The Tatra Mountains’ growing appeal as one of Europe’s best winter sports destinations is gaining momentum year-on-year.
Inviting thrill-seekers and families to experience resorts like Tatranska Lomnica and Strbske Pleso, which are ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers, to the family-friendly slopes of Stary Smokovec rated as easy-to-moderate and all connected via the Tatra Electric Railway line and Jasna, one of central Europe’s best and largest ski resorts, catering for all levels of skier.
However, this bucket-list guide to winter in the Tatra Mountains will give a different perspective of this spectacular region, one which will inspire, educate, explore and ultimately encourage you to add these life experiences to your memory banks.
A night on Mount Lomnicky Summit
If we are talking about ultimate bucket-list activities in the Tatra Mountains, surely they do not get much better than a night at the highest (1,634m) hotel room in central Europe, perched atop Mt. Lomnica, the second tallest mountain in Slovakia. To reach your lofty bed, guests need to board three cable-cars, the last of which is one of the steepest in Europe, depositing you beside the mountain café, which empties its guests leaving the observation deck just for you and maybe the odd scientist working at the astronomical observatory, which has been in operation since 1962. Your cosy ‘room-with-the-ultimate-view’ has faux fur throws and a telescope next to your picture window, leaving every lucky guest to observe sunset and a sky full of stars with a bottle of champagne.
Experience being one of the last Sherpas of Europe
Be part of the history alongside the last Sherpas of Europe, by joining and helping these Slovak alpine load bearers carry supplies, on their backs, up to the various mountain huts dotted across the spectacular mountain landscape. Their famous wood-framed backpacks – “krosna” – can weigh as much as 90kg, but guests can opt for the lighter 20kg pack, as they follow trails which lead through deep snow, quiet forests, and open alpine terrain toward historic mountain huts such as Zbojnicka, Tery’s, Zamkovsky’s, Skalnata and Rainer’s hut and Mt Rysy at 2,250m the highest located chalet in the Tatras region. The journey is slow and meditative, allowing you to appreciate snow-laden trees, frozen streams, and crisp mountain air. After the Sherpa experience, take time to explore the Sherpa Museum in Stary Smokovec tracing the origins of this tradition, recording the personalities of past and present, who are still keeping the sport alive as local bearers, and making sure this age-old tradition continues for generations to come in a sustainable and authentic way.
Sites, sounds and mountain experiences
Alternatives to skiing and snowboarding are varied in the Tatras region, especially when taking a funicular to Hrebienok (1,285m) where you will find the ‘Tatra Ice Temple’. This year it features the ‘Basilica of Saint John’ paying tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away in 2025, and Pope Leo XIV, his successor and built using 225 tonnes of ice and 1,800 ice blocks to create this winter wonder. The fun in Hrebienok does not end there, as it forms the start point of a 2.5km-sledging track, which is also floodlit by night, and will race you all the way to Stary Smokovec, regarded as the oldest settlement in the High Tatras. Then, hop-on the Tatra electric railway towards Tatranska Lomnica ski resort, an experience in itself.
Exploring Tatra Mountains’ animal kingdom
The Tatra Mountains has been designated as an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and as such, is home and a haven for wildlife, such as bears, eagles, lynxes, chamois, red deer, foxes and marmots to name but a few. Some organised tours help you discover these beautiful animals providing an authentic wilderness experience. However, one winter experience not to miss is to become a “musher” and drive a sled led by huskies across a snowy terrain. Husky sledding, as a sport, has long been a tradition in Slovakia, rather than for travel and transporting goods in older times.
Après-ski with a twist
Après-ski does not just mean partying at Tatra Lomnica’s famous après-ski bar located at 888m above sea level, or indeed nearby rustic restaurants. It also includes a chance to sample local breweries, which might appeal to the more discerning palate. Let’s start at the brewery located in a townhouse in Poprad city centre, where you are invited to sample the craft beers made from secret recipes. Can you work out the ingredients? For a more rustic experience, where warmth, tradition and authenticity abound, then make your way to one of many mountain huts, where you are sure to be given the region’s most famous spirit – Tatratea – a mountain drink developed by mountain people. Tatratea is a tea-based herbal liqueur composed of black and white tea, herbs and natural fruit extracts with a wealth of flavours and strengths reaching 72% proof.
Dive into thermal waters
The Tatras are blessed to sit upon vast geothermal resources. Thus, for those travellers looking for pure relaxation alongside a lively apres-ski scene, then the Poprad, more than any other, has you covered, especially as it is home to the largest spa and wellness facility in Slovakia. Thermal aquapark in Poprad, another home to mineral and thermal springs is particularly attractive during the winter months, bringing all your senses into harmony at their wellness spa, which offers sauna rituals. Imagine the steam rising into frosty air as snow falls quietly around you, melting away fatigue from skiing or hiking. These and many resorts can incorporate mountain herbs, wood-fired saunas, and relaxation rituals inspired by local traditions.
Cave adventures
For budding geologists, Speleo-trekkers and adventurists looking to a unique experience, whilst continuing the subterranean theme, Slovakia has some of the world’s best ‘karst’ areas and extensive cave networks. The Liptov region can bring this natural underworld to life by arranging tours to their most famous caves in the Demanovska Valley. Here there are two must-see attractions: the ‘Demanovska Ice Cave’ and the ‘Demanovska Cave of Liberty’. These remarkable sites are part of a 43km underground Karst System, and sit just 2.5km apart. The Ice Cave captivates visitors with its spear-like icy stalactites and stalagmites, while the Cave of Liberty features stunning rock pools, towering domes, and a notable lake measuring 52 meters long and 7m deep, providing a memorable experience for all.
‘Fresh Tracks’ and be the first on Jasna’s slopes
‘Fresh Tracks’ offers an exclusive early-morning skiing experience like no other, on the world-renowned slopes of Jasna ski resort. Get to ski on perfectly groomed trails, where the reigning Olympic champion in women’s slalom – Petra Vlhova – learnt to ski and continues to shine in FIS World Cup races. In the quiet of the mountains, before the cable cars officially open to the public, make the most of the wide-open and empty pistes. After an unforgettable morning of skiing, enjoy a tasty breakfast at 2,004m at the Rotunda Panoramic Restaurant on Chopok Peak, before joining other adventure-seekers, as the resort boasts exceptional off-piste zones and freeriding opportunities, to change things up. State-of-the-art lifts ensure smooth and efficient access to every peak even when it goes dark; night skiing enthusiasts can also enjoy the longest illuminated night skiing piste in central Europe, outside of the Alps, serviced by eco-friendly lighting.
For more information about winter in the Tatra Mountains, see regiontatry.sk
