Internationale groepsreis Tatra Winter Activity Week

TATRA WINTER ACTIVITY WEEK

A great mix of activities in the snow which allows first timers to sample and see what is worth pursuing.A very comfortable, well located hotel , and a very conscientious and hard working guide. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Most times  in the minibus ,seeing the mix of trees covered in frost and snow, in the various lanscapes we passed through

What did you think of your group leader?

Very knowledgeable on environment / National Park issues, Slovakian history, well organised , kind and   very thoughtful . (Also  an expert on making a very rare Slovakian folk instrument, which he  played for us ) 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

All activities  are at  beginners  level, and there is no problem in opting out  at any point. The local tram service is  warm , clean and very good value

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great informal atmosphere in hotel, with helpful staff who all speak English. Unlikely to be a better mix of activities to sample the delights of  a winter  snow holiday, with thermal pool bathing, folk museum and sleigh rides too 

Tatra Winter Activity Week

The whole week was packed with activities which could be enjoyed by everyone, including complete beginners. To mention just a few, dog-sledding, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, tobogganing, We also enjoyed cultural visits to local museums and a mountain top ice chapel. The activities were moderately strenuous but no prior technical ability was needed.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I particularly enjoyed the dog-sledding. It was a beautiful setting in the mountains, with bright sunshine and blue skies. The dogs seem to enjoy running and we all felt the thrill of the ride.

What did you think of your group leader?

Peter was real gentleman. He did everything possible to give us a great time. Our days and evenings were full of fun. He gave us plenty of information for our day off and gave up his own time to take us out to the Belianska caves. I would rate Peter as an excellent leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We enjoyed very good food in a variety of restaurants. However, Slovakia does not really understand the concept of vegetarianism and there were limited options for non-meat eaters. You need to be quite fit for the activities. Regular hill walking or gym work is needed before tackling this amount of sport.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is an ideal holiday for anyone wanting to try out a range of activities. It gives you a chance to discover new skills and aptitudes. I may try out a summer activity week now.

A great week of snow fun!

A full itinerary of adventures. Great to have a go at everything and get a taster of each activity.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I really enjoyed snowboarding on the free day and sledge races down the ski slope.

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was really relaxed and went out of his way to look after everyone in the group and cater for everyone's needs.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a variety of clothes including full ski wear and warm waterproof gloves.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Food was excellent and fantastic value for money.

Tatra winter activity

Loved trying al the different sports and ways of getting around in the snow. Definitely the holiday for adults who want to get in touch with the child in them.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were so many more than one! Here's my top two... The Husky sledging on the top of the mountain with sparkling snow, clear blue skies, sunshine and dogs having fun, Truly memorable for feeling of enjoyment and amazing confidence and calmness. Skiing a black run in clear skies then going through the fog on blue artificial snow runs to get back to base. Feeling that I could do anything and handle with ease any situation I came across.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fabulous, flexible, beyond expectations and fascinating. Great stories, his depth of knowledge on so many different subjects is incredible. I learnt the benefits of waxing skiing and what to consider when applying the wax if I am ever involved in running an Olympic team! I loved learning from him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take waterproof boots for the snowshoeing. Waterproof outer jacket and trousers plus lots of thermal layers. Exercise before going, even if it is only spring cleaning the house as per BBC exercise routine!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Big thanks to Peter and our driver for taking us to Krakow earlier, it was a much better use of our time and great to see some culture. Peter's commentary and knowing where to show us was awesome. Avery talented man.

TATRA WINTER ACTIVITY WEEK

A brilliant holiday with a fantastic guide and good bunch of people (solo trip).  The accommodation (Penzion Michael) was modern, clean and comfortable with really good food.  All the activities were enjoyable and of a good length to get to grips with if a complete beginner, or simply to enjoy it if already capable.  The only reason I did not give the trip 5 stars is because we had a freak warm spell (around zero Celsius) which did impact on the holiday to some extent! This is the first holiday where by the end, I have actually not been content to leave for home.  I just wanted to stay there!  Overall, a really enjoyable trip that I would happily do again!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Our guide throughout the trip was fantastic and an inspiration when learning about the local area and country.  On the activities side I really enjoyed the snow-shoeing through the woodland, I could have easily made a whole day of that!  The downhill sledging, on what are essentially plastic tea trays, was also great fun, 'Just one more go!'  Then there was also the dog sledding where the dogs were really friendly.

What did you think of your group leader?

Outstanding.  Our guide, Peter, really went out of his way to help everyone with his friendly, polite and warm manner.  He is also incredibly knowledgeable about his country and the local area, as well as wider regions and topics.  Always fascinating to listen to and hear anecdotes and tales throughout the trip, I even stopped eating my dinner on several occasions to listen. I believe he is also a professional photographer and he took photos throughout the trip with brilliant results!  This really added to the trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I suggest taking a compact camera that you can use on the ski slopes and will fit inside a coat pocket. Take snack bars, such as fruit and nut bars, for when out on the activities. Beside learning a few Slovak words (please, thank you, yes, no, etc.) I would suggest either learning or taking a little booklet of words to help with food menus.  While our guide was really excellent in helping us decipher the menus (some were sort of in English), it was perhaps unfair on him when going round everyone helping out!  A few Polish food words would also be of use on the day visit to Poland. I suggest about €200 spending money. Clothing wise, it was a bit windy on a couple of days so a ski jacket that zips right up and with a close fitting hood would be good.  However, on the other days layering is needed (I got quite warm doing the cross-country skiing).  But then again, we did have a warm weather spell while we were there!  Sounds obvious but, I suggest taking gear for cold weather with items that can be taken off as required.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Everything seems very cheap in Slovakia.  Can typically get a full meal and drink in local places for €5-10.  The larger (more touristy) places were slightly more expensive, but still cheaper than the UK. The individual (not group) rate for ski lessons was also brilliant value, 12 euros for an hour and a half lesson, which were also far better lessons than the ones I had in the UK prior to departure!  After about 45 minutes, I think we had covered everything that my 3 hour lesson in the UK covered!!  (Prior to departure I had lessons with a well established UK wide indoor ski company). In total I spent about €200 euros while there, this included additional meals at the Penzion, eating out, two ski lessons (3 hours total), two day slope passes, Belinska Caves visit (nothing special), Thermal Pools (lovely), souvenirs, DVD and tips.

TATRA WINTER ACTIVITY WEEK

Another great winter activity holiday.  We were blessed with lots of snow, a great group and a good leader.  For the beginner it is an ideal holiday to try a little of each activity and then decide which activity you prefer before going the whole hog and booking a longer holiday with one activity, ie dog sledding.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I am not keen on skiing and haven't skied for 10 years, I had a refresher lesson (really cheap - about 12 euros for an hour and a half) and learnt so much that I enjoyed skiing for the first time and now wouldn't mind another holiday with a bit of skiing in it.  The huskies of course were exceptional, but having had two days solid of dog sledding in Sweden, it was over in a flash and you weren't really in control of your own team.  The horse sleigh ride with the barbeque at half way through was really good - the mulled wine flowed and the sausages, which you cook yourself, were very tasty.

What did you think of your group leader?

Peter was very good.  He could answer any of your questions and always put the group before himself.  Very organised and loved taking photographs.  He always ensured we were booked in for a meal in one of the many restaurants before he went home to his family and towards the end of the trip we sent him home early, rather than letting him wait until we got to the restaurant - we were quite capable of getting ourselves there on our own!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The food is really cheap compared with the UK and the potato pancakes are very tasty.  There is a mini market near the Pension so you can stock up on snack bars and alcohol.  Snack bars for the days out in the snow and alcohol for the evenings after you come back from your meal as there are no pubs.  The breakfasts were not that appetising, but ok if you like salami, processed meat and cheese!  Enjoy the sport and have a great time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We went in January and it was a bit weird to see all the houses still lit up for Christmas as this is celebrated until the end of January.  It snowed every day, which was great for the skiing, but a bit deep for the snow shoeing.  Nothing is too strenuous and of course if you want to dip out and do your own thing there is no problem with that.

TATRA WINTER ACTIVITY WEEK

Great for experiencing a variety of winter activities in one trip, also great to meet new like minded people.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was Peter and he was very good. He couldn't do enough for you and  his enthusiasm  for the activities rubs off on everyone.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

 Most restuarants are closed by 2130hrs and although the days are tiring, it's still too early for bed so make sure you take cards or a game that everyone can participate in, as there's next to nothing to do at night. It's also advisable, if you like alcohol, to pick some up from duty free or the airport.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go with an open mind and enjoy yourself to the max!!

TATRA WINTER ACTIVITY WEEK

Great opportunity to try out winter sports without needing any previous knowledge or experience. Lots of variety and good snow

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The dogs

What did you think of your group leader?

Peter was a fantastic guide. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he made the holiday special because of this.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take some tea bags and watch out for the tatratea! it's stronger than you think!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Food requires a palate for cabbage and vegetarians will struggle to find any dish on a menu in Slovakia that doesn't come with meat. The 'pigs knee' is a good choice for meat lovers!

TATRA WINTER ACTIVITY WEEK

A superb holiday, thanks to a really excellent tour leader named Erik and a really great group of fellow travellers. We all went out together for dinner most nights. It was lovely to be able to try out all these different winter activities with tuition at beginner level.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I really loved the dog sledding because the huskys are such a friendly breed. That morning flew by it was just not long enough. I would have liked to have spent the whole day at this activity but not at the expence of the thermal baths which were lovely and relaxing. As a group we had some good laughs, my funniest moment was when I took off my snow shoes and  tried to walk disappearing up to my thighs in the snow I just couldnt stop laughing. This was captured on camera by the rest of the group.  I thoroughly enjoyed every day and every activity although my muscles might have told a different story!!

What did you think of your group leader?

Erik was our group leader and he was second to none. A great guy very helpful, pleasant and fun and nothing was too much trouble. He even carried my equipment when I was struggling and gave me a lift when it was very icy. He also managed to arrange a massage for me at the pension which was really good and set me up for the next days activity. I would definately consider another tour with Erik as leader.  

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I would say that although the pension was clean. It definately was not 5 star! The beds were incredibly hard and pillows not much better. If you do not like light when trying to sleep take an eye mask as the room doors have a glass panel and a lot of them did not have curtains. I also found my ear plugs essential - I was not sharing so the things that went bump in the night were not down to a room mate! 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

What can I say - I had a wonderful time and wish I was back there now.

TATRA WINTER ACTIVITY WEEK

This was my second trip with Exodus and whilst I enjoyed the itinerary and companions of the first trip the guide at times was useless. I am however glad that this didn't put me off using Exodus again as Erik, our guide for the winter activities trip, was no less than exceptional. The activities were fun and well co-ordinated and were at times juggled by Erik to ensure we had the best experience possible.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The husky dog sledding for me was by far the highlight and I just wish I could have spent more time with them. The locals were exceptionally friendly and we were still seen as a bit of a novelty.

What did you think of your group leader?

Out of all the tours I have done with different companies I would say that Erik ranked up there with the best, if not the best, tour leaders I've come across.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go do it, have fun.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

TATRA WINTER ACTIVITY WEEK

A damn good holiday, packed with lots of fun & laughter!!Highly reccomended.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

One of the most amazing moments for us was the absolutly fantastic views of the Tatras mountains & woodlands over the Cross Country Sking activity. Wow future fellow travellers on a sunny clear day they will truly take your breath away. The morning with the huskys sledging was awesome, so too was the afternoon relaxing in the thermal pools....Please try all three, the 3rd one has a cave feature with lighting, beautiful when the night ski appears!!! The Nordic horse carriage ride was fab too with a warm welcome awaiting us at the log cabin with roaring open fire burning.

What did you think of your group leader?

Peter was our guide for the week...a really, really nice fellow nothing was too much trouble for him. Very informative with his local knowledge. BUT...for complete novices like ourselves on most of the activitys his direction & instruction we found quite poor, so much so we found ourselves asking the other more experienced members of our group for their help & we also found he payed too much attention to the front of the group & not enough to the back of the group which needed his guidance much more.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The hotel was in a very quite part of town & we really struggled to find anywhere open after 9.00pm at night, thank god for the hotel bar which stayed open untill 12.00pm each night. By the way the hotel was really comfortable with the added bonus of relaxing in the Sauna & Jaccuzi each night. Please note these do need booking each morning has they can get quite busy, but to be honest we never had any problems using them.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Bloody fantastic holiday with a really good group of people...Now feel the need for another holiday just to get over this one!.

Winter Activities

A great week for all. Lovely surroundings.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The snow Skiing, sledging and thermal pools. Plenty of different activities.

What did you think of your group leader?

She was very good.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

TATRA WINTER ACTIVITY WEEK

This is a very speciall activity week because it involves almost all winter sports just in one week. Some trips are for skiing only which is boring.I loved and enjoyed every minute of it. It was AWESOME.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

To see people of all ages in my group.Everybody prepared to do things together,pulling towards the same direction.When one falls, others wait and helped. 

What did you think of your group leader?

She was amazing, but i think the group was a bit large i think we should ve had two leaders.There was fast moving and slow moving members of the group which was making it difficult for everybody.It was unfair for fast movers to keep waiting all the time, but the group leader kept trying to satisfy everybody. At some stage there was an injured person,who needed attention and as the group leader was alone she could not leave the group yet she could not rush to hospital. Luckily the injury was minor which you cannot say its minor really because the Xray was the only solution. Anyway the problem was solved at the end of the day. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go for it its an amazing experience. Its affordable and very exciting, i might take my friends next time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I like Exodus and i would request to do some payments maybe monthly and then choose the trip when i ve accumulated enough money for the trip.Is it possible? 

TATRA WINTER ACTIVITY WEEK

An excellent, action packed week in the snow. Excellent hotel and leader

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Swimming in a blizzard in the outdoor pool in Zakopane

What did you think of your group leader?

Marta was an excellent leader, she thought of everything

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure your downhill skis are waxed before leaving the hire shop.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Make sure you are fit for the snow-shoeing day - it's quite a long trudge. I'd highly recommend this week for the variety of activities.

TATRA WINTER ACTIVITY WEEK

This was a great week's holiday, in the company of a group of like-minded and interesting people. The whole experience was memorable, and anyone looking for an alternative holiday playing in the snow, exerting some energy, and learning new skills, should book this trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The silence all around on the first day show-shoeing was unique.  Sitting in a thermal pool, relaxing in the bubbles, whilst a blizzard of snow span around overhead!

What did you think of your group leader?

Very knowledgable and friendly. Always prepared to help the group in any way and joined in with everything.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Fun in the Slovak slopes!

A brilliant week of varied activities, great food and drink, fantastic people and a thoroughly enjoyable and refreshing experience.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Funnily enough my personal favourite was the last day - sledging (down a ski slope)  - although made more exciting by 5 of us joining hands and going down backwards! Probably the most simple activity but due to the relationship of the group and the fact that everyone was willing to try anything fun and new it was such a good laugh and really rounded the holiday off in a way we couldn't imagine beforehand. Dog sledding was also a must not miss activity (unless it's too hot for the dogs, possibly in late Feb - March).

What did you think of your group leader?

Very good. Altough it was clear she was inexperienced at leading a group on this particular trip, she was very pleasant and made us all feel very welcome. Her only failing was not knowig all the locations and activities 100%, but this quickly proved not to be a huge problem. I particularly enjoyed discussing the history of Slovakia and her fascinating youth with her - a very interesting and warm person.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Yes, go on this trip! Excellent value (I spent a lot less than I budgeted for). I took Eu 350 with me and only spend 200. Plus the actual cost os pretty low  for a trip of this kind. Food and drink is the only expense and it is very good value and a complete pleasure at that.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you have never skied and are interested or simply like the idea of a winter snow break, this is for you. My only reservation would be for seasoned downhill skiers or snowboarders, this may not be as exciting as you are used to - saying that I had been on 4 previous dedicated skiing holidays and totally loved it.

Tatra Winter activities

This was a great week despite some challenging weather conditions! Peter, the guide was tested to the extreme when the lack of snow caused him to have to make a few last minute amendments to locations in order for us to undertake all the activities described on the itinery. The hotel was great, food excellent and every day ran like clockwork.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Having never trying skiing before, following 2 hours of initial lessons going on the ski lift to the top of a rather daunting blue run and managing to get to the bottom in one piece was a big bonus!

What did you think of your group leader?

Peter the group leader was excellent. He organised every activity and some impromptu ones brilliantly. He also took some pretty good photographs during our week. He took us to some fantastic traditional Slovak restaurants on the nights we didn't eat at the hotel and did a great job of broadening our knowledge of slovakian culture and customs. He also has a number of hidden talents - making and playing traditional shepherds horn-type instruments being one of them. He demonstrated his skills on a couple of occasions during the week.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't take too much money with you! This is by far the best value for money trip I have been on. A typical meal out cost about £10!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you're considering this trip, go. It is great value for money and even taking into account the challenge the lack of snow presented still was a great week.

Tummy Laughs

If you are thinking about booking this trip, just go for it and you will find your childhood again, a fantastic week with an outstanding leader "Peter" and full of laughter and smiles.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most inspirational moment, Wow how can I put one above others, the dogs fantastic, bobsledding yes on a 2.5 km run, snow shoeing overlooking stunning mountains and far more the fellow adventures, typical of an Exodus holiday great, great company.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader Peter very professional, a true credit to Exodus and gave far more than was expected of him, fantastic knowledge not only of the activities but also history and very diplomatic.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Simply go for this one, there is no need to have any knowledge of the activities, if you want an adventure of a life time don't put this one off.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

What more can I say, just go for this one and you will not look back, I went for land only due to living in North Midlands and spent two nights in Kraków first then met at the airport, I would highly recommend doing this.

A Week in the Tatras

I had a wonderful time in Slovakia. Exciting and invigorating activities, gorgeous mountain landscapes and a warm, rich culture were all in abundance on this very well-run trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It's too hard to choose from so many. I became utterly enamoured with Slovakia's culture; the food, drink, music, clothing and folklore are so charming... though I was particularly inspired by our leader's recounting of the events of the "velvet revolution", wherein the Slovakian people overthrew their corrupt government in a totally peaceful manner, without no bloodshed at all.

What did you think of your group leader?

Peter is a consummate professional; he is charming and kind, his organisational skills are above fault, his passion for local customs and culture is infectious, and his competence is absolutely evident in every facet of the trip. He is an excellent group leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you're dressed for the cold, and in moderately good shape. And bring a camera!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great Fun

We were lucky to have fantastic weather which added to the excellent activities that were planned. Tiring but exhilarating at the same time.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The fact that my son learnt to ski competently after one group lesson.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent leader, very laid back and easy-going. Managed to sort out any problems we encountered.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a proper day rucksack as you can end up carrying clothes for all weathers especially as public transport used on some days.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Well worth going on. Would definitely recommend