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Weekend getaways, who doesn’t love them? A short break to switch off and reset from the everyday demands of the working week. And when a weekend away includes your favourite activity, a bit of wellness time and great food, we dare say no one will refuse.
More and more people are recognising the importance of looking after themselves, protecting their mental wellbeing and keeping a healthy work life balance. A weekend escape can easily become part of that balanced lifestyle: a moment just for you, a chance to recharge and genuinely “reset”.
Many ski resorts now offer seasonal packages combining hotel stays with ski passes or access to water parks and wellness centres. It’s entirely up to you how you build and plan your weekend micro adventure. All the information that you need can be found at gopass.travel.
A quick escape to the mountains: Skiing, wellness and great food
In today’s article, we’re highlighting several European ski resorts where you can create your own micro-adventure with a weekend getaway that includes gastronomy festivals or social events in the heart of the resorts.
Top ski destinations in Europe
Slovakia: Jasná, Low Tatras
A true classic star, Jasná is Slovakia’s largest ski resort. It offers the most extensive skiing experience in the country, with long pistes and the unique opportunity to ski on both sides of Mt Chopok – south and north. The iconic mountaintop Rotunda restaurant guarantees stunning views, including unforgettable sunsets.
Why choose Jasná?
- Freeride zones for adrenaline lovers.
- Iconic Rotunda restaurant with panoramic views.
- Attractive hotel packages thanks to Gopass.
- Option to combine skiing with a trip to the Bešeňová or Tatralandia water parks.
- Traditional Liptov specialities: bryndza (sheep cheese), žinčica (fermented sheep milk drink), halušky (potato gnocchi).
Czech Republic: Špindlerův Mlýn
One of the largest and most complete ski resorts in the Czech Republic, Špindlerův Mlýn is also easily accessible for international visitors – ideal for a weekend break.
What to expect?
- Kilometres of perfectly groomed pistes.
- Night skiing.
- Ski schools and rental shops.
- Events such as the Špindl Ski Opening and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- Traditional Czech cuisine: svíčková (beef sirloin with creamy vegetable sauce), vepřo-knedlo-zelo (roasted pork with yeast dumplings and sauerkraut).
Poland: Szczyrk
Nestled in the Silesian Beskids, Szczyrk is one of Poland’s biggest and most modern ski resorts. With wide, modern pistes, it offers ideal conditions for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Why is it worth a visit?
- Modern infrastructure.
- Concerts and events on the slopes.
- Lively town atmosphere, Christmas markets and street food.
- Local specialities to taste: oscypek (smoked sheep’s cheese), żurek (sour rye soup), bigos (hunter’s stew), grzane wino (mulled wine).
Austria: Muttereralm near Innsbruck
If you’d like to plan a weekend getaway that combines skiing with exploring a historic city, Muttereralm near Innsbruck is well worth considering. The resort sits just 10 kilometres from Innsbruck’s city centre and is even accessible by public transport. It’s a family-focused ski area where beginners and intermediate skiers will have plenty to enjoy.
Highlights:
- Beautiful Götzner run – regarded as one of Austria’s most scenic forest pistes.
- Family attractions and sledging runs.
- Seasonal events and winter openings.
- Austrian gastronomy: Kaspressknödel Suppe (cheese-and-herb dumpling served in hot beef broth), Tiroler Gröstl (pan-fried potatoes with onions and roasted pork and beef), Glühwein (mulled wine).
Austria: Bad Kleinkirchheim (Ski + Spa)
Bad Kleinkirchheim offers a truly unique experience, combining skiing with the soothing warmth of a thermal spa. The spa complex sits at the foot of ski pistes, so you won’t have to worry about logistics or transfers – everything is seamlessly connected.
What can you enjoy there?
- Direct access between the pistes and the spa.
- Architectural gems in Roman style at Thermal Römerbad, plus the family-friendly Therme St. Kathrein.
- World Cup piste named after Franz Klammer.
- Local specialities: Kärntner Kasnudeln (traditional Carinthian cheese-filled dumplings), Reindling (sweet festive cake with cinnamon and raisins), regional wines.
Italy: Val di Fassa (Dolomites)
What is it like to ski in one of the world’s leading mountain destinations? You’ll find out in Val di Fassa, set in the heart of the Italian Dolomites. This isn’t just one resort, but a vast area in the Trentino region, connecting several ski centres such as Canazei, Campitello, Pozza di Fassa and Vigo di Fassa.
What makes Val di Fassa special?
- Over 200 km of pistes.
- Dramatic Dolomite peaks, dominated by the Marmolada glacier, which can be skied down along the 12 km Bellunese run.
- Resorts including Canazei, Campitello, Pozza di Fassa and more.
- Italian cuisine: canederli (traditional bread dumplings), spezzatino (slow-cooked meat ragù), pasta (classic Italian pasta dishes), bombardino (popular hot drink with eggnog-style liqueur and whipped cream).
How to plan the perfect winter weekend
If you’re travelling as a family, you’ll appreciate the services offered by family-friendly resorts, where you can enjoy not only skiing but also amusing activities like sledging together. And don’t forget to taste traditional dishes and drinks – they’re an essential part of the experience. As the saying goes: “The way to the heart is through the stomach.”
This article has been created in cooperation with MTHIKER.sk.
