Tatra Winter Family Activity Week

The trip starts today in the Tatras resort town of Smokovec popular for
skiing and hiking.Hotel Villa Siesta

After breakfast we have a short transfer to the Goral village of Zdiar.
Starting at the Strednica ski centre we follow the ridge of Spisska Magura
Mountain all the way to the Bachledova valley. On the way there are some
lovely views over the ridges of the Belianske Tatras. The terrain will be
relatively easy. Some of these routes were used long ago by local smugglers
to bring goods either from Poland to Slovakia or the other way around.Hotel
Villa Siesta

Today begins with a trip on the local Tatra train up to Strbske Pleso Lake
(1361m) framed by the white peaks of the surrounding mountains. This is one
of the most popular areas in the whole of the Tatras for winter sports and we
will receive instruction from the leader before heading out across the frozen
lake to try our skills (located close to a stadium and groomed tracks). As a
sport, cross-country skiing is one of the most complete workouts, as its
motions use every major muscle group. The skis are long and thin, the toe of
the skier's footwear is attached to the ski with a binding, while the heel
remains free. This area is great for beginner and intermediate cross-country
skiers, and lunch can be taken at one of the restaurants on the bank.Hotel
Villa Siesta

After breakfast, transfer to the Tatra Mountains. Location will be chosen by
the dog sledding team according to which area offers the best conditions.
High snow-covered meadows provide the perfect terrain for dogsledding. It’s
here that skilled mushers will show you how to work the dog sled, before its
time to have a go yourself. Dogsledding is great fun for parents and kids –
and it’ll give everyone exciting stories to tell their friends!Later today,
we visit thermal pools in Besenova, surroundind by the peaks of the Tatras.
There are both indoor and outdoor pools, which provide relaxation for the
grown-ups and something fun for the kids, too. Why not also find time for
saunas, Jacuzzis and a visit to the wellness centre (optional). Hotel Villa
Siesta

A short trip on the local train takes us to Tatranska Lomnica, one of the
best areas for downhill skiing in the country. Here you will find a number of
slopes to choose from. Our first stop is the rental shop to pick up skis or a
board. The day is then ours to enjoy. For those looking for a relaxing break
there is the option to take the cable car to the second highest peak in the
whole of Slovakia, the Lomnicky Peak and enjoy the amazing views from the
highest Slovakian bar at 2634 m.Hotel Villa Siesta

We have a free day to choose from the many activities available in the Tatra
Mountains region. These include all of the activities we have tried during
the week, as well as snow tubing, and ice skating. There is also the
beautiful Belianska Cave near Zdiar with waterfalls, pagoda-shaped
stalagmites and numerous little lakes. The Tatra town of Poprad is also
reachable in a day. Your leader will of course be on hand for advice.Hotel
Villa Siesta

Today we hop on the cable car up to Hrebienok above Smokovec to see some
winter ice sculptures and take a short walk to Rainerova hut. And of course
the view from the cable car on the way up gives us the opportunity for a
bird’s eye view of our base.We then will visit a local museum in Zdiar to
learn about the traditional weddings of the Goral people with the option to
wear 'KROJ' traditional local costume that people used to wear at weddings.
In the afternoon we will jump on the sleigh pulled by a hardy pair of horses
and go on a tour around the village, offering views of the surrounding
mountain peaks and folk architecture of the village of Zdiar along the way.
Horse keepers will make a warming picnic lunch, grilling sausages on an open
fire in the Slovak style, as well as hot tea and hot wine and some snacks for
us at their shelter in the nearby forest.Hotel Villa Siesta

The trip ends today in Smokovec, Tatras Mountains.Hotel Villa Siesta