3 reasons to discover this lesser-known winter adventure playground
Ever heard of Slovakia’s Tatras Mountains? Here’s why you should visit now, before the crowds get there.
Untouched snow, crystal lakes and mirrored skies await you in the Tatras Mountains. This hidden snowscape has something for everyone: the rich cultural experience of UNESCO sites, idyllic geothermal spas, winter walks, and scenic slopes.
About the region
High Tatras, in the North of Slovakia, is scattered with ski resorts, each boasting world-class facilities, secluded pistes and unforgettable experiences. Tatranska Lomnica, a family favourite, is home to the “French Mulda”, the steepest slope in the region, where skiers can wend their way through Lomnica Pass, dramatic views whipping past on both sides. Beyond the slopes, scientists from the Slovak Academy of Sciences can guide you through an observation of the star-studded sky or you can soak in the tranquil scenery from the back of a snowcat.
At the Stary Smokovec resort, the winter adventures continue with a 1.5km bobsled track and a Sherpa Museum, which delves into a long-lived tradition still thriving in these mountains.
Strbske Pleso resort is the highest village in High Tatras, promising some of the best views of the High Tatras, the surrounding forest and a glacial lake of the same name. An ideal getaway for cross-country skiiers or seasoned hikers searching for a reason to don their crampons.
The Liptov Region in the Low Tatras, in central Slovakia, is equally renowned for winter activities. The vast Jasna Ski Resort is familiar territory for Olympic Slalom Gold Medallist Petra Vlhova and has been home to the FIS World Cup ski racing. For an experience unlike any other, try the longest night skiing piste in Central Europe, outside of the Alps. The 2.7km of slopes offers magical night scenery and the chance to explore atmospheric night spots such as Audi Crystal Bar and Pošta Bar. Thaw your fingers in one of the nearby thermal spas such as the water parks of Besenova and Tatralandia.
Chopok Tastes also offer a breathtaking gastronomic experience at the top of Mt. Chopok, beginning with a cable car ride over 2,000m and ending with panoramic views of the sunset over the mountains.
Here’s just three reasons to visit the Tatras Mountains for your next winter escape…
1: It’s easy to get to
The Tatras Mountains are now more accessible than ever, with regular, direct flights from London and winter adventures that won’t leave a dent in your bank account.
Poprad-Tatry airport has one of the highest elevations in Central Europe at 718m. You can fly here every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday with Ryanair, or with Wizz Air every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Košice is also served by Ryanair and Wizz Air, with direct flights from London every day of the week except Saturday.
Unlike many ski holidays, a winter escape in the Tatras mountains is remarkably affordable. Compared to its busier, pricier sibling – the Alps – GoPass make winter sports accessible for any kind of traveller. Jasna, Tatranska Lomonica and Strbske Pleso ski resorts, also have a fresh track skiing opportunity. Enjoy breakfast on the mountaintops and be the first on the slopes, skiing unhindered through fresh snow.
2: To explore its UNESCO Sites
When you’re weary of pulling on ski boots, you can visit Vlkolínec, nestled in the Velká Fatra mountains. This UNESCO site is the village that time forgot, located in the historical Liptov region of Slovakia. Log cabins, natural beauty and a dive into Slovakian history are just some of the things it offers.
In the second half of the 14th century, Vlkolínec emerged as a settlement of gelders, shepherds and woodcutters and the original architecture of the compound has been preserved. Walking its sloping streets today is like taking a step back in time. Tour the village with a local guide and discover folk monuments, a history of rebellion and surrounding snow-capped forests. Nearby, you’ll also find an expansive network of caves – The Caves of Aggtelek Karst – which span the border of Hungary and Slovakia and cover an area of 138,000 acres. Diverse karst sculptures rear up from the ground and hang from the ceiling in these caves, a hidden, alien-looking landscape.
3: For the geothermal spas
Do snowy peaks and ice caves sound too cold? Don’t fear – the Tatras Mountain region is also one of Europe’s best areas to relax, with an impressive array of geothermal spas. AquaCity Poprad in High Tatras has thirteen thermal spas and the biggest wellness and spa centre in Slovakia. Their wellness services are broad: inhalation rooms, sauna shows, water slides and the ‘bay of love’. Besenova in the Liptov region is equally relaxing, with massages, therapies and bistros or you could visit the nearby Tatralandia and steam in one of their pools, sipping a cocktail from the Cosmopolitan water bar.
Feeling inspired?
