Spectacular snow-sports in Slovakia

With 200 million Euros of Olympic investment, extended ski runs for 2008 and the first five star hotel opening in the High Tatra mountains, Slovakia is rapidly nipping at the heels of more established eastern European ski regions as an alternative to the crowded slopes of the Alps.

Its fairytale resorts in spellbinding settings won’t remain secret for much longer, and UK-based Slovakian winter sports specialist, Mountain Paradise (mountainparadise.co.uk ), is already taking bookings for its winter 2008/2009 packages from savvy skiers and snowboarders wanting to take advantage of the bargain prices while they last.

Mountain Paradise is the only ATOL bonded operator specialising solely in the Tatra mountains of Slovakia, providing snowsports fans with the inside track on the best accommodation, downhill runs, empty slopes and options to explore off piste. Its customers return year on year, taking advantage of the company’s complete skiing, snowboarding and winter adventure packages.

The spectacular peaks of the Tatra Mountains cater for all levels of skier and snowboarder, with reliable snow from as early as November. The high Tatras are ideal for beginners and intermediates, while the low Tatras, which have recently linked ski lifts from Chopok North and Chopok South, offer fabulous freestyle and off piste skiing and snowboarding for those with more experience.

But skiing and snowboarding are not the Tatras’ only attractions: winter sports fans can try sledging, night skiing, ice skating, snow tubing and snow scooters. Visitors can also take in the Demanova ice caves or plunge into the hot springs found all along the valley. And wildlife enthusiasts may even catch a glimpse of the bears, lynx and wolves still found in the region.

Matt Jevons, Mountain Paradise director, says: “Slovakia’s winter wonderland is starting to welcome visitors from all over the world, and once it plays host to the Winter Deaf Olympics in 2011 it will be on the map as a world-class snowsports destination. Until then, we can show our customers the secret jewels in Slovakia’s snowy crown.”

Mountain Paradise combines flights, accommodation and either a full ski or snowboard package into one deal. All levels of experience are catered for, and the company can arrange skiing and snowboarding tuition with English speaking instructors. Accommodation comprises a range of villas, chalets, luxury apartments and hotels, with the first five star hotel in the High Tatras, the Kempinski, opening in October 2008, ready for the winter season.

Budget ski packages start from just £325, including return flights from the UK, return transfers and seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast and ski pass. Luxury four star packages start from £499.

Flights are now available from Luton and Manchester direct to Poprad and Kosice, with the three main ski resorts, Strbske Pleso, Stary Smokovec and Tatranska Lomnica, all easily accessible by electric train.