa centre. The Tatralandia water park in Liptovsky Mikulas (www.tatralandia.sk) and the water parks in Aqua-Vital Park Lucky (spalucky.com) and Besanova (www.besanova.com) offer a great way to relax after a day of skiing and they can also serve as a relaxing alternative to skiing for non-skiers. Adults can enjoy the spas, sauna worlds and sauna ceremonies, whilst young families can find wave pools, water slides and entertainment shows. There are a number of thermal and mineral water springs in the vicinity of the ski slopes.
Vlkolinec UNESCO Village
For the culture vultures amongst you, Vlkolínec Village is an awe-inspiring hamlet of wooden folk architecture and a must-see for all the family. This extraordinary living museum was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993. The community was first referred to in 1461 and time seems to have frozen. Everything is preserved almost in the same form as it was in the middle of the last century, allowing one to wander through the streets of original folk buildings, which have remained untouched by modern construction.
Ready to book an incredible ski holiday and cultural experience?
Visit enjoytatras.com or email [email protected]
Image credit: M. Hajkovsky; J. Vojtek; Visitliptov.sk
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