photo: Courtesy of Snowland
TO FIND the land of snow in Slovakia go north. Fourteen kilometres from Martin in the direction of Banská Bystrica, on the hills of the Malá Fatra that slope down to Valčianska dolina (valley), lies the ski centre Snowland.
New at the centre this season is a 1,854-metre long slope. Its parameters, which meet International Ski Federation (FIS) standards, should satisfy any skier, no matter how demanding. A new, four-person chairlift has been added, which will cut down the queues for the lifts.
The ski slopes lie between 510 and 830 metres above sea level and there is something for everyone, from beginners to advanced skiers. New snowmaking equipment ensures a plentiful supply of snow.
If you are bored with downhill skiing and fancy something different Snowland has it - cross-country skiing, skating, sledging, or snow biking. The centre offers a skating rink and 6-kilometre cross-country trail winds through the surrounding countryside. Roman-tics can take a ride in a sledge towed by horses. Adrenaline lovers can mount a snow bike and glide down the slopes on it.
For inexperienced or beginning snowboarders and skiers lessons are on offer at Snowland. You can also hire equipment. The Humno restaurant offers those in need of sustenance everything from hot tea to body-warming spirits, from roasted goose to bowls of goulash.
How to get there: Take the E65 from Martin to Banská Bystrica. In the village of Príbovce turn right to Benice. Again turn right to Valča. From there signs point the way to Snowland.
Accommodation: Penzión pod Pivnicou, Penzión Perún, Hostel u Yetiho at the ski centre. More options can be found in the village of Valča.
For more information contact the Tourist Information Office at 043/4304-370, or click www.snowland.sk
Author: Katarína Mikulcová
