Ski resorts in Slovakia: European, not Soviet

The main obstacle for the Slovakian ski industry in the West is ... stereotypes. Foreigners mostly associate winter holidays in Slovakia with a kind of test. It is believed that Slovakia, as the former Soviet bloc country, suffers from all those drawbacks of the Soviet service: unattractive hotels, outdated lifts, bad food and lack of simple amenities on the slopes.

However, the times have changed. Skiing in Slovakia is experiencing its rebirth. Against the background of the increasing interest in winter recreation in the world, the country develops a number of high-class ski areas. Slovakia was able to attract a lot of investments. Major world hotel chains are not afraid to open its hotels here. Among the recent examples is the Grand Hotel Kempinski in Slovakia, which was opened at the resort of Strbske Pleso. Modern lifts at resorts such as Jasna or Tatranska Lomnica now is not a thing to pride of, but a common fact. Introduction of single ski pass at several resorts in the country including Jasna, Smokovec and Donovaly became another bonus for the Slovak winter holidays.

Today the Slovaks themselves want to expand its presence in other European markets. Among the recent significant events for the whole winter recreation industry of the country is a statement of the Slovak ski resort operator Tatra Mountain Resort about purchase of ski lifts from several ski resorts in Poland. Despite the fact that the issue is still under consideration, the fact tells about the overall positive trend in the development of the tourism sector.

It seems that if Slovakia will keep the pace, it has a good chance to consolidate its status as one of the leading ski resorts in Europe. Reserves of the High Tatras, extremely affordable food and accommodation, a lot of family entertainments, ancient castles and healing springs will allow Slovakian resorts to finally abandon the Soviet stereotypes and to turn toward those, who love and appreciate good ski vacations.