Starý Smokovec

Smokovec is the largest town and also a sizeable ski resort on the edge of the Slovak High Tatras, within the Tatra National Park. Thanks to the beneficial local climate, Smokovec became a spa as early as the 19th century and grew very popular over time. Skiers have several ski areas to choose from, with pistes totalling almost 9 km. First and foremost is the popular Hrebienok area, which is divided into two parts: Horná Lúka (more difficult pistes for advanced skiers and the venue for prestigious international sports events) and Dolná Lúka (suitable for beginners). The focal point of the resort is the top station of the funicular to Hrebienok (1,280 m). Above it are the two red pistes of Horná Lúka, and below it the blue runs of the Dolná Lúka area. The valley station of the funicular to Hrebienok is by the Grand hotel in Starý Smokovec. The longest run in the area follows the funicular line and is the only one that comes down right into the town. Ski passes for the Hrebienok ski area are also valid in the Štrbské Pleso and Tatranská Lomnica ski areas. Since the 2006/2007 season, besides the local pass, Starý Smokovec has also accepted the Slovakia Ski Region ski pass, shared by five top Slovak ski resorts (Jasná Nízke Tatry, Snowparadise Veľká Rača, PARK SNOW Donovaly, PARK SNOW Vysoké Tatry (Štrbské Pleso) and TLD, the Tatra cable car company: Tatranská Lomnica, Starý Smokovec, Liptovská Teplička). The top station of the Hrebienok funicular is a good starting point not only for downhill skiers but also for ski mountaineers heading for the Malá and Veľká Studená dolina valleys, and for walkers making for the Studenovodské vodopády waterfalls. Near the hotels of Starý Smokovec (though already in Nový Smokovec) is the Jakubkova lúka ski area, with two pistes (blue and red), two lifts and snowmaking. It is suitable for beginners and intermediates. On the way out of Smokovec towards Poprad, in Dolný Smokovec, is the small and usually uncrowded Pod Lesom ski area with two short, easy pistes and two lifts. Cross-country skiers can use two maintained trails of 6 and 12 km towards Tatranská Lomnica. Besides skiing, the Smokovec area offers many other sports, including paragliding and ski-jöring, an interesting sport rooted in old Norwegian traditions in which you ski while being towed by a horse. From Smokovec you can go to Poprad, home to the AquaCity complex, or to the Tatralandia aquapark in Liptovský Mikuláš.