The Complete Guide To Skiing In Jasna, Slovakia

Skiing in Jasna, Slovakia may not be the first place to pop into your mind when you think about skiing and snowboarding. Although if you’re after a budget-friendly European ski holiday this is exactly where your mind should be going.

Jasna Nizke Tatry is the largest ski resort in Slovakia and is part of the Low Tatra mountain range. Skiing takes place on both the northern and southern side of Chopok peak which sits at 2,024 m above sea level. I spent the winter of 2018/19 volunteering at the resort through Workaway and had the chance to ski here daily.

I have skied all around the world and something you may not know about me is I used to be a ski instructor. Yep, I taught skiing between ski resorts in Australia and in Lake Tahoe, California. So I know a thing or two about what makes up a good mountain. In this post, I will help you decide if Jasna is the European ski destination for you.

Disclaimer: Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information on my disclaimer click here.

Jasna Resort Overview

Over the past 7 years, the average annual snowfall has been increasing significantly (see On The Snow). This, in turn, has lead to $220 million of funding being put into the resort. As a result, you can see this money has gone into new buildings and lift systems. This has modernised the mountain and the fast lift systems will get you skiing more runs in the day.

The ski season runs from the beginning of December until the end of April. The Skiable terrain is 44.5 km comprising of 19.2 km blue runs, 17.9 km red runs and 7.4 km black runs and has 22 lifts servicing the resort. The vertical elevation change is 1061 m, which ranges from the base of Biela Put at 943 m to the top of the Mount Chopok cable car at 2004 m.

In addition, you can experience daily night skiing on the beginner hill, Biela Put and the B3 gondola which accesses the terrain park between 6 and 9 pm.

Jasna Ski Map

Where Is Jasna Ski Area

How To Get To Jasna Ski Resort

Getting to Jasna mountain has never been more convenient. It is located less than 30 minutes from the city of Liptovský Mikuláš where you will find a major train station. Express trains from Bratislava take under 3 hours and run 10 times daily.

If you choose to fly, the closest airport to Jasna is Tatry Poprad which then connects to Liptovský Mikuláš by train and bus to Jasna. Or get a direct transfer up the mountain from the airport. Three days a week there is a direct flight here with Wizz Air from London Lutton.

How To Get Around Jasna And The Surrounding Area

There are three bases to the resort of Jasna with a ski bus accessing them all. The ski bus runs from around Christmas time to mid-March. Starting at the Biela Put mountain base to the Liptovský Mikuláš train station and other nearby towns. Complementary of the resort.

Within the Liptovský Mikuláš area there are multiple city buses running frequently around town. Buses cost .50c through town and will take you to the train station to take the ski bus up to Jasna.

Cost Of Skiing At Jasna

Jasna Nizke Tatry is owned by Tatry Mountain Resorts and offers a Gopass discount system. Purchase this Gopass online and for every 1€ you spend you receive 1 point. Having a Gopass gives you cheaper rates for items bought in advance. Additionally, the accumulated points can be used for discounts on food and drinks on the mountain, lift passes, ski school, rentals, hotels and the nearby aqua park.

Jasna Ski Pass Prices

Budget tip: The non-resort owned companies usually offer cheaper prices on the mountain. In particular, have a look at Smile ski school and FiS ski school for their current rates.

Rental Equipment

Hiring your equipment on the mountain is a great way to avoid lugging equipment internationally or up and down from the hill. There are numerous places to hire gear on the mountain and such lines are never too long. The resort owned rental stores have mainly Volkl skis and Burton snowboards. They also have performance gear available for the more advanced riders who are looking for something a little nicer.

Ski School

Compare prices between the three main ski schools; Jasna, Smile and FiS to ensure you get the best deal for the length of time you will be skiing. Although the resort owned ski school prices tend to run a bit higher they do have their benefits.

Firstly, take into account if you will be buying for numerous family members and will be racking up Gopass points. These points can for discounts on food and drinks and additional days skiing. Secondly, if your children are going to do ski lessons the resort ski school offers a kids room for a tea break which is out of the cold.

While I was unable to judge the higher lessons and I know there are some great instructors, I found the resort beginner lessons to be unorganised and slightly chaotic with large class sizes. If you are after a great beginner learning area for your kids then this is probably not the resort for you.

Where To Eat And Drink In Jasna

For lunches, the mountain has no shortage of restaurants and bars. With this in mind, whichever part of the mountain you are on you will be able to take a break from skiing for a nice warming meal or snack.

Mix up your days to enjoy panoramic views at the top of the Chopok gondola in the Rotunda restaurant. Spend another day at the base of Biela Put at Happy End. Additionally, Bernadino Burgers at the top of the beginner-friendly B3 gondola is delicious. Expect meals to cost around €7-12. Half a litre of beer on the mountain will only set you back €2.5.

While the resort is not known for the apres-ski scene, you can grab a few end of day beers at Happy End or Crystal Bar located at the base of the mountain.

Read – Things to do in Bucharest during the winter

Jasna Weather

The average winter temperatures in Jasna don’t get too cold. December, January and February average lows are -11/-12 degrees Celcius and the average highs are -7. However, this Chopok is a very open mountain and receives a lot of wind which makes the weather feel colder than it is.

For up to date snow forecasts, check out On the Snow. You can see the current conditions, snow radars, 6-day forecasts and snow history.

I found there were a lot of grey, low visibility days. Although that is to be expected in a lot of ski areas around the world. I have been spoilt skiing in California and Australia where there are more sunny days than not.

Where to Stay

For ease of access to the mountain and ski in – ski out hotels stay at the base of Biela Put, Záhradky or Lúčky. Use your Gopass for discounted rates at Tatry Mountain Resort Hotels. The Grand Hotel is my top pick. It is at the base of the resort, has a wellness centre and bar and restaurant.

The nearby city Liptovský Mikuláš offers additional hotels at a cheaper rate and numerous Airbnb’s.

Find An Airbnb To Suit Your Needs In The Jasna Area

Head over to Airbnb to search for accommodation ahead of the ski season to get the most options. If you are new to Airbnb, you can click here to receive $55 AUD off your first booking.

Non-Skiing Activities In Jasna And Surrounds

Lucky for you, if you won’t be skiing or you are looking for additional winter activities there are plenty to fill your time. Some favourites within Jasna and Liptovský Mikuláš are:

• Tatralandia Aqua Park – A thermal water park which is a must-visit during your stay
• Ice Skating
• Tobogganing
• Bowling
• Ice Caves – Check the tour times as you must enter with a guide
• Snowshoeing
• Wellness Centres – Many of the hotels offer hot tubs and saunas inclusive of your nightly rate
• Cinema
• Try these top Liptovsky Mikulas cafes

There are regular events and parties happening around the resort throughout the winter season. Notable events include the winter opening festival, ride and party days at Priehyba with on snow DJs plus multiple downhill and slopestyle competitions.

Conclusion

I hope this post has answered all your questions about skiing in Jasna. If you would like to know anything else, please comment below and I will be happy to help you with your trip planning.