Discover Jasna Ski Resort: A Winter Gem in Slovakia’s Low Tatras

I did a ski season in Whistler-Blackcomb in 06/07. I was a “Blackcomb Boy” living in Upper Village to the west of Blackcomb base station which meant that I spent 80% of my time on Blackcomb mountain rather than Whistler (this was before the Peak-to-Peak lift connecting them). This didn’t matter as each hill had everything you could ever need: fast, modern lifts, long glade slopes and huge open bowls.

In order to achieve all of this in Europe I had assumed you needed to go to mega-resorts such as the Three Valleys in France.

That was until I found what I think is the best gem in Europe, still relatively unknown: Jasná in the Nizke Tatry of Slovakia.

And it’s 2/3 the price of the big name resorts.

Jasna Ski Resort

Jasna is the biggest Slovakian ski resort yet still only has 50km of slopes. What that figure doesn’t explain is the huge amount of go anywhere terrain, the incredible bowls that fall off in every direction from the top of the mountain Chopok in the Nizke Tatry. The largest ridge of these can be seen in the photo below, on the right hand side taken at mid gondola station.

The top of the mountain is only 2000m high but has one of the best 360 degree views I’ve ever seen – you can literally ski off in any direction, like you can do in the Lake Louise back-bowls in Canada. It’s incredible.

The mountain facilities at the top are excellent too, with a great self-serve restaurant serving classic Slovakian dishes, as well as table option too. And being Slovakia, the prices are great with meals typically costing under €5.

Below is the view from the back-side of the mountain with one of the biggest bowls I’ve ever skied in, and I did a season in Whistler.

This is why I’m calling Jasna Slovakia the Mini-Whistler of Europe. There is honestly no European resort so compact yet so epic.

Key Features

Jasná boasts several key features:

• Night Skiing: Select slopes are illuminated for night skiing, providing a unique experience.

• Freeride Zones: Dedicated areas allow skiers and snowboarders to explore off-piste terrain safely.

• Snow Parks: Perfect for freestyle enthusiasts, the snow parks offer a variety of jumps and rails.

• Family Zones: Special areas cater to families and young children, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

• Wellness Centres: High-end facilities offer relaxation options such as saunas and hot tubs, ideal after a day on the slopes.

Elevation Information

Jasná Ski Resort features a base elevation of 943 meters and a peak elevation of 2,024 meters at Chopok Mountain. With a vertical drop of over 1,000 meters, the resort provides diverse and challenging descents. Snow conditions remain optimal due to the high altitude, extending the ski season from early December to late April.

Jasna Lift Pass

The lifts are all modern gondolas and chairs and as Jasná is part of the GoPass network, you can buy your hands-free lift pass online (for a 2 euro discount), share credit with your friends, and even see a map of which slopes you skied that day.

Jasna Accommodation

So where to stay for Jasná in the Nizke Tatry? You basically have 3 options:

1. At the base of the ski resort
2. In the town of Liptovsky Mikulas just 10 minute drive away
3. On the road in between such as Demanova

Jasná features a wide array of accommodation options catering to various budgets.

1. Hotel Grand Jasná: Located at the resort’s base, providing luxurious amenities like spa services, indoor pools, and ski-in/ski-out access.

2. Chalets Záhradky: Ideal for families or groups, offering self-catering facilities and incredible mountain views.

3. Apartments Mammut: Perfect for budget travellers, providing comfortable lodging with essential amenities.

Ski Chalets in Jasná

There are a bunch of British, Irish and Australian run ski chalet outfits in between Jasna and the main base of Liptovsky Mikulas. First on the scene was Chalet Jasna by Propaganda Snowboards in the village of Demanova on the main road to Jasná as well as Ski Jasna Chalet at the base of the ski resort.

There is also Liptov Lodge just round the corner from the Propaganda chalets in Bodice. This chalet was rebuilt in traditional stonework by a great Irish & Slovak couple and offers a fantastic welcome plus an honesty bar within the property.

And further up the road is the Dragon’s Lair chalet run by an Australian and Slovak couple who built their stunning architect designed chalet and offers food and drink at the great named Bar Fakt!

We stayed in the modern and really great value Hotel Villa Bianca in the great nearby place of Liptovsky Mikulas, just a 20 minute trip to the slopes which also has great activities for non-skiers. Liptov has a great cafe/bar scene with both Aurelica Coffee and Karma Coffee serving up mouth-watering shots in Instagram every day, plus a fantastic burger restaurant Restart Burger, where the locals go. It’s also a good base if you are on a family trip where you can also visit tourist spots around the lake.

Activities for Non-Skiers

Jasna in the low tatras of Slovakia is close to the town of Liptovsky Mikulas which has a wonderful coffee shop scene, a multiplex cinema and a modern shopping centre. But the biggest attraction is the largest water park in the country Tatralandia , which is a tropical paradise for children and adults alike, and has a hot thermal outdoor pool, a pool with a swim-up cocktail bar and an indoor surfing simulator.

Also on the road between the skiing resort of Jasná and the town is a world famous Ice Cave of Liberty at Demanovska and a 45 minute tour leads you through wide river corridors filled with stalactites, stalagmites or ice columns.

Beyond the slopes, Jasná provides diverse activities for all interests and ages.

• Snowshoeing: Discover the serene winter landscape on guided snowshoe walks. Equipment rentals are available on-site.

• Tobogganing: Thrill-seekers can enjoy evening toboggan runs on specially designated tracks. Helmets are provided for safety.

• Ice Climbing: For a unique challenge, head to the ice climbing park. Instructors offer lessons for all skill levels.

• Paragliding: Experience the breathtaking views of the Low Tatras from above. Tandem flights are available for beginners.

• Hiking: Enjoy winter hikes along marked trails. Popular routes include pathways to the Ďumbier peak.

• Spas: Unwind in one of the many wellness centres, such as Druzhba or Wellness Hotel Chopok. Facilities usually include saunas, hot tubs, and massage services.

Nearby Resorts

Several other ski resorts are within a short distance from Jasná.

1. Tatranská Lomnica: Located in the High Tatras, it offers challenging runs and stunning alpine scenery.

2. Ski Park Kubínska hoľa: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and varied slopes, making it ideal for all levels.

3. Donovaly: Renowned for its ski schools and children’s zones, highly suitable for families with young kids.

These nearby resorts offer additional skiing adventures, extending the overall winter sports experience in Slovakia.

Dining and Après-Ski

Jasná’s dining options cater to diverse tastes, while après-ski spots ensure relaxation and fun after a day on the slopes.

• Restaurants: Traditional Slovak cuisine and international dishes await. Favourites include the Von Roll Restaurant and Happy End Restaurant.

• Cafés: Warm up with hot drinks and pastries at local cafés like Crystal Bar or Central Café.

• Après-Ski Bars: Celebrate the day’s adventures at lively bars like Happy End Music Club or Von Roll Après-Ski Bar.

• Mountain Huts: Enjoy meals with a view at huts such as Kamenná Chata on the Ďumbier Mountain summit.

• Local Specialities: Sample regional delicacies like bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) and zemiakové placky (potato pancakes).

Jasná Ski Resort promises a well-rounded experience, offering both adventure and relaxation off the slopes.

How to get to Jasna

There are low-cost flights to Bratislava from the UK, and skiers coming from across the pond should likely fly to Britain and then get a flight to Slovakia, unless you are able to fly directly into the bigger neighboring airport in Vienna, Austria. The most ideal route is from Luton Airport in the UK directly into Poprad-Tatry airport only 40 minutes transfer away from Jasna.

Transportation Options

• By Air: Fly into Bratislava Airport, which is roughly 300 kilometres from Jasná, or Poprad-Tatry Airport, about 65 kilometres away. Direct flights to these airports are available from numerous European cities.

• By Train: Take a train to Liptovský Mikuláš, a town located 15 kilometres from the resort. Regular services operate from Bratislava, Košice, and other major Slovak cities. From Liptovský Mikuláš, local buses and taxis provide direct transit to Jasná.

• By Car: Drive from Bratislava to Jasná via the D1 motorway, which takes approximately 3.5 hours. Use signs pointing towards Demänovská Dolina and follow the designated road to the resort. The route from Košice takes around 2.5 hours via the E50 and E58 roads. Ample parking is available at the resort, catering to self-driving visitors.

• By Bus: Direct bus services cover routes from major Slovak cities to Liptovský Mikuláš, where you can transfer to local buses destined for the ski resort.

Jasna Piste Map

Unlike other piste maps in Europe, the colour coding of the runs is accurate, you really can ski across an incredible ridge on a blue run that separates both sides of the mountain.

You can access the piste map from the official jasna.sk website here.

Conclusion

Jasná Ski Resort truly stands out as a top-notch winter destination. My experience there was nothing short of exhilarating from the breathtaking alpine views to the diverse range of slopes. The blend of modern amenities and authentic Slovak hospitality makes it a unique spot for all winter sports enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner the resort’s extensive and well-maintained pistes cater to all skill levels. The efficient lift system and excellent snowmaking facilities ensure a smooth and enjoyable skiing experience. Plus the variety of off-slope activities and dining options add to the overall appeal.

For anyone looking to plan a memorable winter getaway Jasná Ski Resort offers an unbeatable combination of adventure relaxation and cultural richness. It’s a place where every visit promises new discoveries and lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Jasná Ski Resort located?

Jasná Ski Resort is located in the Low Tatras, Slovakia. It offers stunning alpine views and extensive skiing and snowboarding terrains, making it popular among winter sports enthusiasts.

What are some key features of Jasná Ski Resort?

Jasná Ski Resort boasts over 50 kilometres of skiable terrain and 23 lifts. It offers a variety of runs for all skill levels, night skiing, freeride zones, snow parks, and family zones. Additionally, the resort has snowmaking facilities covering 60% of the slopes.

When is the best time to visit Jasná Ski Resort?

The best time to visit Jasná Ski Resort for optimal snow conditions is between January and March. December and April provide a quieter experience, ideal for those looking to avoid crowds.

How can I get to Jasná Ski Resort?

You can reach Jasná Ski Resort by flying into Bratislava or Poprad-Tatry airports, taking a train to Liptovský Mikuláš, or driving from major Slovak cities. The resort is well-connected and easily accessible.

What types of accommodation are available at Jasná Ski Resort?

Accommodation options at Jasná Ski Resort include the luxurious Hotel Grand Jasná, family-friendly Chalets Záhradky, budget-friendly Apartments Mammut, and local B&Bs. There are choices to suit all budgets and preferences.

What other activities can I do at Jasná Ski Resort besides skiing?

Beyond skiing, Jasná Ski Resort offers snowshoeing, tobogganing, ice climbing, paragliding, and winter hiking. There are also wellness centres for relaxation and various dining options for après-ski entertainment.

Does Jasná Ski Resort cater to all skiing skill levels?

Yes, Jasná Ski Resort caters to all skill levels with a mix of blue, red, and black runs. Beginners, intermediates, and expert skiers can all find suitable slopes.

What amenities are available at Jasná Ski Resort?

The resort features modern amenities, including efficient lift systems, snow parks, family zones, and wellness centres. Dining options include both traditional Slovak and international cuisine, along with lively après-ski spots.