[TRAVEL] Slovakia: Simply High-Quality, Top-Value and Easy-To-Reach Winter Holidays 

There are still some outdated perceptions about skiing on the Eastern side of Europe: that the experience is essentially “cheap and cheerful”.

Affordable, especially in comparison to the Alps and even the UK, it may be. And it’s true that the locals are certainly happy enough. But for 20 years now, the focus has been on quality, so you can expect a ski holiday more like you might imagine a Swiss or Austrian ski holiday, but with greater value and affordability.

In short, the image of the “cheap experience” Eastern European holiday is so last century, darling.

If you need evidence, look no further than the new hi-tech giant gondola lift with 15-seater cabins that goes into service on the southern side of Mt Chopok above Slovakia’s leading resort of Jasná this winter. It makes the ride up to the top of the slopes even faster and more comfortable than before.

It’s part of a big upgrade of Jasná this winter, which also sees enhanced snowmaking – increasing coverage by about 20% so most of the runs are now covered; a new base building; a new après-ski bar; improved signage and live slope condition information through electronic information boards; and many other enhancements all designed to improve the ski experience and ensure it is among the best available anywhere. The GOPASS  package provides hands-free access to all lifts and many other advantages.

Although there’s skiing and boarding for all abilities and tastes (great beginner areas, terrain parks, freeride zone and runs for all standard), children are particularly welcome in the world-class Maxiland parks in three convenient locations, which together stretch over 7,000m² with five easy-to-use conveyor lifts where they can experience their first steps on skis or snowboards.

As an added attraction, lift passes valid for two days or more include all-day entry to Aquapark Tatralandia (Tropical Park) or to Gino Paradise Bešeňová  (Sea and Fun Park) so you can enjoy indoor summer at 30°C in winter at the Tatralandia water park just a 15-minute drive from the resorts. This great facility has six water slides and 10 pools including a snorkelling pool with live fish and a number of other attractions for children. Gino Paradise Bešeňová has great facilities too including geothermal pools, real sea waves and the fastest and longest water slides in Slovakia.

There are plenty of other activities to try in Jasná too, a long list, in fact (check out the website at jasna.sk/en/ for full details), and a wide range of accommodation and dining out options.

Of course, although it may no longer be “cheap and cheerful” exactly, Slovakia does remain highly competitive when it comes to your total ski holiday cost. You get much of the same quality as the Alps but pay less for everything from your lift pass or ski school lessons to accommodation and evenings out.

Getting to Slovakia can be easier and cheaper than getting to most other ski regions from Britain with short flight times and very short resort transfers too. Flights with Whizzair cost from only £12.99, take just 2.5 hours and then it’s only a 45 minute transfer. Then once you’re in Jasná, a free shuttle service makes everything even more effortless! jasna.sk/en/

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