Planning a winter holiday beneath Slovakia's highest peaks and can't decide where to ski? We've put together a practical High Tatras ski resorts comparison from a visitor's point of view: Tatranská Lomnica, Starý Smokovec and Štrbské Pleso. Each resort has its own atmosphere, a different character of slopes and suits a different type of skier. As a ski school we operate directly in two of these resorts, so we know from daily experience which resort fits which guest.
High Tatras ski resorts comparison at a glance
In a hurry? Here is the shortest possible summary:
- Tatranská Lomnica – the largest and best-known resort in the High Tatras, with a cable car heading towards Lomnický štít and terrain ranging from gentle slopes to demanding runs. The choice for sporty skiers and families who want everything in one place.
- Starý Smokovec – a calm resort with the gentle, safe Jakubkova lúka slope. Ideal for children, complete beginners and anyone who wants to learn without stress or crowds.
- Štrbské Pleso – a picturesque resort by a famous mountain lake, popular with families and cross-country skiers. We don't operate there, but it belongs in any fair comparison – for a certain type of visitor it's a great choice.
Tatranská Lomnica – the largest resort with views of Lomnický štít
Tatranská Lomnica is the heart of skiing in the High Tatras. You'll find the widest choice of pistes in the region here – from gentle slopes in the lower part of the resort, where beginners feel truly comfortable, to demanding runs in the higher sections that will delight experienced skiers. The resort's icon is the cable car heading up towards Lomnický štít, Slovakia's second-highest peak – even non-skiers come just for the views.
Who is Lomnica ideal for? Skiers who want to switch between different types of terrain in a single day, advanced skiers looking for long and steeper descents, and families who appreciate complete facilities – parking, restaurants, rental shops and ski schools in one place. The downside can be higher visitor numbers during holidays and weekends: if you can, come skiing on weekdays. You'll find more practical tips in our article Skiing in Tatranská Lomnica.
Our Premiere ski school is based right in the resort at Tatranská Lomnica 62, where you'll also find our ski and snowboard rental – we are an official Rossignol Test Centre, so you can ski on current models. A complete set costs from €24 per day.
Starý Smokovec – Jakubkova lúka, a haven for families and beginners
Starý Smokovec is a smaller, quieter resort with one huge advantage: the Jakubkova lúka slope. It is gentle, easy to read and safe – exactly what you need for your first turns. That's why we recommend it to children, complete beginners and anyone who wants to learn to ski in peace, away from busy pistes full of fast skiers. We've written up the details in Starý Smokovec – Jakubkova lúka.
A bonus of Starý Smokovec is the funicular to Hrebienok, home to a popular sledging run – a perfect afternoon plan once the kids have had enough skiing. Premiere operates on Jakubkova lúka right next to Hotel Atrium; a private lesson here costs from €44 for 60 minutes, and Hotel Atrium guests pay a reduced €37. If you're considering a ski course for the little ones, read our guide to Ski courses for children – we teach children from the age of 3, with a helmet included free of charge.
Štrbské Pleso – skiing with a view of the lake
To keep this comparison fair: our school does not operate at Štrbské Pleso, but it clearly belongs in any overview of High Tatras resorts. The resort sits by the famous mountain lake and attracts visitors above all with its atmosphere – snow-covered peaks, a frozen lake and a promenade around the water. The pistes here suit recreational skiers and families, and Štrbské Pleso is also a traditional stronghold of cross-country skiing – you'll find ski jumping hills here too.
Who should choose it? Visitors who want to combine easy-going skiing with walks and winter hiking, and cross-country skiers. If you're after a bigger choice of pistes or a private lesson with an instructor, it's worth moving over to Tatranská Lomnica or Starý Smokovec – the resorts are close to each other and easy to reach by the Tatra electric railway or by car.
Which resort should you choose? Recommendations by skier type
- Complete beginners and children: Starý Smokovec – Jakubkova lúka. A gentle slope, no crowds, facilities right by Hotel Atrium.
- Advanced and sporty skiers: Tatranská Lomnica. The longest and most demanding runs in the High Tatras, plus the views from Lomnický štít.
- Families with mixed abilities: Tatranská Lomnica – everyone finds their own slope and you meet up again for lunch.
- Cross-country skiers and romantics: Štrbské Pleso – the lake atmosphere and a long tradition of winter sports.
- Ski tourers: the High Tatras offer plenty of routes; you can rent Ski Trab touring gear at our rental shop in Lomnica.
Also weighing up the Low Tatras? Read our comparison Tatranská Lomnica vs Jasná.
Ski passes, rental and practical tips
All three resorts run under the shared GOPASS system, so you can arrange ski passes online at gopass.travel or via the resort website vt.sk – prices change with the season and date, so check them before you arrive. The season in the High Tatras usually lasts from December to March, and often until April at higher altitudes.
There's no need to bring your own gear: at our rental shop in Tatranská Lomnica you can hire a complete ski set from €24 per day, with children's sizes, snowboards and ski touring equipment from Rossignol, Ski Trab and Scott also available. The daily rate gets better with multi-day rentals.
Private lessons with Premiere – in Lomnica and Smokovec
If you head to Tatranská Lomnica or Starý Smokovec, we'll be happy to help you on the snow. Premiere Ski School & Rent teaches exclusively private lessons – no group classes, your instructor focuses only on you or your family. Ski and snowboard lessons are led by certified instructors (APUL) who speak English, Slovak, Czech and Polish. We have more than 30 instructors, over 20 years of experience and a 4.8★ Google rating from 216 reviews.
A private lesson costs from €44 for 60 minutes, the most popular 90-minute lesson is €63, and multi-day tuition earns you a discount: −5% for 3 days and −10% for 6 or more days. You'll find full prices in our price list and both locations with maps on our locations page. Book by phone on +421 911 561 561 – we're here for you daily from 8:00 to 21:00.
