Podbiel - Pod Pálenicou
We will introduce you to another picturesque corner of Orava, which you may have already visited without even knowing it. At the very least, you have certainly heard of Oravská priehrada or the town of Tvrdošín. If you have made the journey here, you most likely passed through the Orava village of Podbiel.
Podbiel lies on the main road connecting Dolný Kubín with Tvrdošín. A few kilometers before it lies Oravský Podzámok. It is famous mainly for the iconic Oravský hrad, which towers on a high rocky cliff. The village was inhabited mainly by Vlachs (valasi), and the locals were engaged in forestry work. The village has therefore preserved its typical architecture, and you will find many original wooden cabins here. After a hearty day of skiing, you can just stroll through the evening streets between the wooden houses and feel as if you were among the sets of an old Slovak movie.
One of the smaller ski resorts is the one in Podbiel, in the Pod Pálenicou area. It is a small and simple municipal ski resort. If you demand low prices and do not want to wait in line for a lift, you are in the right place. Moreover, you will avoid crowds, parking issues, and other inconveniences associated with visiting larger ski resorts. The top of the resort's slope is at an altitude of 665 meters above sea level. The Podbiel Pod Pálenicou ski resort is not equipped with an artificial snowmaking system, so you will always ski on natural snow here. Since Orava itself is famous for its harsh climatic conditions and severe winters, skiers usually enjoy a generous snowfall. There is one ski lift and one slope suitable for skiers of all levels. Its length is 600 meters. Whole families with children can enjoy skiing on it, as it is of medium difficulty. Furthermore, all skiers will certainly be pleased with the favorable ski pass prices.
If you would like to try other ski resorts besides the one in Podbiel, you do not have to go too far. Popular slopes can be found in Zuberec as well as Brezovica. Both resorts are approximately 10 km from Podbiel, and you will get there literally in a matter of minutes. Podbiel is an extremely attractive village with many points of interest. From a distance, you will spot Červená skala, which dominates the village panorama. A popular destination for hikers is Bielska skala in the forests above the village. In addition, the village houses Františkova huta, an almost 200-year-old building of a former ironworks, and Bobrova raľa. It is the largest complex of preserved folk architecture in Central Europe.
In the village of Podbiel, they welcome every tourist with open arms. To get to know the beauty of this corner of Orava as best as possible, you need to spend more than just one day here. And that is where a wide variety of accommodation options comes into play. From guesthouses, through cottages and chalets, to private rentals, you will truly find everything here. All you need to do is choose the right accommodation from the diverse selection, where you will feel right at home.













