Slovakia is often praised for its pristine nature which is consisted of virgin forests and fierce mountain lines among which High Tatras is the most renowned. The country’s ski resorts on the other hand are many times overlooked. Yes, they surely aren’t as big and lush as neighbouring Austria’s but still they are good enough to host international events and above all way cheaper. Especially for families who want to go for a ski trip, the difference between Slovakia and the countries of the Alps is more or less three times the money. With mostly the small daily things making the difference, like meals and transportation.

Ski Resorts in Slovakia

Jasna

Low Tatras

Slovakia’s biggest ski resort extends to north and south sides of summit Chopok (2024m) in Low Tatras which means that no matter how bad is the weather, you will always have at least one clear side to ski on. The season lasts for five months between December and April and it’s the best resort in Slovakia in my opinion. It has 50km of slopes with a good balance of easy, intermediate and difficult routes and is kept in motion by 23 lifts and cable cars. Even on busy weekends I cannot recall waiting for more than five or six minutes for a lift which is great. The après-ski facilities are excellent with mind blowing prices and really good service. Don’t miss the jaw dropping views from the top of Chopok on Low and High Tatras.

The best way to get a ski pass is online on GoPass page. Ski passes are always cheaper there and the earlier you book the better. I usually pay something like €30/day for a 3-day pass. With the same pass you can also ski on Tatranska Lomnica and some other resorts. You can read my full review on Jasna.

Jasna Nizke Tatry / Tel: +421 907 886 644 / Map

Tatranska Lomnica

High Tatras

This is the highest ski resort in Slovakia and the biggest in High Tatras. It also has the biggest track with 6.5km length descending from the foot of peak Lomnicky at 2190m all the way to 888m and Tatranska Lomnica. The resort has twelve kilometers of tracks all of which have artificial snow machines and are supported by eight lifts. The routes are mostly easy and intermediate while the difficult ones are thrilling—especially the one at the top of the resort which is sometimes closed though due to bad weather. It is one of the GoPass resorts.

Tatranska Lomnica Ski Resort / Tel: +421 903 112 200 / Map

Strbske Pleso

High Tatras

The most famous mountain lake in Slovakia couldn’t but have its own ski resort. With a decent 9 km of easy and intermediate slopes and an overshadowing ski jump tower visible from a great distance, this resort is perfect for a relaxed day of ski especially for families. It is also great for cross-country skiing with a good 26km of tracks around the small town and the nearby Mlynicka valley. A wide variety of exquisite hotels and spas around the scenic lake are ready to accommodate the pickiest of travelers.

Snow Park Strbske Pleso / Tel: +421 902 723 264 / Map

Donovaly

Banksa Bystrica

A beautiful ski resort between Velka Fatra and Low Tatra mountain ranges. Park Snow Donovaly has 11km of easy and intermediate tracks between 1361m and 914m altitude. The facilities are top notch with 16 lifts serving the skiers who can also enjoy skiing in the night. There is a plethora of activities for adults and kids besides skiing like dog and horse sleight riding. There are many options regarding accommodation but don’t expect any wild nightlife.

Park Snow Donovaly / Tel: +421 48419 98 81 / Map

Valcianska Dolina

Zilina Region

Small resort with 5km of pistes—mostly easy and intermediate plus 12km of cross country trails. It is the first resort I visited in Slovakia and I can say that even though it’s small, it is fun and a great place to spend a day on the snow, not to mention the low ski pass price. The aprés-ski facilities are basic but adequate and there is also a slope available for night time ski. It’s suitable for families on a budget and people looking for a slope near Prievidza and Bojnice.

Snowland Valčianska dolina / Tel: +421 903 112 211 / Map

So, if you plan on going for a ski trip in Europe, you should definitely consider Slovakia as an option. It’s a lovely country with a plethora of medium to small ski resorts (there is one almost next to every second village), a great variety of accommodation which will cost you less than half the price you would pay in other European countries and not to forget, a great cuisine.