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Do you like ski touring? Then grab your touring skis and join the Gopass Skialp Challenge.
In the Jasná and Štrbské Pleso resorts, you can participate in the so-called Gopass Skialp Challenge. Compare your performance with others! Just put your ski touring skins on, activate Gopass and climb one of the ski touring trails in resorts. We went to Jasná to see how the challenge works.
How does the Gopass Skialp Challenge work?
In Jasná and Štrbské Pleso, there are designated ski touring trails with Gopass Skialp Checkpoint devices. All you need is a Gopass Skialp Challenge ticket, which you can activate for free in your Gopass account. Then, when going up, scan your Gopass card at each checkpoint device. After completing the tour, you can check your performance statistics and compare them with others.
What should not be forgotten?
To participate in this challenge, you need to have your personal Gopass account. If you don’t have one, make sure to register first. It’s also important to have marketing communication enabled to receive an email with your performance statistics after completing the challenge. And off you go. Don’t forget to activate your ticket and scan it at all checkpoint devices along the ski touring trail.
And, of course, don’t forget the necessary ski touring gear. The advantage of touring on ski pistes is that you don’t need ice axes, crampons or avalanche gear. The basic ski touring gear consisting of touring skis, skins, boots and poles will be enough. And don’t forget to take a ski touring helmet to stay safe when skiing down.
What do the checkpoints look like and where are they located?
Before setting out, it’s good to check where the individual checkpoints are located. In the Jasná resort, they are situated on the ski touring trail running from the Lúčky chairlift station to Mt Chopok. There are a total of 4 checkpoints on this route. At Lúčky near the customer centre, then at the fence near the Habarka restaurant, the third checkpoint is at Luková near the entrance doors to the restaurant, and the last one is inside the upper cable car station building opposite the lift.
In Štrbské Pleso, there is only one official ski touring trail and there are only 2 checkpoints on it. The first one is at the beginning of the route down. The second one is in the area of Solisko near the 4-seater chairlift. The checkpoint device is a small box with the inscription: SKIALP CHECK POINT. Find it in individual locations, scan your Gopass card and keep walking.
Safety comes first
When walking up, stay on the edge of ski pistes. Follow the navigation ski touring signs and pay attention to safety so as not to endanger others or yourself. In places where you cross a ski piste, pay extra attention and watch out for the traffic on the piste. Follow the rules for ski tourers in Jasná and instructions in Štrbské Pleso.
In Tatranská Lomnica, pistes can be used from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. In Štrbské Pleso, pistes can be used from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (the last trip can begin at 7:00 pm). While cable cars are maintained and ski pistes are groomed for the winter season, ski tourers are forbidden to use ski pistes.
In Jasná, ski touring trails cannot be used before the cable cars are opened and after they are closed. Ski touring is allowed only while cable cars and lifts operate.
What to expect in Jasná?
You can surmount 1,050 altitude metres when ski touring. At the beginning of your trip, you’ll be surrounded by the peaks of the Low Tatras. Especially the rocky walls of Mt Pusté and the majestic summit of Mt Siná. And then on the way up, you’ll gradually enjoy views of the High Tatras and the Chočské vrchy Mts. with the majestic peak of Mt Veľký Choč.
After surmounting Mt Chopok, you can recharge your batteries in the Rotunda restaurant. Its terrace offers panoramic views of the Low Tatras ridge. In good weather, you’ll have a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains.
If you’re still up for it, feel free to climb, without skis, to the summit of Mt Chopok (2,024 metres above sea level). You’ll be rewarded for your effort not only with breathtaking views. But, of course, with the coveted downhill on your skis.
What can you find in the Gopass Skialp Challenge statistics?
After your performance, just wait for the statistics to be sent to your email. You’ll find an overview of your achievements – the ascent time and altitude metres made on that day, as well as the total altitude metres made in the season and your overall ranking in the ski touring leaderboard. It’s up to you whether you’ll try to surpass other ski tourers next time or challenge yourself. 🙂
For more useful information about the Gopass Skialp Challenge, please visit the Gopass website.
This article has been created in cooperation with MTHIKER.sk, where you can find everything about ski touring and other outdoor activities, as well as other inspirational content.
