Starý Smokovec: A winter getaway in Slovakia for everyone</span>

Paid partnership with Enjoy Tatras

Have you booked a trip for the Easter holidays yet? Add Starý Smokovec in Slovakia to your list.

Whilst it isn’t one of the country’s main ski resorts, Starý Smokovec is a very family-friendly destination for first-time skiers. Slopes are graded as easy-to-moderate, comprising around 4km in total with the longest run of 2,350m nicely situated next to the cable car. Intermediate to advanced skiers can easily head to the nearby Tatranská Lomnica and Štrbské Pleso ski resorts via the Tatra Electric Railway train line.

Starý Smokovec is a fantastic place to stay if you’re travelling with a mix of skiers and non-skiers, thanks to the variety of off-piste activities.

Why visit Starý Smokovec ski resort?

• World-class facilities

• Excellent value-for-money lift passes and accommodation

• Good for families and beginners

• Great off-piste activities

• Easy access to Tatranská Lomnica and Štrbské Pleso ski resorts

• Regular flights from UK with Ryanair and Wizz Air

Marvel at the Tatra Temple of Ice

It’s easy to see why this is one of the most spectacular family attractions in the High Tatras mountains. Head up on the cable car to see the impressive ice sculpture of Wawel Cathedral and Church of St. Adalbert in Kraków, Poland. It was built this year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit to the High Tatras.

Unwind in a thermal spa

Grand Hotel Starý Smokovec has arguably the best spa in the resort. This fairytale hotel has a long list of famous former guests, including prime minister Harold Wilson and Fidel Castro. Unwind in the sauna and steam rooms, followed by a dip in the heated indoor pool with its unique swim-up bar.

Alternatively, head down to AquaCity, one of Slovakia’s best eco-focused spa resorts. This enormous complex features 13 thermal pools (both indoor and outdoor) as well as an ultra-modern, two-storey wellness area and a cryotherapy centre. It’s just 15-minutes away by car.

Enjoy winter hiking

With its snow-capped chalets and impressive waterfalls, Starý Smokovec is a topplace to go hiking in winter. Take the cable car to Hrebienok, a mountain station at 1,285m. From here, you can hike dozens of walking trails. Soak up views over the Veľká Studená and Malá Studená valleys before coffee at Rainer’s Hut. You can also access the Tatra Temple of Ice and go sledding from here.

Go sledding

Kids love Starý Smokovec’s 2.5km sledding track. Climb in the cable car to Hrebienok and follow the signs to the slope. Whizz downhill at top speeds and you’ll end up back in Starý Smokovec village. The trail is illuminated for night sledding every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

Learn about Slovakia’s sherpas
Pop inside the fascinating Sherpa Museum, which charts the history of Slovak mountain sherpas, who regularly carry enormously heavy cargo to mountain chalets to this day. They are fondly known as the ‘Last Sherpas of Europe’. Mountain load bearing is so unique that it was included on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Slovakia in 2018.

Ready to book an incredible ski holiday and cultural experience? Find out more on the Enjoy Tatras website or email info@enjoytatras.com for further information.