The High Tatras Region in Slovakia is one of Europe’s best kept family ski holiday secrets. If you want in on it, new direct flights from the UK this winter are the perfect excuse. But you really don’t need an excuse, here’s why.
Jasná ski resort, High Tatras Region, Slovakia
Lonely Planet’s No. 1 ‘Best-in Europe’ destination
Did you know that in 2019, Slovakia’s High Tatras Region was voted the top destination to visit in Lonely Planet’s “Best-in-Europe” guide? Of course, since then the region has continued to flourish. It’s now a year-round family holiday haven known for soothing thermal waters, cosy mountain villages and healthy lifestyle experiences which revive everyone’s sense of wellbeing. Families also benefit from the grandest of peaks, clearest of streams and fresh mountain air, as well as epic views of this unique landscape. Welcome to the High Tatras Region of Slovakia, where you’re always honoured guests.
Kids skiing, High Tatras Region, Slovakia © Marek Hajkovsky
Ryanair now fly direct from London to Slovakia
This winter there’s more exciting news for families who want affordable ski holidays. Ryanair has just launched a brand new route between London and Poprad in Slovakia, starting on 1 November 2023 with four weekly flights from Stansted all winter. Although you might prefer to fly with Wizzair, another major airline which flies direct from the UK to Poprad and again, makes Tatras, Liptov, Pieniny, Slovak Paradise and Poloniny, some of the most affordable places to ski or simply visit this season. And in even more good news for families: Poprad Airport in Slovakia is very close to all the ski resorts, with the drive from the airport to any ski resort taking 45 minutes at most.
Ski-selfie, High Tatras Region,
Great value ski resorts and simply great skiing
Ski holidays in the High Tatras Region of Slovakia compare well to most of Europe’s better known ski destinations. You’ll find many family hotels here generously include lift passes and well-being passes as part of their accommodation packages, and most resorts are just a short distance from Poprad Airport. Plus, this winter the Alpine Skiing World Cup Jasná 2024 is hosted in Slovakia: particularly appropriate as this is the home country of Olympic slalom gold-medallist Petra Vlhova!
Mountain restaurant, Jasná © Marek Hajkovsky
Why choose High Tatras in Slovakia for a family ski holiday
Often called the ‘little big mountains of Europe’, Tatras & Liptov offers exceptional value for money ski holidays without any compromise. In fact it’s a skier’s paradise, with everything from adrenaline-fuelled runs to gentle slopes for children and beginners. The infrastructure is also world class and you can look forward to outstanding terrain, as well as charming restaurants, and relaxed, friendly après-ski which rivals that of the French Alps. There’s even spectacular ice sculptures in Tatra Ice Dome at Hrebienok where this year’s work of ice art is a sculpture of Westminster Abbey.
Besanova Thermal Park, Slovakia
Three major ski resorts in one beautiful region
All three major resorts are already well loved by UK families who return here year-after-year. Jasná Ski Resort is the largest and most impressive resort in Slovakia; Tatra Lomnica features an incredible 5.7km long run – the longest in the entire region – and Strbske Pleso is a good choice for intermediate skiers, and families with younger children.
Although you may not know it yet, the one thing every skier really needs after a day on the slopes is the healing properties of natural, geothermal waters. Fortunately, the Tatras region is renowned for its geothermal pools, like those at AquaCity Poprad in the High Tatras or Besenova, AquaPark Tatralandia or even Aqua-Vital Park Lucky: found in the Low Tatras. Each spa offers both outdoor and indoor pools, along with family activities, and adult spa and sauna areas for pure relaxation.
Now visit Enjoy Tatras and book your family ski holiday this season
This project and its activities are implemented with financial support of the Ministry of Transport and Construction of the Slovak Republic