Slovak Association of Mountain Guides

Explore the mountains with licensed guides

Starý Smokovec
www.horskysprievodca.eu
Slovak Association of Mountain Guides
Starý Smokovec
2–3 years

Mountain guide training is underway

Every 3 years

Do tour guides undergo regular testing?

UIMLA

An international qualification recognized both at home and abroad

Head out into the mountains with confidence and a good knowledge of the terrain

The Slovak Association of Mountain Guides brings together qualified professionals who guide visitors along marked hiking trails and off-trail, provided the route does not require the use of mountaineering techniques. They will help you choose a suitable hike, recommend the necessary equipment, and ensure the safety of the entire trip.

Every member of the association has completed rigorous professional training culminating in exams and regularly renews their certification. Among the guides, you’ll also find mountain rescuers and national park rangers who are intimately familiar with the local terrain, nature, and stories connected to the mountains.

UIMLA International Qualifying Tournament
Authorization to accompany patients both at home and abroad
Members also include mountain rescuers and national park rangers
Mandatory liability insurance for every tour guide
What We Offer
Hikes along marked hiking trails
Hikes to easily accessible peaks off the trails
Guided Tours in the High, Low, and Western Tatras
Hikes in Slovak Paradise and Other Mountain Ranges
Guiding in Foreign Mountain Ranges
Advice on choosing a route and the necessary equipment
Individual and group tours
What do you need to know before you arrive?
Choose a specific guide from the association's official list
Please arrange the date, route, and price of the hike directly with the guide
When making a reservation, please indicate your experience and physical condition
The client must have insurance covering Mountain Rescue Service interventions
The route is subject to change depending on the weather and current conditions
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and clothing suitable for the mountains
A UIAGM-certified mountain guide is required for technically demanding climbs
Please respect the guide's decisions regarding the safety of the hike

Please read this before your visit

Mountain guide or mountain leader?

A UIMLA mountain guide leads hikes on marked trails and in selected off-trail terrain without the need for climbing belays. For technical ascents requiring a rope and climbing gear, please choose a UIAGM mountain guide.

Hike Reservation

The guides work independently, so please arrange the date, price, meeting place, and specific route directly with the association member of your choice. It is recommended that you book the tour in advance.

Insurance and Safety

Even during a guided hike, every participant needs insurance that covers Mountain Rescue Service interventions. The final choice of route depends on the weather, trail conditions, and the participants’ abilities.

More mountain guides and tour leaders. Explore the Tatras safely and to the fullest

Every mountain guide offers different hikes and climbs—choose a professional who can help you explore the Tatra peaks as well as the less accessible spots.

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The Tatra Mountains in the Background: A View from Above

Must-See Places. Discover them one by one

Every corner of the Tatra Mountains has its own story. Discover the places that shape the character of the region.

Bystré Lakes

Bystré Lakes

8 1040 6 hours 30 minutes Stredne náročná
About the Great Hinc Ball

About the Great Hinc Ball

8.1 672 3 hours 30 minutes Stredne náročná
Téry's Cabin_Winter_Maličký

Across the Priečne Pass through two Tatra valleys

17.3 1039 7 a.m. Veľmi náročná
Litvorové Lake

To the Litvor Ball in the Bielovodská Valley

12.3 900 5 hours Náročná
Quiet Valley_Maličký

To Kasprov Hill Through the Quiet Valley

16.05 1051 6 hours 15 minutes Náročná
Through the Veľká Studená Valley to the Zbojnícka Chalet

Through the Veľká Studená Valley to the Zbojnícka Chalet

11.8 680 4 hours 45 minutes Stredne náročná
A hike through the Velická Valley to the Sliezsky House

A hike through the Velická Valley to the Sliezsky House

6.7 698 1 hour 4 minutes Ľahká
Štrbské Pleso_Winter

Along the forest trail from Štrbské Pleso to Jamské Pleso

4.8 126 1 hour 30 minutes Ľahká
Through the Tatra Forest to Popradské Pleso

Through the Tatra Forest to Popradské Pleso

4.13 210 2 hours 30 minutes Stredne náročná

The Tatra Mountains wake up differently every day

Current conditions, upcoming events, and editorial recommendations. Everything you need to know before heading to the Tatras.

Webcams
Most sidewalks are open
The chairlifts are in operation
The bike trails are open

Hrebienok

The Perfect Weekend Getaway

Editor's Pick

Štrbské Pleso

The Best Time to Visit

Editor's Pick

Taste the dishes

At mountain huts throughout the region

Editor's Pick

Nature Trail

A short route suitable for children

Editor's Pick

Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the High Tatras region.

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    The High Tatras have something to offer all year round. The best time for high-altitude hiking is from June to October, when the hiking trails at higher elevations are open. Fall brings more stable weather, pleasant temperatures, and beautiful views. Winter is ideal for skiing, winter walks, and visiting locations that are accessible year-round. Before setting out on a trip, always check the current weather conditions and any trail closures.

    You do not need a special permit for regular hiking on marked trails. However, you must comply with TANAP’s visitor regulations and seasonal closures, and you may only hike on open trails. Special rules apply, for example, to rock climbing, ski mountaineering, hiking off marked trails, or bringing a dog into the park.

    You can easily reach the main Tatra resorts by train. The Tatra Electric Railways connect Poprad, Starý Smokovec, Štrbské Pleso, and Tatranská Lomnica. A cog railway runs from Štrba to Štrbské Pleso. You can also take advantage of regular bus routes and seasonal shuttle services in the region.

    You can park in designated parking lots in the various Tatra villages. During peak periods, we recommend using the P+R park-and-ride lot at Eurocamp in Tatranská Lomnica and continuing by shuttle bus. From this parking lot, you can take public transportation to destinations such as Tatranská Lomnica, Tatranské Matliare, Biela Voda, or the Belianska Cave.

    For hiking, choose sturdy hiking boots with non-slip soles that stabilize your feet and protect them on rocky or wet terrain. Your gear should also include weather-appropriate clothing and a rain jacket. Sandals and regular city shoes are not suitable for more demanding hikes.

    When a storm is approaching, leave peaks, ridges, saddles, mountain passes, and open areas as soon as possible. Descend to lower elevations, avoid standing near isolated trees or metal objects, and keep your distance from other members of your group. If possible, take shelter in a mountain hut or a safe building. The best prevention is to check the weather forecast, set out early in the morning, and shorten or cancel your hike in a timely manner if conditions take a turn for the worse. Safety must take precedence over reaching your destination.