Low Tatras guide 
Donovaly - in addition to 11 km of slopes and 18 km of cross-country tracks, you can enjoy evening skiing or Funpark Donovaly – the largest children's ski center in Central Europe.
Demanovská Dolina - here you will find Jasná, the largest ski center in Slovakia, with more than 50 km of pistes of varying difficulty, modern cable cars and lifts, a snow park and freeride zones. From here, you can reach the peaks of Chopok or Ďumbier along the hiking trails.
The Low Tatras, a vast mountain range in Slovakia, represent the second largest protected landscape area in the country. Here you can enjoy not only beautiful nature, but also hiking trails, ski resorts and rich fauna and flora.
You can find the Low Tatras in central Slovakia. They stretch in the west-east direction between the rivers Váh and Hron.
The highest peaks are Ďumbier (2,043 m) and Chopok (2,024 m). The area is characterized by vast mountain meadows, dense forests and steep rock formations.
The protected area of the Low Tatras National Park (NAPANT), which was founded in 1978, covers more than 728 km².
The Low Tatras are famous for their hiking trails. Among the most popular is the SNP Heroes' Trail, which runs through the entire mountain range. The ascents to Ďumbier and Chopok offer wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
You will also find several important ski resorts here - for example, Jasná on the northern slopes of Chopok is the largest ski resort in Slovakia.
In the Low Tatras you can also see many karst formations and caves. Among the most famous and most visited are the Demänovská ice cave and the Demänovská jeskyně svobody.
Streams and waterfalls add to the picturesqueness of the landscape. For all of them we can name, for example, the 55-meter high Brankovský waterfall.
The local fauna is represented by, for example, chamois, bears, foxes, marmots and wild pigs.
The best way to get to the Low Tatras is probably by car. Main roads lead to ski resorts and hiking trails.
The nearest railway stations can be found in Liptovský Mikuláš and Brezno, from where you can continue by bus or car.
Modern cable cars and lifts facilitate access to peaks and ski slopes.
Cold and snowy winters invite skiing and snowboarding. Average temperatures in winter are around -5°C to -10°C. In summer, around 15-20°C.
Donovaly
The picturesque mountain resort of Donovaly is located on the border of the Low Tatras and Velká Fatra at an altitude of around 960 meters. The town is surrounded by beautiful mountains, forests, and meadows, which provide wonderful views and rich opportunities for hiking.
Donovaly offers more than 11 km of slopes of various difficulties. The slopes are divided into two main areas: Záhradiste and Nová hoľa. You can also enjoy a snow park, 18 km of cross-country tracks, evening skiing or Funpark Donovaly – the largest children's ski center in Central Europe.
In summer, you can use hiking and cycling routes, a summer bobsleigh track, a rope park or a children's Funpark. Adrenaline lovers can enjoy paragliding.
Another themed place is the fairy-tale village of Habakuky, where you can reminisce about classic Slovak fairy tales.
Transport
You can easily reach Donoval by car. Main roads lead directly to the resort. You can park in several zones.
You can take the train to Banská Bystrica, about 25 km from Donovaly. From there you can continue by bus.
Modern cable cars and lifts facilitate access to slopes and hiking trails.
Accommodations
In Donovaly you can choose from more than 200 different accommodation facilities. Apartments are the most represented, followed by cottages, then hotels and guesthouses.
The popular Šport Hotel *** Donovaly is located in the city center, 10 minutes' walk from the Nová Hoľa ski slope. When you're not skiing, you can enjoy the hotel's spa with an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and gym. For children, there is a children's pool, a playroom and a playground. In the local restaurant with a terrace and grill, they prepare specialties of Slovak and international cuisine.
You can indulge in luxury at the 4* Hotel Galileo Donovaly, which you can find just 100 meters from the Nová Hola and Zahrádky ski areas. In the spa area of the hotel, you can enjoy a sauna, a whirlpool, a relaxation area, massages or a solarium for an additional fee. We also recommend the hotel to wheelchair users. There is a bar, a cafe, a restaurant with a terrace available here.
The smaller guesthouse Vila Ambiente Donovaly is located about a kilometer and a half from the city center, not far from the slopes. In addition to the ski room, you can use the terrace, garden, outdoor fireplace or common room here. There is also a playroom for children and a private parking lot. On request, they will provide you with breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Popular accommodation at reasonable prices is offered by Penzión u Marsa, a short distance from the center of Donoval. The facilities of the guesthouse include a ski storage room, a sun terrace or perhaps a free private parking lot. You can stay in a room or in an apartment with a kitchen.
For a complete offer of accommodation in Donovaly, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com.
Practical advice
In Donovaly you will find a number of restaurants that offer traditional Slovak cuisine - try local specialties such as halúšky, brynzové pirohy or traditional Slovak sausages.
In winter, don't forget warm clothes, suitable footwear and protective equipment for skiing. In summer, take comfortable hiking shoes, light clothing and sun protection.
It is recommended to book accommodation and services in advance, especially during high season.
The resort is small and most attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local buses or taxi services can be used.
In the village you will find tourist information centers that provide maps, advice and up-to-date information about the weather and the condition of the routes.
In case of an emergency in the mountains, contact the mountain service.
It offers cold winters with sufficient snow cover. Average temperatures range from -5°C to -10°C.
Summers tend to be mild and pleasant, with average temperatures around 15-20°C, ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Demanovská Dolina
The 15 km long, picturesque mountain valley is located in the northern part of the Low Tatras, near the town of Liptovský Mikuláš. Demanovská Dolina, one of the least visited tourist centers of the Low Tatras, is famous for its beautiful nature, extensive opportunities for winter sports and tourism, and unique caves.
Steep slopes and dense forests surround the valley, providing an ideal environment for hiking and skiing.
Demanovská Dolina is part of the largest ski resort in Slovakia - Jasná. The center offers more than 50 km of slopes of various difficulty, modern cable cars and lifts, a snow park and freeride zones. Lovers of cross-country skiing, both classic and skating style, will also enjoy it.
Popular tourist routes include climbs to the top of Chopok, Ďumbier and other mountains in the vicinity.
Demanovská Dolina offers many cycle routes of varying difficulty that lead through the beautiful nature of the Low Tatras.
You will also find various climbing routes here.
Major tourist attractions include:
Demänovská cave of freedom, one of the most beautiful karst caves in Europe. It offers tours of fascinating stalactite formations.
Demänovská ice cave, known for its ice formations, which you can admire especially in winter.
Vrbicke pleso, a picturesque mountain lake located near the Jasná ski resort, an ideal place for relaxation and picnics.
Transport
You can get here by car along the main access road from the town of Liptovský Mikuláš. Parking is available at the main entrances to the valley and at the ski resort.
Buses go here regularly from Liptovský Mikuláš. The nearest railway station is located in Liptovský Mikuláš.
Accommodations
In Demanovská Dolina you can choose from almost 200 different accommodation capacities. We recommend accommodation near the Jasná ski resort or near hiking trails. Apartments are again the most represented, followed by cottages, hotels and guesthouses. You can also find accommodation with a swimming pool or wheelchair accessible accommodation here.
Real mountain accommodation is offered by the 4* hotel Noc na Chopku, Rotunda at an altitude of 2004 meters. Thanks to its location, it offers direct access to the slopes and hiking trails. You can also imagine the views of the surrounding mountains both from the room and from the sun terrace.
The 3* Hotel Strachan Family Jasná a short distance from the city center offers accommodation with half board, also suitable for families with children. It offers a children's playground, an indoor playroom, a children's pool, a garden, a terrace and an outdoor fireplace. You can relax in the sauna, hot tub or at the pool table. The hotel is also wheelchair accessible.
You can find Pension Jozef in Demanovská Dolina by the river Demanovka, 5 km from the ski center Jasná. You can use the private parking lot, ski storage or bicycle storage for free. Cycling and hiking trails lead not far from the guesthouse. In the pension you can use the garden, terrace, outdoor fireplace.
If you like to stay in a luxury apartment with a private kitchen and the option of a sauna, check out Chalety Jasná Apartmány Bor. It is located right next to the slopes of the Jasná ski area. In winter, the apartments offer direct access to skis, a ski storage room or the sale of ski passes. In the summer you can enjoy the sun terrace with beautiful views and the proximity of hiking trails.
More affordable apartments are offered by the stylish aparthotel Yasna Apartments. You can choose from small studio apartments for 1 or 2 people to a large apartment for 7 people. There is also a private parking lot, a ski storage room and a sunny terrace with views. Children will have fun on the playground in front of the building. You can replenish the ingredients for a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator in the minimarket directly in the building.
For a complete offer of accommodation in Demanovská Dolina, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com.
Practical advice
In winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the Jasná resort. Don't forget suitable clothing and protective equipment. Ski equipment can be rented at local rental shops. Follow the rules on the slopes and freeride zones. Be aware of avalanche danger. In winter, temperatures drop to -5°C to -10°C.
In summer, you can climb the hiking trail to the top of Chopok or Ďumbier. Take comfortable shoes, plenty of water, clothing and sun protection. Follow the marked routes and the current weather forecast. In case of emergency, use the mountain service. Temperatures in summer are around 15-20°C.
Demänovská cave of freedom and Demänovská ice cave - these unique karst caves are definitely worth a visit. We recommend booking tours in advance.
Demänovská Dolina offers unforgettable experiences all year round, you just need to prepare well and respect local rules and nature.