Bachledka Ski & Sun – not just for winter madness

At the beginning of our vacation, we visited a place in Slovakia, not far from the Polish border. A place that is associated more with winter madness than a summer weekend with children…. and yet! It turns out that even in summer (or perhaps especially in summer) there is no shortage of attractions for the whole family at Bachledka Ski & Sun.

Bachledka Ski & Sun is a ski resort in Bachledova Dolina, just 25 kilometers from Bialka Tatrzanska. Located between the Tatra Mountains and the Pieniny Mountains, on the ridge of the Magura Spiska, the resort offers more than 8 kilometers of ski slopes, there is a gondola lift and a chairlift, there are cross-country ski trails and a ski school operates. So what did we do here in the summer? Well, when the warming weather arrives the facility turns into a place where you can walk among the treetops, admire the snowless slopes, hit the mountain trail, spend time on playgrounds, ride bikes and much, much more.

And although in the summer Bachledka may seem like a one-day attraction, we encourage you to come for longer so you can unhurriedly take advantage of what the resort has to offer, which is quite a lot.

Anyway, see for yourself what we had the opportunity to see and try.

Gondola train ride

The Bachledka Ski & Sun resort is located next to a gondola lift that carries skiers in the winter and people in the summer who want to admire the hills surrounding the valley and enjoy the attractions on the mountain (of course, this is not the only option to get to the top – you can just as well walk up here).

Operating year-round, the railroad has been in operation since 2018. It accommodates up to 10 people in a single gondola, and covers a stretch of more than 1.5 kilometers in about 7 minutes. Importantly, it is adapted for wheelchair users and families with tiny children in strollers. Believe us, the very ride in such a train turned out to be a unique experience for the little ones :) During the ride we admired the views, the toboggan run stretching below and the beehives.

The ride is very comfortable, it does not jerk, and the gondolas glide along slowly. Despite the fact that we were on the weekend there were no queues to enter, in both directions we had a whole carriage just for the five of us.

If you will be planning to take the cable car, be sure to check what hours it operates, so that you do not find that it is already closed for the return and you have to return by trail. Depending on the month, the queue closes at 4, 5 or 6 pm.

Note that in case of bad weather conditions, the queue is stopped for safety reasons. So if you’re on the mountain and it’s gathering rain and thunderstorms it’s better to get down early than to be grounded at the top station of the cable car (assuming you can’t get down on foot because you’re with a stroller, for example).

Train tickets are purchased at ticket offices or at vending machines where you can pay by card.

Round-trip fares:

• Ticket for an adult – 12 euros,
• Discounted ticket – 10 euros,
• Children under 3 years – free of charge,
• Family ticket 2+2 – 30 euros.

It is also possible to buy a combined ticket for the railroad plus the treetop path, in which case prices are as follows:

• Ticket for an adult – 22 euros,
• Discounted ticket – 18 euros,
• Children under 3 years – free of charge,
• Family ticket 2+2 – 55 euros.

A path in the treetops in Bachledka

Undoubtedly, the biggest attraction of the area is the observation tower, which rises over 32 meters and is connected to a path in the treetops. And it is from the path that the entrance to this attraction begins.

The route is more than 1,200 meters long and is fully wheelchair accessible. Initially, one walks along a flat footbridge, at treetop level – there are riddles and interesting facts about the surrounding nature, and for children there are several additional passages practicing, among other things. sense of balance. Of course, the knowledge is also interesting for adults: we learn about animals, trees, but also about the hurricane that ravaged the local area.

The crowning achievement of walking along the path is to climb the tower – it is from the top that the view is most beautiful. You can easily get to the very top with a stroller, the climb is not very steep. And this is perhaps the greatest advantage of such attractions – people who can’t enjoy such views under natural conditions, here they have it available.

At the top of the tower, in addition to the view itself, two more attractions await, this time for those rowdy for thrills. A net is strung between the platform that you can walk on, and below it is a 67-meter long slide that you can easily and quickly get to the bottom of. The slide has an additional fee (3 euros per slide) and is accessible to people with a minimum height of 120 cm.

Prices for entering the treetop path in Bachledka:

• Ticket for an adult – 11 euros,
• Discounted ticket – 9 euros,
• Children under 3 years – free,
• Family ticket 2+2 – 28 euros.

As we wrote above, you can buy a combined ticket for the gondola ascent and the treetop path, which will come out a little cheaper.

The path itself is such a unique place that it deserves a separate entry, which will definitely be written!

Kingdom of the Forest in Bachledova Dolina

About 300 meters from the train station there is quite a treat for kids – a huge playground, full of not only fun, but also educational elements. Its area is almost 5,000 square meters and is full of natural elements (many attractions are made of wood, the ground is strewn with bark, etc.).

Our attention is immediately drawn to the high, multi-level playground with bridges, slides and obstacles as soon as we enter – importantly, it is designed in such a way that even adults can walk on it and don’t have to hunch over too much.

And this is one of many, smaller playgrounds within the Kingdom of the Forest – there are several here, with different attractions and aimed at children of different ages (or rather, different heights and abilities). There are obstacle courses, slides, swings, a sandbox, a huge jumping pillow, but we have to admit that the most fun was with the tyroleans – there are 4 side by side, so you can ride in parallel.

But let’s not forget the educational element – in between the attractions there are various guessing games and tasks for children, so the little ones learn about the trees and animals that live in the forest.

For children of what age will it be a suitable place? Our 3,5-year-old was delighted, the 6-year-old even more so :) Children who already walk independently and steadily, like to climb and play on such attractions will already find some games for themselves, although they will not yet use everything. In our opinion, children so from 3 years will have the most fun.

At the entrance, and at the same time the exit, there is a souvenir store. You can also buy coffee, tea and ice cream here. Outside there are benches, deck chairs, so there is also a place to relax.

The Kingdom of the Forest is an extra-fee attraction, and prices are as follows:

• Ticket for an adult – 8 euros,
• Discounted ticket – 8 euros,
• Children under 3 years – free,
• Family ticket 2+2 – 22 euros.

Toboggan run in the Tatra Mountains

Another attraction, somewhat hidden in the forest, is a toboggan run – it is the longest such slide in the Tatras with a total length of 1,200 meters. This descent is unique in yet other respects – the route leads through the forest, among the trees, there are 15 turns and quite sharp dips along the way, and even a passage under the track that takes the toboggan to the top!

The ride is quite fast (you can reach up to 40km/h!) and several times you need to use the brakes (there are signs along the route informing you of this).

Smaller children (under 9) must travel with a guardian.

One ride costs 4 euros (children under 3 ride for free).

Playgrounds

At the upper station of the cable car there are additionally two, free playgrounds – they are smaller than the mentioned Kingdom of the Forest, but for children they are quite attractive (there are slides, a climbing wall, swings, tires).

The first is right at the entrance to the treetop path, and the second is next to the trampolines (yes, trampolines are here too!) and the descent to the toboggan run.

Tourist paths and trails

What about for those who go to the mountains to walk in the mountains? ;) Above we have shown you many options for spending time in the mountains even if you are traveling with toddlers who will not yet walk longer trails. Of course, the region offers many interesting trails of varying difficulty.

If you don’t want to take the gondola, you can approach the path in the treetops via the yellow trail, and at Mala Polana switch to the blue and green trails that lead to the upper station of the cable car. The route is slightly over 2 kilometers long, and should take about 40 minutes to complete. That’s if you’re talking about the trail, but there’s also a path under the railroad itself that you can get to the top, even by bicycle.

Besides, popular routes are those starting from Ždiar in the directions: Slodičovský vrch, Javorinka or Magurka (you can walk the whole thing, but it is a longer hike).

Taking the gondola, you can also take a short trip to, for example, Lake Jezierski (back and forth about 6.5 kilometers).

Cycling in the mountains

It’s been a long time since we rode bikes in the mountains ;) By bicycles, we mainly explore the immediate surroundings in the Lodz province and that too recently very, very rarely…. So when the opportunity came to hop on bikes at Bachledka Ski & Sun, we didn’t think long, especially since electric bikes are available here, and there are also child seats and, of course, helmets for rent.

So this was the first time we had the opportunity to use electric bikes, and with our poor form we can’t imagine riding around otherwise.

The area is a great base when it comes to bicycle paths – you can do a 20-kilometer loop:

• Bachledka Ski & Sun – Hreben Magury – Ždiar Strednica – Monkova Dolina – Bachledka Ski & Sun, mostly along forest paths,
• Or a slightly longer 40-kilometer one: Bachledka Ski & Sun – Tatranská kotlina – Spišská Belá – Strážky – Bachledka Ski & Sun, but on a paved road, with a few sights along the way.

Both routes are recommended for families with children.

Electric bike rental prices:

• 4 hours – 24 euros,
• 1 day – 29 euros,
• 2 days – 57 euros.

In addition: child seat – 5 euros/day, helmet – 2 euros a day.

Eating and drinking at Bachledka Ski & Sun

Fresh air, outdoor activities, breathtaking views – all this can make you hungry quickly ;) There are several outlets at the upper station of the gondola lift where you can eat and recharge your batteries, but we especially recommend the Panorama restaurant. Panorama, because it offers a fantastic view and it is already a pleasure to sit here for a while, but of course we encourage you to check out the food offerings.

And don’t let the cafeteria nature of this restaurant discourage you. We were a little taken aback at first by the fact that you have to take a tray, walk around with it and ask for food to be put on it, but fortunately the dishes are made on the fly, everything is fresh and on top of that very delicious.

Add to that the dishes are not only tasty and nicely served, but we also have the opportunity to try many local dishes, and there are also vegetarian options.

In addition to the food, our hearts (or rather, our children’s hearts) were stolen by the children’s corner – very safe, for both toddlers and several-year-olds, with a hammock, mesh tunnels, toys for the little ones and an overall interesting, natural arrangement.

Where to stay overnight in Bachledova Dolina?

Bachledka Ski & Sun also offers accommodations. They are available right at the lower gondola station, in the building opposite the ticket offices, or at the upper lift station – the latter being a more exclusive option, with views of the Tatra Mountains for those seeking rest and tranquility.

We, therefore, stopped at the bottom. There are practically developed rooms and suites that can sleep up to 5 people. Our apartment had a separate bedroom with a toilet, a living room with a sofa bed and a second bathroom, a kitchenette with appliances and a balcony.

The overnight stay includes breakfast at the cafe on the first floor of the building. There is free parking for hotel guests.

Among the many undoubted pluses, there is one minus – there is no elevator in the building, so when bringing your luggage you have to strain a bit.

Directions to Bachledka Ski & Sun

Bachledova Dolina is located 25 km from Bialka Tatrzanska, 40 km from Zakopane and only 15 km from the Polish-Slovakian border. To get here, head for the village of Zdziar on road No. 66, and then turn left after leaving the town (at the intersection there are signs for Bachledka Ski&Sun). From there it’s a straight path to the facility.

There are parking lots on site, payable at 3 euros per day (they are free for hotel guests).

The exact address:
Bachledova dolina 702
059 55 Ždiar
Slovenská republika
https://bachledka.sk/pl

Our opinion about Bachledka Ski & Sun

A trip full of activities is behind us! We recommend a stay at Bachledka Ski&Sun in the summer to everyone, including both families who like to spend time actively, but also families who are afraid of their first steps in the mountains. Thanks to the well-developed infrastructure, you can enjoy the views without much effort which is especially important if you are traveling with toddlers.

If, on the other hand, you don’t have toddlers, it’s still a great place to enjoy the overlooked views, but also to trek on less demanding trails.

You can see that the place is family-friendly – there are free playgrounds, there are many educational elements, and all this with respect for the surrounding nature.

May there be more places like this!

We visited the place at the invitation of Bachledka Ski & Sun, we highly recommend it to you too!