Petra Vlhová. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Jasná braces for ski World Cup
After three years, Slovakia will once again host the FIS Alpine World Cup. On January 20-21, the world's best female skiers will flock to the Jasná ski resort in the Low Tatra mountain range. In addition to Petra Vlhová, ski fans will also be able to see other big names over the weekend.
Even though World Cup tickets and parking places are sold out, according to the organisers, it will be possible to experience the atmosphere in Fan Zones, and two public number draws on Friday and Saturday will allow a visitor to see the famous skiers. With the exception of three slopes dedicated to the event, all other pistes will be available for skiing. For more information, click here.
If you happen to be in the nearby town of Liptovský Mikuláš, there will be the Petra Vlhová Fan Zone in the Námestie Osloboditeľov square.
RELATED: Well-known Slovak jeweller makes crowns for ski World Cup event winners.
Come and cheer mushing races
If fan zones full of people are not up your alley, why not visit the village of Stratená, east of the Low Tatras, and enjoy a sleddog racing event called Ice Trophy*? The event itself is split between this and the next weekend. For more information, click here.
A mushing race in Zuberec (source: TASR)
TIP: Stunning 'icefall' draws visitors in central Slovakia. But it's not the only one in the area.
SPORT
Start 2024 by picking up hockey
The Košice-based hockey club HK Sršne is inviting children aged 4 and higher to learn ice-skating and start playing one of the most popular team games in the world. It does not matter if they have yet to stand on ice-skates, they will learn how from experienced coaches. As for hockey, the necessary equipment can be rented. For more information, click here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Make you own masks
In Slovakia, the time between January 6 and the movable feast of Easter is called Fašiangy (carnival) that invites people to walk in processions with masks. If you are feeling creative, embrace your inner artist and try designing one. On Saturday, the Tihányi Manor House in Banská Bystrica will give children the opportunity to make their own masks, inspired by an exhibition dedicated to colourful butterflies. For more information, click here.
RELATED: Read our story on the Fašiangy carnivals in Slovakia.
Put on your dancing shoes
Speaking of carnivals, this weekend will bring a new host of balls all over Slovakia. If you're feeling like dancing, why not don your fancy shoes and attend one of these: The Kubínsky ball in Dolný Kubín, northern Slovakia, The Winemaker ball in Hlohovec, Trnava Region, The Žiar ball in Žiar nad Hronom, Banská Bystrica Region, the 27th City ball in Ružomberok, northern Slovakia, the Venetian Night in Banská Bystrica, central Slovakia, the 23rd City ball in Galanta, Trnava Region.
Have fun with Lego
Avion Shopping Park in Bratislava holds a special exhibition dedicated to one of the most popular toys in the world. Even though one might think the event is for children as it contains Minecraft, Harry Potter, Santa Claus and other sections, there are Lego Technic sets, including a 135-centimetre long Titanic model, almost a metre high roller-coaster and much more so that even an adult will find something interesting. The exhibition is open daily. For more information, click here.
Lego Harry Potter. (source: TASR)
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 24-28: IBU Open European Championship Biathlon in Osrblie, central Slovakia.
January 27-28: Tatry Ice Master, a challenge for sculptors from 10 countries to breathe life into several dozen tonnes of ice.
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Here are three tips for a hike, music and art event.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: The ultimate night full of nostalgia, how to say goodbye to your Christmas tree, inclusive fashion and more in this week's Top 10 events.
WHAT TO READ: Whistleblowers’ ‘ambassador’: Without people’s support, whistleblowers can end up as martyrs.
WHAT TO COOK: How to make segedínsky guláš, a creamy sauerkraut stew.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
