Ski Mountaineering in Slovakia
Slovakia is a mountainous country in eastern Europe, the highest peaks are the Tatra mountains which are shared with Poland. These are a rugged sub range of the long Carpathian mountain chain. Although the central peaks of the Tatra are generally too steep and rocky to offer good ski-mountaineering ascents, some of the surrounding peaks are really nice.
Kenny skinning up Krivan 2492m, Slovakian Tatras.
This peak is a fine ski mountaineering ascent which can be done easily in a day from the road to the south. The south face (pictured below) can be skied right from the summit cross, and is a particularly fine ski descent and a good introduction to steeper skiing.
Typical forest ski touring in Slovakia. Another good area for short day tours is the resort of Strbske Pleso, from where several good peaks can be skiied in quite short days.
Practical stuff
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| When to go | March and April are probably the best months for skiing in Slovakia |
| Where to go | Fly to Krakow in Poland and hire a car (2-3 hour drive) or there are also occasional flights to the Slovakian city of Poprad, just 30 mins from the Tatra. |
| Costs | Costs are really low. Meals, beer, accommodation and public transport are all much cheaper than in Western Europe. |
