Forming the dramatic frontier between southern Poland and northern Slovakia, the Tatras offer the highest altitudes and the best slopes in Europe north of the Alps. But with sky-high costs at many Alpine resorts, snow-seeking vacationers are turning their eyes to the east for bargain ski breaks.
With budget airlines like Easyjet flying to Krakow, within an hour's drive of Poland's portion of the Tatras, a ski holiday here is cheap and accessible. Simultaneously, the Tatras ski resorts are far less crowded, yet retain some high-standard facilities, crowned by the fact that snow covers her peaks at a thick 320cm in March.
For those that crave that little bit extra from their snow sport sessions, the Tatras is also a great spot for some cultural immersion. This trend has already started at the big Polish resort in the mountain range, Zakopane, where to dodge the masses (such as they are) skiers sleep at homestays in the surrounding villages. It's Zakopane, too, which promises to catapult the region further into the European skiing hall of fame: the town will host the Ski Jumping World Cup in 2011.
Zakopane, Poland's Best Ski Resort
The unrivalled winter sports capital of Poland, Zakopane is the most popular of the Tatras Mountain resorts, reachable in two hours from Krakow by train or bus. The skiing here is first rate, culminating in the summit of Kasprowy Wierch, top of the most popular slopes. When the Ski Jumping World Championships come to town in 2011, Zakopane looks set to claim its spot as the premier snow sports venue of north-eastern Europe - it will be the first time the event has been held outside of the Alps.
Skiing in the High Tatras, Slovakia
Slovakia sports all of the highest summits (some over 2500 metres) in the Tatras, including the peaks around the main High Tatras ski resort, Vysoke Tatry, the name of which literally translates as "town of the high Tatras." Other recommended resorts are the Tatranska Lomnica, Skalnate Pleso and the Vratna Valley, which is great for families because of its facilities for children and junior skiing.
Jasna, Slovakia—Skiing in the Low Tatras
The key resort in the Low Tatras of Slovakia is Jasna; it's also the biggest Slovakian resort, and accessible from Poprad. Located on either side of the Chopok ridge, there are three major ski areas to the north and an area to the south ideal for springtime skiing.
Skiing in the Tatras has long been overlooked in favour of the bigger resorts to the west and the cheaper ones to the east in Bulgaria. But many snow sports enthusiasts find the Tatras Mountains ski centres get the combination of quality facilities and reasonable prices just right.
Luke Waterson - Author Luke Waterson writes, or has written, for various publications including Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Moon Guidebooks and The ...
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