Vrch Chopok
When people hear "Chopok", most answer without hesitation "Jasná". However, this third-highest peak (2,023.6 m a.s.l.) of the Nízke Tatry mountains offers much more than just great skiing on perfectly groomed slopes. It is located in the geomorphological sub-region of Ďumbierske Tatry, on the main ridge at the border of the Žilina and Banská Bystrica regions, on the boundary between the districts of Brezno and Liptovský Mikuláš.
Chopok is often just a transfer station before continuing a hike further. The most common steps of hikers lead from it to Ďumbier and to Chata M. R. Štefánika, subsequently continuing through Králička to the Čertovica pass. The main peak is located above Kamenná chata pod Chopkom. However, it also has a second, secondary peak located west of the rotunda.
Right near it is a meteorological station. Its measurements, which began on December 1, 1954, provide interesting information not only to tourists. Thanks to it, we know that the average annual temperature at the summit reaches only -1.1 °C. The maximum temperature of 22 °C was recorded on August 9, 2013, and the minimum of -31.5 °C has not been surpassed since January 17, 1963. Moreover, Chopok is considered one of the windiest places in Slovakia. The average wind speed reaches 9.3 m/s, and on April 14, 1988, a speed of up to 51 m/s was measured, which translates to more than 180 km/h!
Chopok is a sought-after peak by tourists in both summer and winter, which it owes not only to its breathtaking panoramic view, but also to its great accessibility. Hikers can comfortably ride up right below the summit by cable car from both the northern and southern sides. The aforementioned circular view captures many mountain ranges of central and northern Slovakia, the Nízke Tatry peaks, and of course, the Vysoké Tatry. If the weather favors you, you will even see the Chočské vrchy, Poľana, Veporské vrchy, Stolické vrchy, Oravské Beskydy with Pilsko and Babia hora, Oravská Magura, Krivánska Fatra, Vtáčnik, and even the Hungarian Kékes.
The youngest tourists love Chopok thanks to the dragon Demián. An impressive statue by the artistic blacksmith Vladimír Eperješi depicts the most powerful guardian of the Demänová treasures. His eyes are inlaid with semi-precious stones, and his scales are hand-forged. His heads spew both fire and smoke, and in the throat of one of them is a copper bell. When you ring it, you will summon good luck. Whether it is a myth or a fact, it is at least worth a try. Embark on a family adventure along the Dračia cesta na Chopok (Dragon Trail to Chopok) and help the little dragon find a happy ending to the dragon story. An adventure diary will accompany you throughout the journey, and a reward awaits the clever ones at the end. And if you do not believe in fairytale dragons, try taking a closer look at the unusual pile of stones at the summit. Do they not remind you of a sleeping dragon?
In winter, the slopes of Chopok are unrivaled among the best in Slovakia. Depending on which side of Chopok you are on, you can choose a resort where you will enjoy great skiing. The northern side offers the resorts Biela púť, Otupné, and Záhradky, while the southern side offers the resorts Srdiečko and Kosodrevina.
Access to Chopok is very good; the easiest way is to board a cable car or chairlift and ride all the way up. However, several hiking trails also lead from the cable cars. Following the blue hiking trail, you will go from Demänovská dolina through Luková, starting the ascent at the popular Vrbické pleso.
Along the green hiking trail from the recreational resort Tále and Trangoška, then along the yellow hiking trail to the summit. Along the red hiking trail, either from the west along the main ridge from Dereše, or from the east also along the main ridge from Ďumbier. The yellow hiking trail leads from Tále through Dereše.
Mountain sun, a great view, superb accessibility. All this applies to the peak Chopok, which, if you have not visited yet, you should definitely fix. Whether in summer or winter, on foot or by cable car, alone or with a great group of friends, we leave that up to you. What you can rely on us for are the pages accommodation Jasná and accommodation Brezno, which contain a wide selection of accommodations so that you can fully enjoy your trip experience without rushing home in the evening.
