Smokovec is the oldest ski resort in Slovakia. It is located in the High Tatras, at the foot of Slavkov Peak. Every year, this popular tourist center enjoys increased attention from winter sports enthusiasts who come here to ski and enjoy the magnificent mountain landscapes.

The resort is equipped with ski equipment and inventory rental points, and when purchasing a ski pass, guests are provided with various discounts. Those wishing to master the basics of alpine skiing can use the services of an experienced instructor. The maximum height difference on the slopes of Smokovec is about 700 meters, with the total length of the trails, including cross-country skiing sections, about 30 km.

Smokovec, Slovakia

A Brief History

Starý Smokovec

Under the southern slope of the massive Slavkov Shield lies the architecturally unique oldest settlement in the Tatras, Starý Smokovec. It was founded in 1793 near a mineral spring, which still releases its wealth from the bowels of the earth under the name “water” and refreshes tourists and guests of the mountains passing by. Over time, the settlement was rebuilt into an important tourist and medical center, and is currently also the administrative center of the High Tatras. The municipality and the municipal council are located here, as well as the Tatra Mountain Rescue Service. But let’s get back to what makes this settlement special. It is architecture! The dominant is the “Grandhotel” from the beginning of the 20th century, built in the Art Nouveau style, or the wooden chapel from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries designed by the famous Tatra architect Gideon Majunke. In addition to these gems, there are many, fortunately in most cases renovated villas with beautiful ornaments or wood carvings. There is also the Swiss House or the beautiful Villa Flora, where city exhibitions and other public events are held.

Starý Smokovec is the gateway to the Tatras, as well as a starting point for short and full-day excursions. For less experienced tourists, we recommend a hike to Hřebienok, either on foot or by funicular. From there, it is not far to the Studenovod Waterfalls (Studenovodské Waterfalls) and to the Rainer, Zamkivsky or Bilikov camp sites. For experienced tourists, the accessible valleys are: Mala Studena Dolina with the Teri camp site and Velka Studena Dolina with the Zbojnicka camp site. If you want to see a panoramic view of the entire Tatra region, you need to climb the former highest peak of the Tatras – Slavkovsky Shield (2452 m). In Starý Smokovec there are many restaurants, guesthouses, cafes and sports shops. In summer there is a bicycle and scooter rental, in winter there are ski and sledge equipment.

Nový Smokovec

From archaeological excavations it is known that about two kilometers to the southeast on the left bank of the Slavkov Stream the remains of ore smelting plants of the La Tène period (450/400 BC) were discovered, from this it follows that this area was inhabited long before the emergence of today’s settlement. It owes its existence primarily to the pure Alpine environment. And it is thanks to it that the settlement is called a medical one. The most famous climatic resort in Slovakia is located here, the basis of which were the sanatoriums of Dr. Mikulas Sontag for the treatment of tuberculosis. Later, medical institutions were added, as well as the modern medical institution “Palace”. In Novy Smokovec there is also a ski resort with less difficult terrain, which is primarily sought after by beginners or families with children. And there are many places to stay and eat here. In Novy Smokovec there is even a gas station for drivers.

Gorny Semakivtsi (Verkhny Smokovec)

A relatively young village began to develop in the 1930s. It arose from a group of small hostels, boarding houses, rest houses and shops. Gorny Semakivtsi soon became a popular starting point for tourism, and it has remained so to this day. Interestingly, the locals still call this place, or rather its western part, by its previous name “Piekna vyglidka” (Beautiful View).

Dolni Semakivtsi (Lower Smokovec)

A health resort specializing in childhood tuberculosis and upper respiratory tract diseases, the history of which dates back to 1881, when the Kežmarok teacher Josef Bogusz tried to build an inexpensive hostel for tourists near Stary Smokovec. Due to the lack of finances, the fate of this hostel changed. The construction passed into the hands of the Kežmarok Banking Company, which created a resort building for the Hungarian aristocracy from the building under construction. Later, it participated in the development of this settlement. It built a hotel and a wooden chapel, the designer of which was none other than Gideon Majunke. During the First World War, a military medical institution was built here, which after the war was transformed into a hospital for tuberculosis children. Today it is called the “Srobar Institute” – after the famous Slovak doctor, professor and politician.

Now this ski resort is known not only in Slovakia, but also in Europe, annually gathering thousands of ski enthusiasts from different countries.

Climate

Weather conditions in the Smokovec resort are quite attractive for skiing. From November to February, the average air temperature here is about +1 degrees, and skiing is very pleasant, especially on clear sunny days. In spring, the thermometer gradually rises and by April the temperature can reach +10. Natural snow lasts throughout the season, which starts in December and ends in April. During periods of its shortage, snow cannons come into play, which maintain the required thickness of the snow cover.

How to get there

The international airport near the city of Poprad is located just 12 km from the resort and you can get from it to the ski center in just 5-10 minutes by bus or taxi. Transport runs in this direction regularly, so tourists do not have problems with transfers.

Ski slopes

The ski complex is formed from several villages at once, located at different altitudes from 850 to 1,5 thousand meters above sea level, including Nový, Starý, Gorsky and Dolynný Smokovec. All of them have skiing areas of varying difficulty, connected by a cable car and united into a single resort.

Stary Smokovec is recommended for family holidays, having at its disposal mainly easy slopes. At the same time, experts in alpine skiing may like the slalom track Horna Luka and the steep slopes of the peak of Hrebienok. The sledge track Stary Smokovec – Hrebienok mountain – for those who do not feel quite confident on alpine skiing. Both children and adults get pleasure, everyone screams on the steep turns equally. Adults remember their childhood years and famously steer with their heels on the sharp turns. The impression is unforgettable. This sledge track stretches for almost 2 kilometers. Sled rental (wooden, light, durable and comfortable) is nearby (a passport is required as a deposit). There is a funicular to the top of the mountain. You can, of course, also walk (about 45 minutes). The toboggan run is as wide as a regular highway (this run is used as a regular road at night and in the summer – to deliver products to the hotel located at the top of the mountain).

Novy Smokovec also has a whole list of easy descents, concentrated on Yakubova Luka, at an altitude of over 1100 meters.

Mountain Smokovec boasts a slope located above the Bellevue Hotel, recommended for experienced skiers.

The complex also has areas for snowboarding, cross-country skiing and other winter sports.

Where to stay

For guests of the Smokovec tourist center, cozy and comfortable hotels and cottages are equipped, offering quite affordable prices for accommodation.

Penzión Sibír 3 stars

The family-run Sibir Guesthouse is located just 200 metres from the Jakubkova Luka Ski Resort in Vysoké Tatry, in the High Tatras National Park. It offers breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Stary Smokovec is a 1-minute drive away.

The country-style rooms feature a TV and a bathroom. Most have a balcony.

Guests staying for 3 nights or more receive a Tatra Card. It entitles them to a free shuttle to nearby ski resorts. Guests also receive a 10% discount at a nearby restaurant.

The Hřebíňok Cable Car, the Tatra Train Station and a grocery store are within 1 km of the guest house. Tatranská Lomnica Ski Resort is a 10-minute drive away. Free parking is available on site.

Hotel Avalanche 3-star hotel

Hotel Avalanche is located in a picturesque town of adole, right at the foot of the highest peak of the Tatra Mountains, the Gerlachovsky Peak. Guests can visit the hotel’s own wellness centre or go skiing in the Lučivna resort, 4 km away, and other nearby ski resorts. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

All modern and comfortable rooms at the hotel are equipped with an LCD TV, a safe and a radio. Most rooms have a south-facing balcony with panoramic views of the Low Tatras or the High Tatras.

The hotel’s modernly decorated restaurant serves Slovak cuisine, while the bar offers a wide selection of Slovak and imported wines.

The Avalanche’s wellness centre features various types of saunas, a hot tub and a hydromassage cabin. Massage treatments are also available upon request. From early May to late September, guests can swim in the heated outdoor pool. The hotel also features a children’s corner and an outdoor playground.

Hotel Apartmanový Dom TatraTravel Smokovec

On the territory of a unique nature reserve, the comfortable Apartmanový Dom TatraTravel Smokovec hotel is located, it is ideal for lovers of nature and active recreation. The hotel provides its customers with fully equipped apartments with beautiful natural wood trim, as well as a large surrounding area. In the warmer months, the hotel’s young guests have access to outdoor playgrounds and a fully equipped barbecue area.

Hotel Grandhotel Starý Smokovec

Many hotels in the resort have been welcoming guests for more than a decade, and the popular Grandhotel Starý Smokovec is located in a beautiful old building. It is one of the most prestigious establishments in the resort and transports guests to an atmosphere of refined luxury. The hotel welcomed its first guests more than a hundred years ago. In addition to rooms decorated in the style of past centuries, guests have access to a large-scale spa, which has a beautiful swimming pool and hot tubs, as well as several types of saunas. The hotel has one of the most popular restaurants in the resort, where you can try game and fish specialties prepared according to old recipes, as well as delicious pastries.

Grand Hotel Bellevue

For travelers who prefer modern hotels, we can recommend Grand Hotel Bellevue. It occupies a large-scale modern building and is distinguished by a developed infrastructure, the hotel guests are provided with two restaurants and a stylish nightclub. Fans of sports entertainment will be able to organize interesting leisure activities not only outside the hotel, but also within its walls. Grand Hotel Bellevue has an excellent gym, a small bowling center and a billiards hall, as well as rooms for playing squash and table tennis. For younger guests, the hotel has a games room, so you can relax comfortably with the whole family.

The nearest bus stop is located 40 meters away. The ski resort Štrbske Pleso is located 12 km away. Guests can leave their cars free of charge in the parking lot with video surveillance on the hotel’s territory.

Sights and entertainment

In the immediate vicinity of Smokovec there are majestic waterfalls, mountain lakes, picturesque valleys and mysterious gorges, which personify the nature of Slovakia. An excursion to these places allows you to get a complete idea of the natural wealth of the region.

In Starý Smokovec, ancient wooden buildings from the 19th century attract attention, and Gorsky Smokovec boasts a beautiful Tatra Gallery. 20 km from the resort is the pretty town of Vrbov, with its thermal pools. Also, it is worth visiting the Beljanská Cave and the 13th-century Spiš Castle. In terms of entertainment, guests of the ski center have the opportunity to visit the swimming pool, go to the sauna, go ice skating or snowmobiling, taste national dishes in local restaurants or go to the Albaz disco with a laser show, at the same time looking into the cinema or playing bowling. Thrill seekers can try their hand at paragliding.

Кухня

У ресторанах, кафе і закусочних Смоковця до послуг відвідувачів найрізноманітніші страви на будь-який смак. М’ясо, овочі, риба, напої та солодощі, є невід’ємною складовою будь-якого меню.

Неодмінно варто спробувати напої словацького виробництва.

Шопінг

У магазинах і торгових лавках курорту гостям пропонується придбати різні товари та пам’ятні сувеніри.

Незважаючи на популярність, Смоковець не можна віднести до провідних, розкручених європейських гірськолижних центрів, що багато в чому і визначає його індивідуальність.Тут створені відмінні умови для занять спортом, а м’який клімат і дуже гарні природні ландшафти, в поєднанні з гостинною і відокремленою атмосферою, тільки сприяють приємному проведенню часу на схилах Високих Татр і отримання позитивних емоцій від катання на гірських лижах.