The snow crunches under us! 5 domestic ski slopes for beginners and advanced skiers

Winter sports enthusiasts don’t necessarily have to travel abroad for an active holiday. We also have ideal ski resorts in our own mountains, with slopes that approach the standards of European high mountain ski resorts, for beginners and those who enjoy skiing at a different level. We have collected 5 promising ski slopes from among them.

In the southern part of the Bakony Mountains, halfway between Veszprém and Zirc, you will find one of the most important and best equipped ski resorts in Hungary. Eplény offers a very wide range of terrain for a very wide community on its 7.9 kilometre system of trails, from complete beginners’ trails, through advanced slopes, to steep and challenging trails for the really experienced. Thanks to modern snow guns and snow-making equipment, the season here is long even in milder winters. Sports can also be played after dark, as the arena has more than 4 kilometres of floodlit tracks. Among the ski lifts in the track system is Hungary’s first four-seater ski lift. There is a ski and snowboard school for beginners and equipment hire is available, as well.

The almost 10 hectare ski park in Mátraszentistván is an ideal choice if you are coming with the family, as from the little ones’ ski area to the steep slopes of the big ones, you can hope to find the right terrain, instruction and equipment for everyone – which is also available for hire. The lifts include disk lifts, pickaxe lifts and chair lifts, and for the non-skiers, the snowtubing slope is a real treat. The trails, which run in a beautiful forest setting, are still busy at night, with regular evening gliding on the floodlit terrain and festivals. Refreshment and warmth are offered in alpine-style huts.

Hungary’s highest point, the 1014-metre-high Kékestető, is the cradle of winter sports in Hungary and one of the oldest ski centres. The south trail, which ends at the Veronika meadow, is ideal for families, while the legendary north trail is a steeper ski area for the more experienced. The southern slope is floodlit along its entire length and night gliding is organised several times a week. The northern slope, however, can only be used when snow conditions are good, as snowmaking is prohibited on this side for environmental reasons. Equipment can also be rented here, and huts can be found at several points along the trail. But the best panoramic views can be enjoyed during a visit to the TV tower in Kékes, or from a hot drink in its café.

Because of its relative proximity to the capital and its peaceful atmosphere, the Dobogókő ski slope has been popular with the inhabitants of Budapest since 1923. The upper part of track 1 is only recommended for more experienced riders, while the lower part is ideal for beginners. With good snow conditions, it is usually possible to ski here from morning to afternoon, and the 624-metre-long ski lift with a disk lift helps you get up the slope. For a culinary experience, the restaurant designed by Imre Makovecz is also worth a visit.

Although it is recommended for beginners due to its low altitude, gentle slope and width, it is still worth a try for its unique panorama. From the top of the hill, you can admire the Danube canyon, and from the bottom of the track, you can see the Citadel. In case of unfavourable snow conditions, artificial snowmaking ensures smooth sliding. If you don’t like skiing/snowboarding, you can also enjoy the bobsleigh and sled track.