A unique winter experience in Slovakia

If you’re looking for a skiing holiday that’s out of the ordinary and won’t break the bank, why not give Slovakia a try! You might not think of this small Central European country, but the Slovak mountains are magnificent and winter sports are very popular! The country has a good thirty well-equipped ski resorts (although smaller than in the Alps). What’s more, ski passes, hotels, restaurants and rentals are around 30% cheaper than in France. Slovakia’s villages, majestic castles, Tatra valleys, heart-warming cuisine and superb Christmas markets are just some of the reasons to spend your next winter holiday in Slovakia. The must-sees for a successful holiday in Slovakia!

Read also about the Finland guide :

• Visiting Bratislava in 1 day: 19 things to do and see on foot
• Top 10 culinary specialities in Bratislava
• What are the best things to do in Bratislava?
• Top 5 best hotels in Bratislava

Honouring our ski resorts

Jasná (Low Tatras): This is Slovakia’s biggest resort, with 50 km of pistes! The lifts are modern and fast, and the pistes well maintained. You can even ski at night! The ski area covers both sides of Mount Chopok, with breathtaking views of the Low Tatras.
Price: Adult day pass in high season ~€50.

Štrbské Pleso (High Tatras): A picturesque resort built around its iconic glacial lake. Ideal for beginners and families, with 9 km of blue and red runs. Less popular than Jasná.
Price: Adult day pass in high season ~€45.

Tatranská Lomnica (High Tatras): Resort offering more technical runs, including a 6.5km descent from the summit of Lomnické Sedlo. A great option for experienced skiers. There is also a cable car that takes you to the summit of Lomnický štít at an altitude of 2,634 m.
Price: Adult day pass in high season ~€49.

Donovaly (Low Tatras): Family resort with many activities for children (winter amusement park, beginner skiing). Well-situated for combining skiing and tourism.
Price: Adult day pass in high season ~€39.

Kubínska Hoľa (Oravské Beskydy): Less touristy, but very popular for its spectacular views and wide slopes.
Price: Adult day pass in high season ~€37.

Discovering historic towns

Bratislava

• Picturesque Old Town: The cobbled streets, castle overlooking the Danube and cosy cafés are perfect for a winter exploration.
• Christmas markets: In December, the capital comes alive with warm, festive markets where you can sample local specialities such as lokša (potato pancakes) and mulled wine, and buy some lovely souvenirs.
• The SNP bridge and its restaurant for a breathtaking view of the city.

Košice

A charming eastern town with the Gothic cathedral of St Elisabeth and lively streets, even in winter. Stroll along its cobbled streets and see the singing fountain. This is the oldest fountain in Slovakia. Its water jets are coloured and illuminated to the sound of music.

Relaxing in hot springs

Slovakia is full of natural hot springs, ideal for relaxing after winter activities. Here are a few places where you can go to experience natural hot springs.

• Piešťany: Slovakia’s largest spa town! Its springs, located on the spa island, are famous for their curative properties. The sulphurous mud extracted from the river Váh is highly prized in treatments.
• Rajecké Teplice: developed since the 14th century around its natural hot springs, the town is now renowned for its curative spa treatments.
• AquaCity Poprad: Ideal for combining a hike in the Tatras with some well-deserved relaxation after a long walk.

Winter walks and enchanting landscapes

• The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry): Even without skiing, the signposted winter footpaths offer great mountain views and snowshoeing.
• Slovenský Raj (Slovak Paradise): A national park with frozen gorges and icy waterfalls, perfect for nature lovers.
• Ice caves: like the Dobšiná ice cave (a UNESCO World Heritage site), which is a unique sight in winter. There are 500 m of galleries, which can be visited in groups.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Cultural and historical heritage

• Snow-covered castles: Spiš Castle (UNESCO) and Orava Castle look like something out of a fairytale if you’re lucky enough to see them in the snow.
• Traditional villages: You can visit small, traditional villages such as Vlkolínec, a UNESCO-listed site that offers a glimpse of rural Slovakian life in an authentic, unspoilt setting.
• Winter festivals: Slovakian customs and traditions are closely linked to the cycle of nature. In winter, you can attend various celebrations such as the one on 6 January, when the boys dress up as the Three Wise Men and act out Christmas scenes, the carnival or the transport of Lonera, a straw statue dressed as a woman, which symbolises the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Comforting Gastronomy

One of the best things about winter is the opportunity to discover the warm and nourishing cuisine that is typically Slovak. Here are a few dishes to try without delay:

• Bryndzové halušky: Potato gnocchi with sheep’s cheese and bacon.
• Kapustnica: Sauerkraut soup with sausage, traditionally served at Christmas dinner.
• Koláče: small sweet cakes, perfect to accompany a coffee or hot chocolate after a cold day.
• Borovička: A local juniper brandy to warm up (if the hot chocolate wasn’t enough).