When it comes to skiing in Europe, many people instantly think of the Alps. But what if I told you there’s a hidden gem offering breathtaking mountain views, family-friendly facilities, and a fraction of the cost? Slovakia’s High Tatras mountains is a destination that completely redefined affordable skiing for me and my family.
Earlier this year I took my three kids to Slovakia for one week’s skiing, by myself. I was surprised how affordable it was, and how family friendly Slovakia was as a destination.
Table of Contents
Getting There
My trip began with a quick, hassle-free flight from London Stansted to Poprad. For under £300, I managed return flights for myself and my three kids, including baggage on Ryan Air. That’s right—you’re not dreaming! But my best advice, is to book flights as early as you can, and take advantage of any sale fares too.
And on that Ryan Air flight, the views as we descended were stunning, as if we were landing directly in the mountains.
Another huge plus was the transfer time. Unlike many Alpine resorts that take hours to reach, Tatranská Lomnica is just a 30-minute drive from Poprad airport. With kids in tow, that short transfer made all the difference.
Skiing in Tatranská Lomnica
Tatranská Lomnica is a fantastic ski resort for families. Its compact layout means most runs converge at central points, which is perfect for keeping track of little ones learning to ski. The pistes here cater to all levels, from gentle nursery slopes to intermediate runs for growing confidence.
My kids loved the fact that the slopes weren’t overly crowded—no intimidating queues or hoards of speedy skiers zipping past. They had room to practice their turns and actually enjoy skiing.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head up to Lomnický Štít, one of the highest peaks in Slovakia, for jaw-dropping panoramic views and a mix of intermediate-to-advanced skiing.
The Costs: Lift Passes and Equipment
Here’s where Slovakia really shines compared to its more well-known European counterparts. Ski hire for the four of us for three days came to £250, and lift passes were £300. Both were booked via the GoPass app, which bundles deals for ski hire, lift passes, and even access to local attractions. (prices as at Feb 2024)
Affordable Accommodation
We stayed at the Hills Hotel, located conveniently near the slopes. If you hire a car, it’s less than 10 minutes to drive to Tatranska Lomnica. The hotel also runs a shuttle bus. It was perfect for our family, offering spacious lux rooms and a half-board package. For four nights, it cost roughly £1,000, which included hearty breakfasts and dinners—fuel for long days on the slopes! (prices as at beginning 2024)
Nearby to the Hills Hotel, was the Horizont Hotel – where you can book a VIP Sky Lounge experience – complete with sauna, rooftop deck and jacuzzi.
A little bit further away from the slopes, in Poprad, is AquaCity – a wellness hotel that’s affordable and family friendly. It has an aqua park with 14 outdoor and indoor thermal pools a well as slides and other water attractions. My kids were in heaven.
Many hotels in the High Tatras region cater to families, offering extras like indoor pools, saunas, and outdoor jacuzzis. These little luxuries, combined with the affordable price, were a welcome surprise.
Total Costs
Here’s a quick breakdown of what we spent for our 5-day ski trip to Slovakia:
- Flights: £300 (return for four, including luggage)
- Car Hire: £160 (for 5 days)
- Accommodation: £1,000 (lux room, 4 nights, half board)
- Ski Hire: £250
- Lift Passes: £300
- Extras (GoPass + meals): ~£200
Grand total? Just over £2,000. To put that into perspective, that’s less than half of what we paid for a similar trip to Austria last year.
Activities Beyond Skiing
A ski holiday doesn’t have to be all about skiing, and the High Tatras has plenty of family-friendly options:
AquaCity:
A hit with my kids, this water park features exciting slides, thermal pools, and even a wellness area for the adults. Of course, if you use the link above and stay at the hotel, entry to the thermal pools are included in the price. Or else, check out their website for a day pass.
Tricklandia Museum:
This whimsical museum of illusions was pure magic. The kids were fascinated, and honestly, so was I! You can spend an entire afternoon there. Here’s their website to book.Tatra Ice Temple:
Also known as the ice cathedral, it’s one of the High Tatras’ most popular winter attractions. Located at Hrebienok at an altitude of 1,285 metres, visitors can get a funicular from Stary Smokovec to Hrebienok. Each year the idea sculptures take on a different theme. An added bonus, This attraction is free of charge.
Why Slovakia Is Perfect for Families
Slovakia’s High Tatras might not have the glitz of the Alps, but what it offers is something even better—accessibility, affordability, and charm. For families, the short transfer times, compact resorts, and budget-friendly options make it an unbeatable choice.
