Both villages sit on the edge of the Western Tatras, just a short way from the entrance to Roháčska dolina, so everything is close at hand. Snow usually stays from December to March. After a proper snowfall the valley goes quiet and looks like a postcard. Before you pack your skis, here are a few things worth knowing about the mountains in winter.
How to prepare for winter in the Roháče
Mountains in winter can be beautiful, but also unpredictable. Most problems can be solved at home, while packing and checking the forecast.
If you come by car, expect slippery roads in the morning. Winter tyres are compulsory when there is snow or ice on the road. At weekends and during holidays the car parks at the ski resorts fill up fast, so arrive early or leave the car at your accommodation and take the ski bus.
The weather in the mountains changes quickly, and on the ridges it is much windier than down in the village. If it turns bad, turn back. The mountains will still be here next week.
Skiing: Spálená and Janovky
Roháče-Spálená is the resort at the end of the valley, above Zverovka and below Salatín. A 1.5 km heated chairlift takes you up, while beginners and children have shorter drag lifts and a kids' lift. There is also a ski school and a rental shop. In the season a free ski bus usually runs from Zuberec and Habovka.
Janovky is right in Zuberec, at 750 to 1,000 m above sea level. It has 5.3 km of easy and intermediate slopes and 3 lifts, which makes it a good fit for families with children and for anyone still learning. The slopes are floodlit in the evening, so you can keep skiing after dark. There is also a ski and snowboard school.
Which one to choose? If you want longer runs and a view of the Roháče, go to Spálená. With small children or for your first days of the season, Janovky is the better choice. And if the weather lets you down in the morning, night skiing at Janovky will save the day.
The best snow is usually in the morning, right after grooming. If you are staying several days, compare the prices of one-day and multi-day ski passes. Opening hours, prices and snow conditions are on rohacespalena.sk and janovky.sk, rentals and ski schools in our Rentals section.
Cross-country skiing below the Roháče peaks
There are two good places for cross-country skiing nearby. Around Spálená there are about 11 km of groomed trails, and right in Zuberec, by Janovky, roughly 8 km. The Zuberec trails are easier, so they are a good place to start.
The tracks are only groomed when there is enough snow, so check the current conditions on the resorts' websites before you go. It is at its best on a clear morning after fresh snow, while the valley is still quiet.
Dress lighter than you would for downhill skiing, because you warm up fast on cross-country skis. Pack a warm layer for breaks and a thermos. You can also rent cross-country skis right in Zuberec.
Ski touring: mountains for the experienced
Ski touring in the Tatra National Park is only allowed in designated areas, from 15 December to 15 April, and only when there is enough snow. You may not go out into the terrain after dark. A popular route in the Roháče climbs from the bottom station of the Spálená chairlift all the way to Brestová. Janovky also has a marked route for ski tourers.
You need to register before your tour, for now through the Mountain Rescue Service app. You must carry avalanche gear (transceiver, shovel and probe), an ID and a valid mountaineering association membership card. The rules change from time to time, so check them before the season at tanap.sk.
If you are new to ski touring, go with a mountain guide or instructor the first time. Never go alone, and tell someone at home where you are going and when you will be back. When skinning up next to a piste, keep to the edge and follow the resort's instructions, especially in the evening when the snow groomers are out. And if conditions get worse, turn back. No tour is worth an unnecessary risk.
Evening: warm water at Meander
After a whole day in the snow, thermal water feels best. Meander Thermal Park in Oravice is just over the Borek pass from Zuberec and is open all year round. It has nine pools with water from 28 to 38 °C, including a 25-metre sports pool, relaxation pools, bubble baths and massage jets.
It is best in the evening, when steam rises from the water and it is freezing outside. Oravice also has a ski resort, so you can spend the whole day in one place. Pack your swimsuit, towel and flip-flops in the morning, and dry off properly before you go back outside. Check opening hours and prices at meanderoravice.sk.
When you'd rather stay in: wellness in Zuberec
Not every day is a mountain day. When it is windy, snowing or you are simply worn out, you can relax right in Zuberec. Penzión Josu is a few steps from the centre and has a pool, a hot tub, a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, an infrared sauna and massages. It is just the thing after a day of skiing, and you don't have to drive anywhere. It is best to book the wellness in advance.
A winter day in Zuberec and Habovka
If you have the experience and want more, swap the piste for a ski tour. Everything here is close, so the car can stay at your accommodation. More winter tips, rentals and restaurants are on visitrohace.sk.