Jasna or Zakopane For Skiing

gleesonger

Hi myself and a few friends want to head off for a week some time in late jan or feb fro skiing. I had planned on going to Zakopane, but after a few searches some people suggest Jasna in Slovakia instead.

I doubt some of the girls going would like to just ski, so nightlife is just as important as the slopes.We would all be beginners.

Any thoughts?

flikflak

What are the ski schools like there? I would be checking out that there was adaquate English speaking instruction.

What is the snow record? Even though you are beginners you will probably be quite low down the mountain learning so check that out.

Are you taking a package or DIY?

If I were you I would go and get some tour ops brochures and have a look at their learn to ski packages. I am not usually an avocate of package hols and always go DIY myself but for beginners you can pick up some good learn to ski/board package prices in decent resorts. It takes a bit of the pressure off too when you have everything arranged for your first trip to the snow.

Also if you have non-skiers in the group what is there in the town/village for them to do? Are there any nearby cities/spas/pools etc to visit?

gleesonger

From what I've read, Jasna is better for snow and the runs themselves but that Zakopane might be better equipped for beginners and for the nightlife, so for the moment I'm swinging towards Zakopane.

Everything will be arranged by myself, it never even crossed my mind to go with a package. I've always seen travel companies as an unnecessary middle man.

flikflak

^ well yes they can be but for the learning packages there are some good deals.

How are you transferring from the airport - thats another consideration as a long transfer can be a killer.

gleesonger

I'm fine for accomodation\travel\gear\lift passes etc.

My only query is which is better for beginners who also want a good night life Jasna or Zakopane.

Mmmm_Lemony

For nightlife, zakopane, for skiing, jasna.

Somewhere in between for both parties would be spindleruv mlyn in czech republic. Just as cheap, and plenty to do for skiing and apres

gleesonger

Thanks, I had a look at all three locations, by the looks of it zakopane seems to be our best bet.

We are thinking of going early feb. I expect the snow to be at or close to its best then? I'm also hoping that it wont be as busy as the schools are back by then.

Thanks again.

Propa_Paul

having spent the last 6 years in this area, i can tell you;

Zakopane is a beginner resort and thats it - that doesnt mean that its great for beginners, just means there isnt much else. Nightlife is ok.

Jasna is a ski resort, it has everything people could want from perfect english instructors to varying slopes and the nightlife in Liptovsky Mikulas at weekends is very busy. Jasna has invested over 50 million € in the infrastructure and is now widely regarded as the main resort in central eastern europe.

http://www.skyscanner.net/news/articles/2010/11/008812-worlds-10-cheapest-ski-resorts-revealed.html

terencemc

Does anyone know if its difficult to get to jasna from bratislava or krakow by public transport

terencemc

actually how are you flying there?

Propa_Paul

From Bratislava transport is very easy. Train directly to Liptovsky Mikulas. From Krakow, its not easy at all/very long.

Ryanair fly from Dublin to Bratislava direct.

dario28

My Girlfriend and I went last year

Stayed here http://www.chaletslovakia.com/

Couldnt recommend it enough , the chalet was great Dan and Clare who run it are really nice, they drive ya everywhere, each night there is something different , like go karting , hot springs , we were unlucky with the snow for the first few days but there is a load of potential for the place espically with the back country in Jasna

rum and coke is about 65 cents , same for glass of wine , nightlife wouldnt be same as main Europe like Meribel but there are some good pubs and one or two clubs

Its perfect for a cheap week away

Getting there is dead handy , fly - train - then they collect you at the train station

Owen

Zakopane's my favourite place in the world. It's just gorgeous, but I wouldn't be wanting a wild nightlife there if I was you - it doesn't exist. You'll get traditional folk bands singing Goral mountain music wihch is neat if you're into that sort of thing, but otherwise you'd want to be going for somewhere more lively.

RATM

Having been to both I'd recommend Jasna anytime. Zakopane seems to me like a place where people go to see and be seen. Jasna is a proper ski resort with more modern lifts.

The fact that many serious Polish skiers and boarders hop on a bus in Krakow and go to Jasna in Slovakia (bypassing Zakopane) speaks volumes. As for nightlife then Jasna has it- not only is there a superb thermally heated natural spa there is tons of pubs and clubs open till late and for cheap. Jasna also has go-karting for dirt cheap at night and you can drink-drive as much as you like

Its also v.simple to get to Jasna from Bratislava- 3hrs on a direct train and a very cheap transfer IIRC, €12 each way.

gleesonger

Mmmm_Lemony wrote: »

For nightlife, zakopane, for skiing, jasna.

Somewhere in between for both parties would be spindleruv mlyn in czech republic. Just as cheap, and plenty to do for skiing and apres

A year late but we went to Zakopane, defintly see what you mean. Zakopane was brilliant for beginners but probably not great for those who want more.

Zakopane is very cheap, plenty of bars for food & drinks. For anyone else thinking of going, if you have a decent sized group (6+ ppl) then hiring private transport from the airport (Krakow) to the hotel is extreamly handly and well worth the extra few quid (its still pretty cheap).

@Mmmm_Lemony or anyone else whos been to spindleruv
Based on your suggestion I checked this place out and it seems perfect for us this year. We are only booking the accom now, and there ain't alot left so I'm thinking is it worth paying more and staying central or cheap out stay some where futher out? We will be in the pubs at night so I don't fancy a long walk back! I noticed in Zakopane that there are no taxis running is this also the case here?

hawkwind23

i went to Zakopane last year and we liked it so much we are going back this year.
all the group are beginners and its perfect for us.

we liked this slope http://www.discoverzakopane.com/szymoszkowa.html and had great fun spinning up and down , having a few beers and relaxing.

the area is very touristy but it didnt put us off , some great restaurants just off the main street and the walks along the mountains are something special.

this year we are bringing some more 1st timers and some kids and hope to try this mountain later in the week http://www.discoverzakopane.com/kasprowy_wierch.html

and hoping to get a day trip to Jasna.

i do agree that once quite good at skiing it would become unchallenging but its been perfect for us and we cant wait to go back

maybe next year we will return again but spend 3 days in Zakopane and 4 days Jasna.

anyone wants more information id be glad to try and help.