Winter trekking in High Tatra, what about accommodation?

Winter trekking in High Tatra, what about accommodation? - Scenic View of Mountains Against Sky

We're going to go for a hike to High Tatras in January. Should I be prepared for snow slides/avalanches in winter (and carry tools like shovel, emitter, ...)?

Are there any huts or shelters where we could spend a night? Also I would like to know about any offers for backpackers and trekkers in Slovak Tatras. If there is any special card (e.g. Hiking society card) which let you get some special offers on the accommodation?

Any information about mountain huts and useful links are welcome.



Best Answer

Accommodation

Yes, there are some accommodation options in the Tatras mountains. I do not know precisely where you want to go but you can check on Open Street Map if there are shelters on your way.

According to the Wikivoyage page for the Slovakian High Tatras, there are many huts but they commonly close for the winter. The linked website has a list of Chalets. You have to click on each link and then switch to English version (unless you read Slovak) to figure where it is and if it is open in winter.

Avalanches

Regarding the safety, as it seems pretty snowy, it is probably mandatory to be correctly equipped for any snow slides and avalanches. Maybe you have some resources from your local/national hiking association about that topic, the Polish Tatras national park website links some website on the topic (it is translated so not the best). There is a Wikipedia page on the topic.

Trails information

Also, many trails are closed for the winter. As there are no trails marked as open for trekking and hiking, I have no idea if they are all closed. Some are open to alpine and cross-country skiing.

I think these resources are a good starting point. You can find more information on the website of the Polish National park of the High Tatras. In particular they have reports on avalanche risks.

I would recommend you to browse these resources and search on the web for more (unfortunately most resources are in Polish or Slovak, but you can use translators like Google translate). It is very important to plan ahead your itinerary, to have a paper map (especially as in cold weather, the batteries of devices tend to last a shorter duration). According to these resources, winter trekking with stops in shelters are for experienced trekkers. Please be aware of the risks.




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Winter trekking in High Tatra, what about accommodation? - Exploration And Mountain Climbing
Winter trekking in High Tatra, what about accommodation? - Four People Above Snow-covered Mountain Top
Winter trekking in High Tatra, what about accommodation? - People Walking on Snowy Mountain



What is the landscape in the High Tatras like?

When we say High Tatras, we mean majestic peaks touching to the sky, dark turquoise mountain lakes of glacier origin, waterfalls, unique plants, rare animals like chamois (mountain goat) or marmot, exceptionally clean air and environment great for healing respiratory conditions.

What do you do in the High Tatra in the summer?

Even Lonely Planet recommends a summer in Slovakia's High Tatras
  • Hiking. ...
  • Romantic \u0160trbsk\xe9 Pleso. ...
  • Historic Star\xfd Smokovec. ...
  • Eventful Tatransk\xe1 Lomnica. ...
  • Poprad \u2013 Entrance gate to the High Tatras. ...
  • Former settlement of \u0160oldov \u2013 an atypical trip suggestion. ...
  • Important information! ...
  • TATRY CARD.


How long is the Tatra Mountains?

Tatra Mountains, also called High Tatras, Slovak Vysok\xe9 Tatry, Polish Tatry Wysokie, highest range of the Central Carpathians. The mountains rise steeply from a high plateau and extend for approximately 40 miles (64 km) along the Slovakian-Polish frontier, varying in width from 9 to 15 miles (14 to 24 km).



High-Tatras 2020 - Winter Hiking




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