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- Discover Jasna Ski Resort
I did a ski season in Whistler-Blackcomb in 2006/07. I was a “Blackcomb Boy,” living in the Upper Village just west of the Blackcomb base station, which meant I spent about 80% of my time on Blackcomb rather than Whistler (this was before the Peak-to-Peak lift connected them). That didn’t matter—each hill had everything you could want: fast, modern lifts, long glade runs, and huge open bowls.
Back then, I assumed that to find anything comparable in Europe, you’d have to head to mega-resorts like the Three Valleys in France.
That was until I discovered what I now consider Europe’s best-kept secret: Jasná in the Nízké Tatry (Low Tatras) of Slovakia.
And here’s the kicker—it’s around two-thirds the price of the big-name resorts.
Jasná Ski Resort
Jasná is Slovakia’s largest ski resort, though it only lists about 50 km of marked slopes. What that number doesn’t show is the vast off-piste terrain and incredible bowls cascading in every direction from the top of Mount Chopok in the Low Tatras. The largest of these ridges can be seen in the photo below, on the right side, taken at the mid-gondola station.
The summit stands just above 2,000 meters, yet offers one of the most spectacular 360° views I’ve ever seen. You can literally ski off in any direction, much like in the back bowls of Lake Louise in Canada. It’s incredible, this is me below:
The facilities at the top are excellent, too—a modern self-serve restaurant serving hearty Slovak classics, plus a sit-down dining area. Being Slovakia, prices are refreshingly low, with meals typically under €5.
The backside of Chopok features one of the biggest bowls I’ve ever skied—and that’s coming from someone who did a full season in Whistler. It’s even the featured image at the top of this post.
That’s why I call Jasná the “Mini-Whistler of Europe.” No other resort packs so much epic terrain into such a compact footprint.
Key Features
Jasná offers a surprisingly complete experience for its size:
Night Skiing – Select slopes stay open after dark under floodlights.
Freeride Zones – Designated off-piste areas let you explore safely.
Snow Parks – Freestyle zones with jumps and rails for snowboarders and skiers.
Family Zones – Gentle slopes and learning areas for kids and families.
Wellness Centres – Saunas, spas, and hot tubs to relax after a day on the mountain.
Elevation
The resort stretches from 943 meters at the base to 2,024 meters at the summit of Chopok, giving you over 1,000 meters of vertical drop. The altitude keeps snow conditions excellent, typically from early December through late April.
Lift Pass
Jasná’s lift infrastructure is impressively modern, with a network of gondolas and high-speed chairs. As part of the GoPass network, you can buy lift passes online (save €2), track your day’s runs, and even share credit with friends—all from your phone.
Piste Map
Unlike many European resorts, Jasná’s piste map is remarkably accurate. You can genuinely ski a scenic blue run across the ridge that divides both sides of the mountain—something that looks almost too good to be true until you do it.
You can view the current piste map on the official jasna.sk website.
Ski Rental
Ski rental in Jasná is seamless and efficient. Shops like Rental Hotel Grand and Rental Krupová are located right by the gondola stations, offering a full range of skis, boots, poles, and helmets. They mainly stock Rossignol gear—reliable, well-maintained, and freshly serviced daily.
Hours are typically 08:00–16:30, giving you plenty of time to grab or return your gear around your ski schedule. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find everything you need for a smooth start to your skiing adventure.
Accommodation
When planning where to stay near Jasná, you essentially have three options:
At the resort base – Ultimate convenience for ski-in/ski-out access.
In Liptovský Mikuláš – A vibrant town just a 10-minute drive away.
Along the connecting road – Villages like Demänová or Bodice, perfect for chalets.
Top picks include:
Hotel Grand Jasná – Luxurious spa, indoor pool, and unbeatable location.
Chalets Záhradky – Great for families, with kitchens and mountain views.
Apartments Mammut – A solid budget-friendly option with everything you need.
Ski Chalets in Jasná
There are a bunch of British, Irish and Australian run ski chalet outfits in between Jasna and the main base of Liptovsky Mikulas. First on the scene was Chalet Jasna by Propaganda Snowboards in the village of Demanova on the main road to Jasná.
There is also Liptov Lodge just round the corner from the Propaganda chalets in Bodice. This chalet was rebuilt in traditional stonework by a great Irish & Slovak couple and offers a fantastic welcome plus an honesty bar within the property.
And further up the road is the Dragon's Lair chalet run by an Australian and Slovak couple who built their stunning architect designed chalet and offers food and drink at the great named Bar Fakt!
Activities for Non-Skiers
Jasna in the low tatras of Slovakia is close to the town of Liptovsky Mikulas which has a wonderful coffee shop scene, a multiplex cinema and a modern shopping centre. But the biggest attraction is the largest water park in the country Tatralandia , which is a tropical paradise for children and adults alike, and has a hot thermal outdoor pool, a pool with a swim-up cocktail bar and an indoor surfing simulator.
Also on the road between the skiing resort of Jasná and the town is a world famous Ice Cave of Liberty at Demanovska and a 45 minute tour leads you through wide river corridors filled with stalactites, stalagmites or ice columns.
Beyond the slopes, Jasná provides diverse activities for all interests and ages.
Snowshoeing: Discover the serene winter landscape on guided snowshoe walks. Equipment rentals are available on-site.
Tobogganing: Thrill-seekers can enjoy evening toboggan runs on specially designated tracks. Helmets are provided for safety.
Ice Climbing: For a unique challenge, head to the ice climbing park. Instructors offer lessons for all skill levels.
Paragliding: Experience the breathtaking views of the Low Tatras from above. Tandem flights are available for beginners.
Hiking: Enjoy winter hikes along marked trails. Popular routes include pathways to the Ďumbier peak.
Spas: Unwind in one of the many wellness centres, such as Druzhba or Wellness Hotel Chopok. Facilities usually include saunas, hot tubs, and massage services.
Nearby Resorts
Several other ski resorts are within a short distance from Jasná.
Tatranská Lomnica: Located in the High Tatras, it offers challenging runs and stunning alpine scenery.
Ski Park Kubínska hoľa: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and varied slopes, making it ideal for all levels.
Donovaly: Renowned for its ski schools and children's zones, highly suitable for families with young kids.
These nearby resorts offer additional skiing adventures, extending the overall winter sports experience in Slovakia.
Dining & Après-Ski
Jasná’s dining and après-ski scene is lively but intimate—perfect for unwinding after a big day.
Restaurants: Try Von Roll Restaurant or Happy End for hearty Slovak and international dishes.
Cafés: Crystal Bar and Central Café are great for warming up with coffee and cake.
Après-Ski: Dance, drink, or chill at Happy End Music Club or Von Roll Après-Ski Bar.
Mountain Huts: Kamenná Chata on Ďumbier peak offers a meal with unbeatable views.
Local Specialties: Don’t miss bryndzové halušky (sheep cheese dumplings) or zemiakové placky (potato pancakes).
Getting There
The easiest route from the UK is a direct flight from Luton to Poprad-Tatry Airport, just 40 minutes from Jasná. Alternatively, fly to Bratislava or Vienna, both well-connected by car or train.
By Air:
Bratislava Airport (~300 km)
Poprad-Tatry Airport (~65 km)
By Train:
Take a train to Liptovský Mikuláš, then transfer by bus or taxi. Trains run frequently from Bratislava and Košice.
By Car:
From Bratislava, take the D1 motorway (3.5 hours). From Košice, follow the E50/E58 (2.5 hours). There’s plenty of parking at the resort.
By Bus:
Regular services connect major Slovak cities to Liptovský Mikuláš, with local shuttles onward to the resort.
Conclusion
Jasna Ski Resort is a true hidden gem—compact yet world-class. From its breathtaking alpine views to its varied slopes, the experience rivals far more famous destinations at a fraction of the cost.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, the resort’s well-groomed pistes, reliable lifts, and welcoming atmosphere make it a standout. Add in affordable dining, a thriving après-ski scene, and plenty of off-slope attractions, and you have a complete winter getaway.
Jasná is proof that world-class skiing doesn’t require world-class prices. Every visit brings new adventures—and memories that stay long after the snow melts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jasná Ski Resort located?
In Slovakia’s Low Tatras, offering stunning alpine scenery and diverse terrain for all levels.
What are the resort’s key features?
50 km of runs, 23 lifts, night skiing, freeride zones, snow parks, family areas, and snowmaking across 60% of slopes.
When’s the best time to visit?
Between January and March for peak snow conditions. December and April are quieter.
How do I get there?
Fly to Bratislava or Poprad-Tatry, take a train to Liptovský Mikuláš, or drive directly via the D1 motorway.
What accommodation options are available?
From luxury hotels to chalets and apartments—there’s something for every budget.
What can non-skiers do?
Snowshoeing, paragliding, spa days, hiking, and trips to Tatralandia or the Ice Cave of Liberty.
Is Jasná suitable for beginners?
Yes. The mix of blue, red, and black runs caters to all abilities.
What amenities are available?
Modern lifts, ski schools, rental services, snow parks, spas, restaurants, and après-ski venues.