Ready for Winter: The Best Domestic Ski Slopes

Although there are no really high mountains in Hungary, thanks to increasingly advanced snowmaking systems (and the occasional snowy weather), there are more and more winter days to enjoy forms of skiing, snowboarding, or sledding on the slopes in Hungary, reports Világgazdaság.

As József Fürstner, President of the Hungarian Ski Association, has previously stated, domestic ski slopes have generally been equipped with snow cannons until the beginning of April in recent years. If the temperature drops below plus 8-9 degrees Celsius at night, these modern technical devices can provide adequate snow, but rain is the great enemy of ski slopes, as it can melt the snow.

In the last few days, there has been a surprising amount of snowfall in Hungary, and the domestic ski slopes have opened.

In terms of prices, it is better to go on weekdays, but there are also a number of discounts available on the weekends. It is worth checking the current snow conditions before going, though the condition of the slopes can vary during the day depending on the weather.

Eplény – SiArena Vibe Park (western Hungary)

The Eplény ski resort – the largest and most modern in the country – is a four-seasonal operation, with 16 ski slopes, lifts, slalom slopes, and a constantly renewed gastronomic experience for skiers and snowboarders. Eplény has more than seven kilometers of slopes, four kilometers of which are blue-marked and can be used after dark.

• Adult day ticket: HUF 13,600 (EUR 36)
• Student/senior: HUF 11,600 (EUR 30)
• Child: HUF 9,700 (EUR 26)

Mátraszentistván Ski Park (northern Hungary)

Mátraszentistván, with its alpine atmosphere and varied slopes, is a real family ski resort with an instruction park and night skiing; beginners and advanced skiers alike will find snowy fun to their liking. The average snow thickness is 30-80 cm.

• Adult day ticket (12.18 – 12.23): HUF 10,500 (EUR 28)
• Adult day ticket (12.26 – 03.07): HUF 13,500 (EUR 36)
• Student/senior: HUF 8,000/11,000 (EUR 21/29)
• Child: HUF 7,000/9,000 (EUR 18/24)
• Free under 6 years

Sátoraljaújhely – Zemplén Adventure Park (northeastern Hungary)

The snow-covered slopes of the adventure park feature three ski lifts, as well as a 120-meter-long and a 50-meter-long moving carpet. There is also an ice rink here, and a climbing wall.

• Adult day ticket is HUF 5,990 (EUR 16)
• Student/senior: HUF 5,490 (EUR 14)
• child: HUF 4,490 (EUR 12)
• Free under 6 years

Visegrád – Nagyvillám (central Hungary)

With four slopes of varying difficulty, Nagyvillám is a favorite with skiers because of its beautiful location. The slope offers beautiful views of the Visegrád Citadel and the Danube. It is perfect for beginners, as it has a gentle slope, but dynamic skiers also like it because it is wide enough to practice on.

• Adult day ticket: HUF 9,700 (EUR 26)
• Student/senior: HUF 8,500 (EUR 22)
• Child: HUF 7,400 (EUR 19)

Budapest – Normafa Park

A favorite hiking spot for Budapesters in all seasons is Normafa, located on Sváb Hill. The Vasas Ski House here was renovated in 2022, and the (snowmobile) cross-country ski run and nearby toboggan run were completed  and are free to use. The lighting is not yet working on the track, hence depending on the time of day, cross-country skiers will need a headlamp. Last week’s heavy snowfall made the cross-country skiing trail perfectly usable, and the sledding run was so popular that it caused traffic problems on the packed Normafa.

Via Világgazdaság; Featured image via Facebook/Sípark Mátraszentistván