The Top 8 Ski Resorts in Slovakia

Jasná is the Low Tatras’ premier ski resort and the largest ski resort in Slovakia. The resort offers 49 kilometres (30mi) of marked trails to the north and south of Chopok, with the Low Tatras’ second-highest peak at 2024 meters (6,640ft). The resort offers a total of 28 cable cars and lifts to make all parts of the mountain accessible, but alpine skiing is also very popular here, especially from the south side of Chopok. Several ski and snowboard shops in the area and at the mountain’s base make it easy to get the equipment you need, and you can take your pick from one of many ski-in, ski-out hotels and lodges. Check out the Hotel Skifor a great deal on accommodations, with one of the best kitchens serving après-ski meals such as warm, hearty soups and Slovak potato dumplings.

Tatranská Lomnica is located in the High Tatras and offers the highest-located (with respect to altitude) and overall steepest ski slopes in Slovakia. The upper trails are for advanced skiers only, but, lower down, you can find over 6 kilometres (3.7mi) of easier trails suitable for children and families, but still with fabulous views of the valley below. Eight ski lifts provide access to the slopes, and the newest, modern cable car whisks you up a vertical drop of 597 meters (1,959ft) in about 7 minutes. The cable car begins its journey in the lower station called Štart (1,174m/3,852ft) and takes you to Skalnaté Pleso at the altitude of 1,772 meters (5,814ft). This gondola is able to transport 2,400 people per hour. A variety of nearby accommodations can be found in the towns of Tatranská Lomnica, Vysoké Tatry, Veľká Lomnica, Veľký Slavkov, Kežmarok, and Poprad, with convenient access to the slopes.

Štrbské Pleso is also located in the High Tatras and attracts skiers with incredible views and 9 kilometres (5.6mi) of slopes with an easy-to-medium difficulty level. Night skiing and sledging are also available. The real highlights of this resort are the 26.5 kilometres (16.5mi) of cross-country ski trails. The beautiful panoramas and the luxurious mountain lodges with plenty of après-ski options make Štrbské Pleso a memorable vacation. The four-star chalet Wellness Hotel Borovicaoffers a fireplace lounge and a bar with a pool table and regular live music, a pool, a Jacuzzi and a spa with three saunas and a gym.

Families skiing with children should choose Donovaly Park Snowfor their Slovak skiing holiday. That’s because Donovaly offers the second-largest skiing facility dedicated exclusively to children in Europe. Children can take lessons from skilled ski instructors in several different languages. While the kids are learning to ski, mom and dad can escape to the Záhradište area for beginning and intermediate skiers or to the Nová hoľa area for intermediate and advanced skiers. Adults can also opt for exploring the 18.4 km (11.4mi) of cross-country ski trails in the hills surrounding the resort. At the end of the day, you can relax with a craft beer brewed onsite at Donovalský pivovar.

Adventurous travellers looking to get off the beaten path can enjoy a ski holiday at Plejsy, located in the far east of Slovakia near Kosice. This ski centre has hosted the European Ski Cup nine times and produces artificial snow on all of its marked trails, ensuring great conditions for skiing into the spring months. The resort boasts an average season length of 123 days. There are ten downhill tracks covering 10 kilometres (6.2mi) in length plus an additional 15 kilometres (9.3mi) of cross-country trails. Eight lifts serve the mountain, meaning that you never wait more than 10 minutes in any line. You can also find a restaurant, ski lessons, and ski rentals at Plejsy.

Just south of the Low Tatra mountain range, the small Tale Ski Resort offers a variety of winter activities in a family-oriented setting. There is one slope reserved for beginners only, so you will never need to worry about advanced skiers flying quickly past you. To enjoy skiing for longer, you can also take advantage of night skiing in the evenings. You can sign up for the on-site ski school and obtain your rental skis right at the bottom of the lift. After a long day on the slopes, you can relax at the conveniently located Stupka Hotel in the Jacuzzi or the sauna.

Malinô Brdois located near the town of Ružomberok in the Liptov region of Slovakia. The 12 kilometres (7.5mi) of marked slopes are just at the foothills of the Malá Fatra mountain range. The longest ski slope of the resort is 3,900 meters (12,795ft) long with a vertical distance of 672 meters (2,205ft), which makes it one of the longest ski slopes in Slovakia. Artificial snow is produced for the entire winter season, so you are guaranteed good skiing conditions no matter the weather. During the winter season, you can catch the free ski bus from Ružomberok for easy access to the resort. Don’t miss visiting Vlkolínec, a nearby protected 150-year-old village included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list if you decide to visit Malinô Brdo for your ski holiday.

Directly in the heart of the Malá Fatra mountain range, you will find Vrátna Ski Resort, with 14 kilometres (8.7mi) of slopes suitable for beginners, families, recreational skiers, advanced skiers and snowboarders. The Cottage on Grun is a fabulous place with a great view on the slopes to rest and fuel up with energy for a day full of winter sports. Advanced skiers and boarders will love navigating the free-ride zone called Chleb, which features the longest back slope in Slovakia with a length of 2,000 meters (6,562ft) and a vertical drop of 750 meters (2,461ft). Adrenaline lovers might even elect to try snowkiting at Vrátna.