SKI TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT

Beautiful nature, snow-covered hills, modern ski resorts and groomed slopes invite all skiers and non-skiers alike to enjoy great skiing during Active Winter in our region Beyond the Mountains, Beyond the Valleys, in the Banská Bystrica Region.

For exceptional skiing experiences, the Horehronie region is tailor-made. It is home to the largest ski arena in Slovakia – Jasná Nízke Tatry – with top conditions for winter sports and endless entertainment possibilities on both sides of Chopok. Skiers of all levels will also have a great time on the slopes at Ski Tále, Mýto Ski & Bike centrum in Mýto pod Ďumbierom, Ski Čierny Balog, SKI ČERTOVICA or Ski Telgárt.

Ski enthusiasts visiting Stredné Slovensko will certainly choose proven classics – the ski resorts Park SNOW Donovaly, Skalka Arena, the Šachtičky ski resort or SKI Králiky. Those who prefer smaller and more intimate skiing spots will enjoy excellent skiing at Selce – Čachovo or Podkonice – Pleše.

You will not be left without skiing options in Podpoľanie either. A guarantee of relaxed skiing for families with children are the resorts Látky – Prašivá (Hotel Zerrenpach), Látky Kočanda and SKI Kokava Línia. For beginner skiers, the ideal resort is Ski Dubravy in the Banská Štiavnica region. This is also where one of the southernmost ski resorts in Slovakia is located – Ski Salamandra resort, which is gradually gaining more and more fans – and not only from the southern regions.

In the Gron region, skiers can enjoy classic winter fun on the slopes of the smaller SKI Drozdovo resort at the foothills of Pohronský Inovec. In Gemer, you also have the opportunity to enjoy winter with skis on the slopes. The Július Vyšná Slaná recreation resort is a place where it’s worth bringing your skis and fulfilling your idea of great skiing. Considering the current situation and the weather, please check updated information in advance about operations and conditions at individual ski resorts.

Enjoy the corduroy of groomed slopes, the charm of powder snow, and the fun below the slope at your favorite ski resort in the Banská Bystrica Region.

More detailed information about individual ski resorts can be found in the HIT THE SLOPES section.

GET ON YOUR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIS

Join enthusiastic cross-country skiers, whom you will meet in droves on groomed trails in our region Beyond the Mountains, Beyond the Valleys, in the Banská Bystrica Region. Because Active Winter favors perfect cross-country ski trips and also brings the exceptionally attractive challenge Get on your cross-country skis. Cross-country skiing is suitable for everyone, regardless of age. The only thing that can slow you down while skiing, apart from poorly waxed skis, is a lack of natural snow. So come and enjoy it on two tracks while it lasts.

Let’s start right from the edge, in the Horehronie region, which welcomes cross-country skiers with well-groomed trails in the Ski Tále and Ski Telgárt areas, on Pohanské and of course on Čertovica. Cross-country trails also await you below Kráľova hoľa, in Lom nad Rimavicou, in Čierny Balog and in Horná Lehota. The NBC Osrblie area and its excellent conditions for die-hard cross-country skiers are, of course, a given.

Stredné Slovensko is referred to among cross-country skiers as a paradise for cross-country skiing, thanks to one of the largest maintained trail networks in Slovakia – Skalka pri Kremnici. You will enjoy a combination of excellent cross-country skiing conditions and admiration for the charm of the surrounding nature on the trails around the villages of Králiky and Kordíky, in the Podkonice – Pleše resort, and also between the ski resorts Donovaly and Šachtičky. You can practically step straight out of your slippers onto cross-country skis in the Plážové kúpalisko area in Banská Bystrica.

In Podpoľanie, you can also follow the cross-country track. The Látky – Mláky cross-country area is a sought-after destination for cross-country skiing in the picturesque Podpoľanie countryside. 10 km of perfectly groomed trails will take you through the Zerrenpach – Látky ski resort and over Býkovo hill. The Štiavnické vrchy in the Banská Štiavnica region will test the skills of many a cross-country skier between Červená studňa and the Salamandra Resort slope, which locals often groom all the way to Richňavský tajch. The possibilities for cross-country skiing in the Gron region near the Ski Drozdovo resort depend on natural snow conditions. The trails here are not groomed. However, if you set out on cross-country skis from Drozdovo to Veľký Inovec along the hiking route, a pleasant ski outing is guaranteed.

More than 60 tips for your unique cross-country wanderings can be found in the GET ON YOUR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIS section.

BLAZE YOUR OWN TRAIL

Exciting ski touring will draw you into a world of adrenaline, ski touring, and white powder. Discover at least 9 places in our regions where you will meet ski touring enthusiasts just as passionate as you are.

Horehronie and Stredné Slovensko rank among the top places for SKI TOURING:
The CHOPOK JUH ski touring area – below the mountain ridge from Dereše to Chata M. R. Štefánika. The southern exposition is bordered in the west by the ridge line Dereše – Oblaz, and in the east by the Trangoška valley. Including the ski touring corridor around Chata pod Ďumbierom (Kozie Chrbty and the end of the Zelenská Mlynna route). The KRÁĽOVÁ HOĽA ski touring area – bordered in the north and east by the road Šumiac – Kráľova hoľa and the red hiking trail no. 0801 Telgárt – Kráľová hoľa, and in the west by the saddle line between Kráľová hoľa and Stredná hoľa – the Vyšné Rovienky ridge.

You can rent ski touring equipment at SKI Šport Bystrá (www.sbsport.sk), Activeplanet Skialp Point
Mýto pod Ďumbierom, in the premises of Motorest Čertovica and also at Horská chata pod Kráľovou hoľou.

Krížna – starting points Turecká (Salašky) or Staré Hory, part Rybô (marked on maps as Rybie), descent along the former ungroomed lift. Donovaly – 3 marked routes, 2 of them start directly from the village, the third route goes through the Žarnovka valley. All routes lead to Zvolen peak, from where you can descend directly into the village or continue onto the groomed Nová Hoľa slope.

You can rent ski touring equipment directly at DAMI SPORT in Donovaly.

Unofficial routes:
– directly from the Sásová housing estate (Banská Bystrica) along the blue hiking trail to Pánsky Diel with a descent to Šachtičky,
– from Hotel Fuggerov Dvor to Selčiansky diel and back,
– in the Podkonice Pleše ski resort.

They will also be happy to rent you ski touring equipment in Banská Bystrica – ACTIVE PLANET OUTDOOR CENTRUM, SKI NIŇAJ or at 3 Mountain Sport.

Banská Štiavnica offers limited ski touring options, since you can experience the view of snowy mountains from a different perspective only outside the operating hours of the Salamandra Resort ski area. In the Gron region, you will not find official routes, but die-hard ski touring enthusiasts head to Vtáčnik peak (a longer and more demanding route) and to Veľký Inovec (the marked route is easy). The route leads around the Drozdovo ski resort, where you can stop for refreshments. Similarly, below the summit of Veľký Inovec, you will come across a mountain hut with refreshments.

Whether you choose easy terrain for ski touring, adrenaline higher in the mountains, or freeriding in powder, everywhere you will feel the frosty energy of Active Winter in the region Beyond the Mountains, Beyond the Valleys.

SET OFF ON AN EXPEDITION

Explore the snow-covered landscape with the ease that snowshoes allow and feel the frosty energy of Active Winter in our region Beyond the Mountains, Beyond the Valleys, in the Banská Bystrica Region.

Excellent conditions for winter hiking on snowshoes await you, for example, in the Stredné Slovensko region. Snowy white plains and mountain peaks will be within reach when you set out on snowshoes to Nová hoľa (Zvolen peak), to Kozí chrbát hill, to Krížna, to Skalka, to Krahule, around the village of Kordíky, to Pánsky diel, to Majerova skala, or along the route from Donovaly to Šachtičky.

If you do not have your own snowshoes, you can rent them at selected rental shops. Considering the current situation and the weather, please check updated information in advance about conditions at individual locations.

Because even in the Banská Bystrica Region, you have many opportunities to become a true snow explorer.

ENJOY WINTER WITH THE KIDS

Having fun in the snow – sledding, snowball fights, or building a snowman. The frosty energy of Active Winter in our region Beyond the Mountains, Beyond the Valleys, in the Banská Bystrica Region, will draw you into winter games as well. Let yourself be tempted and enjoy the snow with your family. Popular ski resorts remember that non-skiers also want to enjoy winter fun and have prepared areas where you can really get going on sleds, bobsleds, or other snow “vehicles”.

The ski resorts in Horehronie in Mýto pod Ďumbierom, Tále, Telgárt or Čierny Balog have a specially designated area on the slope for sledding (most often next to the children’s lift). You will find a precisely designated place for sledding and bob sledding at the ski resort in Donovaly, at Šachtičky, and at Skalka Arena in the Stredné Slovensko region. Families will also enjoy winter games at the ski resorts Králiky, Kordíky, Selce-Čachovo, Podkonice-Pleše, or on surrounding hills such as Selčiansky diel, Urpín, Suchý vrch.

In Novohrad, Budiná is a favorite destination for sledders and winter games. The ski resorts Látky-Prašivá (Hotel Zerrenpach), Látky-Hriňová and Kokava Línia in Podpoľanie will ensure great fun in the snow. In the Banská Štiavnica region, loud laughter, squeals of joy and endless chatter can be heard during sledding on the hills at Červená studňa saddle and below the Banská Štiavnica Calvary.

In Gron, you can have your fill of fun sledding at the Drozdovo ski resort. In Gemer, bring along your sleds, bobsleds and good mood and head to the Július Vyšná Slaná ski resort. Considering the current situation and the weather, please check updated information in advance about operations and conditions at individual ski resorts and locations.

Step into the world of sledding, snowball fights and building snowmen in the Banská Bystrica Region and enjoy Active Winter with your children.

EXPERIENCE A SURGE OF FROSTY ENERGY

Even more adrenaline in the snow? Certainly yes. Active Winter in the region Beyond the Mountains, Beyond the Valleys offers plenty of opportunities for those who seek more adrenaline and enjoy trying unusual activities and winter attractions.

You can treat yourself to a peaceful winter ride on a sled, pulled by the power of beautiful dogs, combined with the frosty energy of the mountains, in Donovaly (the Stredné Slovensko region). It is up to you whether it will be a circuit several hundred meters long or a few-hour excursion. The important thing is that there is enough snow on the entire route and good weather.

You will feel a bit more adrenaline during a sightseeing ride on a snowmobile, which is offered by Salamandra Resort in the Banská Štiavnica region. On the maintained slopes of the Riders Park in Donovaly in the Stredné Slovensko region, every enthusiast of “freestyle” skiing, snowboarding or acrobatic skiing can really let loose and try adrenaline madness. Snow obstacles, from easier ones to more difficult ones, are prepared and maintained throughout the whole season so that you can feel that frosty connection of adrenaline, courage and fun right on the slope.

Avid bikers do not have to forget mountain biking even in winter. In the Horehronie region, thanks to FAT BIKES with studs, you can pedal over the snow cover all the way to Kráľova hoľa, and from there enjoy magnificent views of the snowy surroundings. You will experience a new level of freedom on snow and a proper dose of adrenaline during snowkiting. Courses provided by a company operating on Vojšín hill near Malá Lehota in the Gron region will introduce you to the world of this unusual winter sport. The name HARAKIRI says it all. Considering the current situation and the weather, please check updated information in advance about operations and conditions from individual operators of winter adrenaline attractions.

During Active Winter in the Banská Bystrica Region, try the combination of frosty energy with total adrenaline madness.

CONQUER THE ICE WALL

A truly unusual winter attraction that requires a certain amount of courage and strength is climbing on ice. Winter in the region Beyond the Mountains, Beyond the Valleys, in the Banská Bystrica Region, is so active that it has even made it possible for you to measure your strength against an icefall.

Ideal conditions for an icefall are provided by Skalka pri Kremnici in the Stredné Slovensko region. This unique winter attraction, measuring 20 meters in length, has “grown” just a few meters from the parking lot and is accessible to the general public.

You can admire the power and beauty of a natural ice wall in Podpoľanie as well. The Mačinovský waterfall, a massive widespread rock of the original andesite flow from which water runs down in many places, turns into a perfect icefall in winter. It creates a unique scenery full of icicles and icy surfaces. You can reach this admirable natural creation from the direction of Kalamárka.

For these winter attractions, it is extremely important to follow the operators’ safety instructions and respect the current weather conditions.

Conquer the ice wall and enjoy your adrenaline-filled ice climbing in the Banská Bystrica Region.

LET YOURSELF BE CARRIED BY FROSTY ENERGY

Lift off from the ground, soar into the heights, and from there watch the snow-covered majestic hills and the distant landscape. Right there, you will feel the frosty energy of Active Winter Beyond the Mountains, Beyond the Valleys, in the Banská Bystrica Region, even more intensely. Discover the world of paragliding, which is saturated with adrenaline, excitement and unique joy.

Try frosty energy during tandem flights in Donovaly in the Stredné Slovensko region, provided by selected companies, e.g. Marek Polešenský – Airsports Slovakia – www.paragliding-tandem.sk, PARAGLIDING JUST FLY or Flypark.sk. The operation of paragliding depends on weather conditions and the operation of the TELEMIX Nová hoľa cable car.

Another kind of frosty energy will propel you during “air chopper” – a tandem paragliding flight with a powered paraglider, which you can enjoy in Očová, also in the Stredné Slovensko region (www.padaj.sk). You will not easily forget the feeling of flying freely above the treetops. Considering the current situation and the weather, please check updated information in advance about the operations and conditions of individual operators.

Let yourself be carried by frosty energy and observe part of the Banská Bystrica Region from a bird’s-eye view even during Active Winter.

DANCE ON THE ICE

Where will you feel like figure skating masters? On which winter walk should you definitely take your skates? Where can you skate your favorite laps or start a game of chase on ice? Everywhere you dance to the rhythm of the frosty energy of Active Winter in our region Beyond the Mountains, Beyond the Valleys, in the Banská Bystrica Region.

In Horehronie, skaters can test their skills in the Ski Čierny Balog ski resort area, at the Aréna Brezno winter stadium (with possible restrictions to training sessions of sports clubs and organizations only), in 2 housing estates in Brezno, and also in the village of Pohronská Polhora. In Stredné Slovensko, you will find graceful and speedy skaters at Badín pond, at the pond in the Uhlisko district, at the ice rinks in Donovaly and Selce, and also at the Môťová reservoir (Zvolen). Public skating is provided by the winter stadium in Banská Bystrica and ICE ARENA in Zvolen. Public skating according to official opening hours is provided by the Winter Stadium in Lučenec in the Novohrad region and the Winter Stadium in Detva (the Podpoľanie region).

The Banská Štiavnica region guarantees an attractive ice-skating experience on frozen reservoirs – Klinger, Veľká Vodárenská, Červená studňa, Beliansky tajch, Vindšachta or Bakomi. Skating also takes place at the municipal ice rink in Štefultov. The winter stadium in Žiar nad Hronom is intended primarily for training sessions of sports clubs, but also allows public skating according to the current schedule. For skating in nature in Gron, you can head to Revištský pond, the tajch in Nová Baňa, the pond in Voznica, or the oxbow arm of the Hron in Žiar nad Hronom.

In Gemer, according to precisely defined conditions, ice rinks at the winter stadiums in Rožňava and Revúca are open for skaters. In addition, there are frozen surfaces and lakes where you can make your Active Winter on ice more enjoyable: the lake in Betliar park, the Miková water reservoir near the Flipper guesthouse in Revúcka Lehota, the ice surface in the 1st May housing estate in Hnúšťa, the Vlachovo ponds or the Kružná ponds.

Since many of these skating areas are unofficial, with entry at your own risk, be responsible and respect the current possibilities. Considering the current situation and the weather, please check updated information in advance about operations and conditions at individual places and stadiums.

All this for your best dance with frosty energy in the Banská Bystrica Region.

ENJOY WINTER NATURE IN THE SADDLE

Imagine a snow-covered plain, the sound of horse hooves breaking the silence of nature, and the frosty energy entering your body with every breath. Slow trotting, brisk galloping, and observing the winter landscape from a horse’s back is a pleasant refreshment of Active Winter in the region Beyond the Mountains, Beyond the Valleys, in the Banská Bystrica Region.

In Horehronie, pleasant riding tourism is provided by the Slovenský hucul klub in Lom nad Rimavicou. Families with children will appreciate the relaxed riding provided by AJAX FARMA HOTELA PARTIZÁN. You can also enjoy rides in the saddle and views of nature from a different perspective in the Stredné Slovensko region, namely at Pony Farma Suchý vrch, at Lunterov ranč Kráľová pri Zvolene or at Farma Agrobell na Sliači. The popular winter sports center Donovaly also offers a horse-drawn sleigh. The operation of this winter attraction depends on weather and snow conditions and is available by reservation.

Photo: Jazdecký klub Excel Madon Rimavské Brezovo

Horses are also a dominant feature of the Masarykov dvor Resort in Podpoľanie. There you can not only pet them, but also ride them. The Štiavnické vrchy, put to winter sleep, will be your destination during a winter ride from Ranč Bôra in Podhorie – the Banská Štiavnica region. If you decide on a winter ride on horseback in Stredné Pohronie, visit the Jazdecký areál sv. Františka near the village of Horné Hámre.

You can also gallop through the winter landscape of Gemer on horseback. The riding horses from the Excel Madon Rimavské Brezovo riding club, from the Jazdecký klub Pod Planinou in Muránska Huta, and from the Jazdecký klub pod Okrúhlou skalou in Tisovec will make it possible. Considering the current situation and the weather, please check updated information in advance about the operations and conditions of individual providers of winter horseback riding.

If you have not yet tried the atmosphere of a winter ride in the saddle, this Active Winter in the Banská Bystrica Region is perfect for it.

DIVE INTO ICY BLISS

A lifestyle? Strengthening immunity and health? The current hit? We are still talking about winter cold-water hardening and swimming in nature. One thing is certain – there you will truly feel the frosty energy of Active Winter in our region Beyond the Mountains, Beyond the Valleys, in the Banská Bystrica Region. The “ice bears” claim that cold-water hardening and winter swimming are a victory over pampering and laziness. Dive into icy bliss in Horehronie, Stredné Slovensko, Podpoľanie, Banská Štiavnica, Gron or Gemer.

HOREHRONIE
In Horehronie, Huganske ľadové medvede will gladly take you under their wing.

STREDNÉ SLOVENSKO
In Stredné Slovensko, you can responsibly and according to the rules of cold-water hardening immerse yourself in icy water in the company of Slovenské ľadové medvede Banská Bystrica – Zvolen, most often at Motyčky near Donovaly.

You will also meet cold-water enthusiasts and winter swimmers in nature at unofficial places: a lake (snowmaking reservoir) near the Šachtičky ski resort, Turecká Salašky or near the Čierna Ovca Restaurant (parking lot by the Harmanecká cave).

PODPOĽANIE
In Podpoľanie, you can bathe with other cold-water enthusiasts in water with a temperature of 2 – 4 °C at Kúpalisko Hriňová – every Wednesday and Sunday from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM for a voluntary contribution.

BANSKÁ ŠTIAVNICA
In Banská Štiavnica, you can join the Jašterice zo Štiavnice or the Žiarske ľadové medvede. Regularly (twice a week), you can find them testing the temperature in the reservoirs Klinger, Veľká Vodárenská, Dolnohodrušský tajch, Veľké Studenské jazero (called Kolpachy by locals) and Počúvadlo. They also welcome newcomers.

GRON
In Nová Baňa, winter cold-water enthusiasts meet as part of OZ Novobanské ľadové medvede. Every Sunday at 2:00 PM, you can find them at the Tajch in Nová Baňa under the guidance of Juraj Kološta. Every Sunday at 9:00 AM, you can dive into icy bliss with the brave members of Pohronské ľadové medvede at Bejvoč pond near the village of Lovčica Trubín.

GEMER
In Gemer, there are several places that winter swimmers like to visit in winter: near the Gombasecká cave (unofficially), near the Bobačka waterfall (Hutnícky waterfall – a 3 m high waterfall behind the bus stop in Muránska Huta), the Miková water reservoir near the Flipper guesthouse in Revúcka Lehota, and the pond in the manor park of Betliar. In this region, winter swimming and cold-water hardening in nature are practiced by Sobotské Ľadové Medvede, Tisovské cencúle  and Revúcke vločky. If you feel like diving into the cold waters of Gemer with them, check the times and places of the nearest meeting.

No matter how brave you are about immersing yourself in icy water, be sure to act responsibly. Find out enough information in advance and do not forget preparatory training before you really go swimming in nature in winter. Any experienced “ice bear” will confirm that.

For some: Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, for cold-water enthusiasts: Wauuuuuuuuu – which group do you belong to? One thing is certain: swimming in icy water is also one of the many forms of Active Winter in the Banská Bystrica Region.