Bratislava and Jasná Nízke Tatry

A solid option for a 4+ day ski trip from Berlin. We tested it in 2017 by going to Jasná Nízke Tatry via Bratislava.

Ski resorts

Jasná is the most popular of all ski resorts in Slovakia.
It’s nice and comparatively inexpensive; and it has great backcountry potential when the snow conditions are good!
Resort website: http://www.jasna.sk/

Getting from Berlin to Bratislava to Jasná

First of all, to get from Berlin to Bratislava we recommend the inexpensive EuroNight direct train, final destination Budapest. Check the Deutsche Bahn website for details, and remember to book in advance to get the comfy sleeping berth.

Next point of your journey is the town of Liptovský Mikuláš, 286 km away from Bratislava.
There is a choice of several direct IC and R trains per day, and the whole trip takes about 3-3.5 hours.
You can book the tickets on Slovak Rail website: http://www.slovakrail.sk/en.html

You can find accomodation either in Liptovský Mikuláš (cheaper) or near Jasná itself.

To get from Liptovský Mikuláš to the slopes you’ll need to take a taxi (20-25 minutes’ drive) or a bus. In winter there is a ski bus, free for the resort/region card holders.

Another option of getting from Bratislava to Jasna ski resort would be driving a rental car. This way, you’ll also solve the problem of local transportation.

Approximate budget

• Train tickets, €120 return trip
• Skipass, €30/day
• Accommodation, from €30/day

More info

Tip: if you choose the EuroNight train, do pay attention when the train conductor explains the safety rules. This is the only train on Earth (so far) where someone managed to steal our cash 🙂

In Jasná, if you’re willing to walk along the ridge from Chopok towards Ďumbier peak, you’ll find nice backcountry for any level even in spring and meet lots of wildlife, especially Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica.

Some downsides: local transport is underdeveloped. Mikuláš is far from the slopes, spending 30 minutes each way in a crowded ski bus wasn’t too great.