Skiing in Hungary: it is possible, we show you the options

The topography of Hungary does not allow to establish world-class ski resorts - nevertheless, there are a few possibilities for skiing and snowboarding in our country. Cross-country skiers also have the opportunity to exercise their sport as there are some tracks available for them as well. We show you the options below.

Mátraszentistván Sípark

The Mátraszentistván Ski Park is located in the Upper Mátra, in the highest mountain range in the country, 6 km from Galyatető and barely 100 km from Budapest. The six trails have a total length of 4,300 meters and cover more than 9 hectares of mountain meadows.

The advantageous microclimate of the ski park, the slopes overlooking the Tatras are covered with artificial snow, provide a comfortable and safe skiing and snowboarding experience till early/mid-March.

Since the Ski Park has been developed every year, the snow production capacity is constantly expanding. Three reservoir can supply the water needs of the snow canons throughout the winter season.

A four-seater chair lift next to the 2nd track has been completed for the 2017/18 season. More T-bar lifts and a babylift helps the skiers with their op-hill transport.

The ski slopes with night lighting run more than 1 km towards the valley, passing through a bridge.

From Siberian pine wood an alpine style ski hut was built in the Ski Park, which functions as a restaurant and serves international dishes.

Many attractions in the area, and the beautiful nature ensure recreational opportunities during the whole year.

Síaréna Vibe Park - Eplény

Due to the continuous improvements the ski resort in Eplény has outstanding facilities in Hungary. Thanks to the modern and efficient snow production capacity, the ski seasons can be lengthened even in the drier years.

There are opportunities for skiing and snowboarding from completely beginner tracks, through the advanced areas to extremely steep slopes. It is possible to ski in Eplény even after dark, as there are more than 4 kilometres of illuminated ski slopes in the Ski Arena.

Among the eight ski lifts operating in Eplény, we find Hungary's first four-seater ski lift. For the 2017/18 season a two-seater lift was completed as well.

In addition, a ski and snowboard school and qualified instructors awaits those who want to learn. There is a rental shop, where equipment is available in a wide range of types and sizes.

There are several restaurants in the Ski Arena for hungry and thirsty guests. Those who come for several days can enjoy the varied accommodation offers in the area.

There is no possibility of sledding in the ski arena!

Eplény is located in the southern part of the Bakony, only 120 kilometers from Budapest (1,5-2 hours drive), halfway between Veszprém and Zirc, on a well-maintained road.

Visegrád

Nagyvillám ski resort in Visegrád is the most beautifully located resort, as it offers panoramic view to the Danube Bend and the Castle of Visegrád. Experienced skiers can have a little fun on the upper part of the slope, but this is rarely open, so Visegrad actually is a perfect place for beginners. Snow tubing and tobogganing are also allowed next to the slopes.

Ski rental, ski school and a cozy ski hut also can be found in the area. Not only in winter, but all year round there are many excursion opportunities nearby. The slope is only an hour drive away from Budapest. It is illuminated in the evening hours so it is is a good idea to go to ski after working hours. When snow conditions allow, the ski slopes on Visegrad are open until 9 p.m.

Sátoraljaújhely

It is located a little further from Budapest (approx. 260 km, 3 hours drive) in Northern Hungary. In suitable weather conditions 13 snow canons can prepare the slopes with artificial snow for a 1 km long run.

Ski rental facility, ski school, changing rooms, buffet can be found in the area and the first ski museum in the country also got a place here.

The ski resort operator company also operates an adventure park (name: Zemplén Kalandpark) here, which offers many challenging adventure element: zipline, adventure tracks, climbing wall, bob sleigh, snowtubing, playground and more outdoor activities.

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing is becoming more and more popular in Hungary. This sport has many benefits: we do not need to queue at the ski lift, it does not burden our knees and joints as much and it provides an all body workout. It is recommended for all ages and moreover it is bringing closer people to the nature. There are few opportunities to practice this outdoor activity in our county:

Galyatető cross-country skiing trails
The largest cross-country skiing center in Hungary, located in Galyatető 100 km far from Budapest, in Mátra hills. For beginners, it is possible to do the first laps in the cross-country "stadium" as well as on the football field. For more experienced cross-country skiers, there are many trails in the forest. Up and down movements can also be practiced on the tracks, as there is a slight elevation. The cross-country ski center in Galyateto has been the site of many amateur and professional cross-country and biathlon competitions in the past. You can find detailed map here!

Normafa
Normafa is the favorite excursion destination of people living in Budapest, since it is easily accessible with public transport. At the highest point of Szabadság Hill, at an altitude of 477 m, there is a very nice view of the city and the surrounding mountains.The spectacle, the good air, and the beauty of the forest attract many hikers and athletes (runners, cross-country skiers, cyclists, etc.) here in all season long.

In 2015, the renewal of Normafa park began. The promenade between Normafa street and the upper terminus of the Libegő has been rebuilt, with rest areas and new direction signs. The Anna-meadow playground has been completely renovated. Under the Vasas ski house, in the Szaniszló meadow, you can find cross-country ski runs with a total length of 14 km in case of suitable snow conditions.
Further development are expected in the area in the near future.

The Iron Curtain (in Hungarian: Vasfüggöny) cross-country skiing trails
It is located in the western part of the country, in the Sopron Mountains. The tracks got their name from the fact that the 3 highest tracks were marked (approx. 1.5 km long) on the line of the former iron border/iron curtain (which is the symbol of the division of Europe during the Cold War).

The trails have been designated to meet the requirements of winter cross-country skiing, but can also be used for Nordic walking in the snow-free months. There are some higher tracks that are relatively snow-safe. The aim of the operators was to establish continuous connection to the city of Sopron (with public transport and parking) starting point and destination. Most of the tracks can be used directly for Nordic walking, hence they are often visited by hikers as well.