Ski mountaineering in Turkey

The Turiec region, the main centre of which is the town of Martin, offers a wide range of activities for winter sports enthusiasts. The Turčianska basin is surrounded by the important mountain ranges of Veľká Fatra and Malá Fatra. The Little Fatra has two parts Kriváňská and Lúčanská.

Ski mountaineering, in short skialp, is a winter sport that is performed outdoors, mainly in the mountains. Its lighter forms, such as skituring, are also commonly practiced in ski resorts. However, each ski resort has specific rules for the practice of ski touring, and these must be followed. In Turkey, you can do skituring in the ski resorts Jasenská dolina, Snowland Valča and Martinky na Martinských holiach.

Also popular are the ascents to the mountain huts, which are among the moderately demanding skialp ascents. In Turiec, one of the most popular skialp tours is the ascent to Chata pod Chlebom 1415 m above sea level. The ideal starting point is at Trusalova or Šútov. The ascent to Chata pod Kľačianská Magura 1140 m above sea level is also one of the most popular, even though the ascent is a bit steeper. The beginning of the hike is in Turčianske Kľačany. Both chalets are located in the Kriváň part of Mala Fatra. Then it is a hike to Martinské Hole, which is located in the Lúčanská part of the Little Fatra. There are several mountain chalets, but the highest is the Javorina Chalet 1412 m above sea level. The beginning is in the part of Stráne, directly in Martin. In Veľká Fatra is a popular hike to the Chata pod Borišovom 1260 m above sea level with the beginning at the Chata Havranovo in the Belianska valley.

The hikes to the Fatra peaks are a bit more demanding. In the Kriváň part of Mala Fatra the most popular are the ascents to the highest peaks, especially Veľký Kriváň 1709 m above sea level and Chleb 1646 m above sea level. These peaks are usually ascended from Chata pod Chlebom, or from Trusalova or Šútov. Malý Kriváň 1671 m above sea level is ascended from the Sučianska valley. The peak Suchý 1468 m above sea level is usually ascended from the Chata pod Kľačianská Magurou. The ridge hike along these peaks is also popular. However, it is already a difficult hike.

In the Lúčanská part of Mala Fatra the most popular ascents include Minčol 1364 m above sea level, Krížava 1445 m above sea level, Veľká Lúka 1476 m above sea level and Veterné 1442 m above sea level. The beginning is ideal at Martinské holy, 1260 m above sea level, where it is also possible to get there by car. The ridge hike on these peaks is less demanding than the ridge hike in the Kriváň part of Mala Fatra.

In Veľká Fatra, the popular skialp destinations from Truc include mainly the peaks Borišov 1510 m above sea level and Ploská 1532 m above sea level. The ideal starting point for these peaks is at the Chalet pod Borišov. The most popular, however, is the ascent to the peak Lysec 1381 m above sea level with the start in the Jasna valley at the Lysec Chalet. Among the more difficult ascents is the climb to Kľak 1394 m above sea level with the beginning in the village Podhradie.

However, it should not be forgotten that in addition to climbing to the hut or the summit, you also need to get down. And thus to ski in untreated snow, which quickly changes its properties and it may happen that skiing down from the summit will be more difficult than climbing up to it. Attention should be paid to the weather forecast, mountain service warnings and especially the avalanche forecast. It is ideal to hike in a group and to be equipped with avalanche equipment (avalanche device, shovel and probe). Choose your hike according to the current weather and conditions and don't forget to have a plan B for when the weather gets worse. Coming back from a hike alive and well is more than climbing to the top and tempting fate.

When ski touring, it is important to respect the rules in the specific area, e.g. the visitor regulations, and it is also necessary to respect the surrounding nature and not to destroy it.

If you do not dare to hike, contact a certified UIMLA mountain guide who will plan the hike for you, or choose a suitable destination ideal for you, teach you a lot and you will enjoy the skialp hike to the fullest.

We wish you many happy returns from your hikes.

If you are interested in ordering the services of a UIMLA mountain guide, please contact:

CK OUTDOOR TOUR
ck@outdoortour.sk
www.outdoortour.sk