Donovaly hosts dog sled race

WINTER has finally hit the country both hard and unexpectedly in the mountains. Windstorms on the Tatra mountain ridges, rich snowfall up to 100 centimetres on the southern slopes of Chopok peak in the Low Tatras and freezing temperatures all bring the end of January. This is what we can expect from winter over the next few days.

During the upcoming week we will return to mild weather as meteorologists forecast clouds with small snow squalls. Temperatures should be a bit below zero, with plus 5 degrees at 1,000 metres above sea level in the middle of the week. Thus it remains questionable when the frost will come. Snow sports fans can look forward to significant festivities. Donovaly will host The European Dog Sled Race Championship from February 7 to 10. Snow conditions are excellent for the whole track so far.

The Jasná ski resort in the Low Tatras will also make it on the snow sports map. Men will compete there during the four-day European Cup in Giant Slalom starting on February 5. In fact, this will be the biggest sporting event this winter in Slovakia.

Another event worth mentioning is that after more than five years, ski jumps at Štrbské Pleso were put into operation again. For the time being, jumpers competing in the Polish town of Zakopané have been training on them because Zakopané has significantly less snow than Štrbské Pleso.

Skiers have to count on a larger number of people on the slopes, as holidays have begun in neighbouring countries.

For more information, go to www.holidayinfo.sk.