Thank goodness it's Friday! Here is the November 29 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
It's time to get your skis and hit the slopes
Donovaly is welcoming skiers back to the slopes. (source: FB: Park Snow Donovaly)
The ski resorts at Donovaly and Jasná will be the first in Slovakia to kick off the 2024/25 ski season, the SITA newswire reports. On Friday, November 29, the popular Park Snow Donovaly resort was the first to open, with the Buly Expres and P2 lifts starting at 8:30, and skiing available on the slopes near Lomená Poma.
Branislav Veľký from Park Snow Donovaly reported that skiing conditions are very good, with 15 centimetres of snow currently on the slopes.
"We are looking forward to the first skiers, who can enjoy not only daytime skiing but also evening skiing on the illuminated slope," Veľký said. He also mentioned that evening skiing will be available regularly on Fridays and Saturdays, and daily from December 26.
The Jasná resort will open its gates on Saturday, November 30, along with a new addition – the longest illuminated slope in Central Europe, excluding the Alps.
"The completely new lighting on the 2.7-kilometre-long slope will be switched on for a trial run on Saturday from 17:00 to 20:00. Skiers will be able to try the new evening skiing for a symbolic fee of €1," the resort announced, adding that evening skiing in Jasná is being taken to a new level. Evening lighting has been installed on the Chaletová slope, which the resort has dubbed the 'Peak of Fun'.
A rich programme will await skiers alongside the new evening skiing, which will be available after its official launch on November 30. It will also be offered on December 6-7, December 13-14, and then daily from December 20, between 18:00 and 21:00.
The resort has announced that evening skiing will require a separate lift pass, though it will be included for season pass holders. Ski touring will also be allowed on the slope during evening hours, provided the designated routes are followed, with either a day ski touring pass or season pass. Additionally, a new shuttle bus service will operate for skiers coming from Liptovský Mikuláš and for those staying in nearby areas like Demänová, Demänovská Dolina and Pavčina Lehota.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Archaeology: Archaeologists in Trenčín have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved mediaeval barbican, underground tunnels, and centuries-old artefacts, revealing fascinating new insights into the city's historical defences and its ties to King Sigismund of Luxembourg.
Science: Over 200 native fish fitted with special transmitters have been released into the River Danube to help researchers study migration barriers, in order to protect and restore native fish species.
Sport: A rising boxing star from Britain, Moses Itauma, was actually born in eastern Slovakia. His family, faced with racism, moved to the UK, where Itauma is building a successful heavyweight career and preparing for a major fight in December.
Good news: Slovak railway operator ZSSK is offering a Christmas menu in its restaurant cars, Slovakia has the second-lowest theft rate among all EU countries, and wild bison are thriving in Slovakia – some good news from across the country to make you smile.
Weekend: Bratislava's Christmas market opened last week, but this week more Slovak cities have joined in the festive cheer. Check to see if your city has already opened its Christmas market and join the holiday spirit!
Culture: Texan couple Tom and Šárka Posey, building on Šárka's Czechoslovak roots, love America but have grown to appreciate Slovakia's traditional culture, which they find is more conservative than in the US.
Podcast: The Bridge on Air is a series of podcasts in which foreigners are interviewed and share their impressions about life in Slovakia. Discover what sets Slovakia apart from the UK and Switzerland, as seen through the eyes of an Indian cook.
Slovak roots: Slovaks can be found everywhere – two Slovak brothers set an NHL record in early 1981 that still stands today, a feat that would never have been possible without their daring move across the ocean.
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FEATURE STORY
'Palestinian Slovaks are a priceless part of Slovak society'
Palestinian Ambassador to Slovakia Safa Khaldi (source: Courtesy of the Palestinian Embassy)
The relationship between Slovakia and Palestine is a long and complex one. In the recent past, a newly independent Slovakia immediately established diplomatic relations with Palestine in 1993. In an interview with the Slovak Spectator, Palestinian Ambassador to Slovakia Safa Khaldi, shares insights into the contributions of the Palestinian community in Slovakia and the ongoing struggle for Palestinian self-determination.
THE WEEKEND
Making new Christmas memories
Stalls at the Bratislava Christmas market. (source: Tamara Zinchenko)
In addition to punch, mulled wine, and delicious food, the Christmas market in Bratislava also offers workshops where you can create your own souvenir – a symbol of this year's festive season to remind you of Christmas 2024.
IN OTHER NEWS
President Peter Pellegrini met with a vice-president of the technology firm Meta, Markus Reinisch, who presented a manifesto for the era of artificial intelligence (AI). Pellegrini highlighted the potential benefits of AI for sectors such as health care and education, emphasising the importance of Slovakia and Europe staying competitive in AI development. He also stressed the need to protect society from AI risks, including its misuse for spreading misinformation, and ensuring privacy and identity protection online. (TASR)
Bratislava police are investigating an incident where a 15-year-old boy, without a driving licence, drove on the D1 highway. His grandfather, who was sitting in the passenger seat, allowed him to drive. The boy exceeded the speed limit by 47 km/h. Police issued a report and prohibited him from continuing to drive. The case is being handled by traffic officers and will be forwarded to the relevant authorities for further action. (TASR)
After a wave of criticism, the Slovak Technical Museum announced that the Joseph Maximilian Petzval Museum in Spišská Belá will reopen to the public on Tuesday. The decision follows intense discussions between the museum, the Culture Ministry, and the town of Spišská Belá, in response to public demand to preserve this important cultural site. The museum will be open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 15:00.
On November 29, Slovakia marks 35 years since the Federal Assembly of Czechoslovakia abolished the constitutional article granting the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSČ) a "leading role", paving the way for political plurality. This principle had been enshrined in the 1960 constitution, designating the KSČ as the dominant force in the state and society. Notably, Slovak communists acted ahead of the federal parliament, voting to repeal the KSČ’s leadership role during an extraordinary meeting on November 26-27, 1989.
Pavol Gašpar, the inexperienced head of the Slovak Information Service (SIS), Slovakia's main intelligence agency, accused Sme the daily newspaper of spreading disinformation that contributes to hybrid threats. His statement came after a Security Council meeting that discussed bomb threats to schools and potential foreign sabotage targeting Slovakia’s infrastructure. The meeting also occurred amid tensions in Prime Minister Robert Fico's coalition, which have hindered parliamentary work. Critics have questioned the council's focus, given its previous neglect of more pressing issues.
Former Slovak hockey star Pavol Demitra was born 50 years ago today, November 29. A leading player of his generation, Demitra died in a plane crash in Russia on September 7, 2011, which also claimed the lives of 25 of his Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team-mates. (Šport.sk) (source: Tomáš Benedikovic)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: It promises to be mostly clear to partly cloudy, with local fog in some areas in the mornings. In the north and east of Slovakia, there may be cloudy spells with low cloud cover and light precipitation. Daytime highs will range from 4°C to 9°C. (SHMÚ)
NAME DAYS IN SLOVAKIA: Saturday, November 30 - Ondrej, Andrej; Sunday, December 1 - Edmund; Monday, December 2 - Bibiána.
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