Ski and winter sports in Slovakia
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Ski and winter sports in Slovakia are very prominent and popular given the mountanous topography of the region and the fact that much of the country is covered by snow for a greater part of the year.
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Downhill Skiing
In spite of its small area, which is mostly hilly, Slovakia is densely interwoven by a net of ski-tows and ski-lifts. More than 1000 ski-tows and 40 ski-lifts are in operation and their number is growing. From the top the terminal stations there are hundreds of down-hill pistes, from the very gentle – for beginners, to the most demanding, which comply with the international criteria for master competitions.
At present, approximately 50 skiing centres make use of artificial snow.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding is the most dynamically developing winter sport, which acquires fans by, so to speak, geometric series in the whole world. Slovakia is no exception - the number of fans has been increasing every year also thanks to finished terrain in individual ski resorts. U-ramps and other opportunities for excellent surfing on snowboard is offered by all of the bigger skiing centres.
Ski-Alpinism
Ski-alpinism is a combination of cross-country skiing, mountaineering and alpine skiing. Its fans seek new opportunities for testing own stamina and strength in the extreme conditions of winter alpine nature. The Slovak mountains provide very good conditions for pursuing this sport, and ski-alpinism fans recommend Jasenska valley in Velka Fatra, the area of Chopok and Dumbier in the Low Tatras, Mala and Velka Studena valley and Skalnata valley in the High Tatras, Rohace and Ziarska valley in the West Tatras, and the well known Vratna valley in Mala Fatra.
Cross-country skiing
Bigger ski resorts offer well kept cross-country paths, but skiers' made paths can be found virtually by any village or tourist center.
External links
- Yeti's Ski guide for Slovakia (http://www.yeti.sk/?lang=en)