Around Kopanice (see my previous article on it), there is the western part of Stiavnicke Mountains which are located in central Slovakia. Stiavnicke Mountains are very especial mountains: with no main ridge, they look like a patchwork due to human activities – mining (silver was the main ore, in the recent years it was copper, zinc and lead), charcoal production, reservoirs building – all this takes place here at least for the 10 past centuries already.

Walking and hiking around the local mountains is quite difficult in the winter, however, it is possible. The terrain has deep valleys and steep slopes and it is forested densely in some parts. Therefore, horse riding and, in the winter, also cross-country skiing are only a partial solution. I think that despite all, using your own feet is the best solution here in the wintertime.

This place offers good conditions for sports throughout the year. In the winter, you can ski first of all. Ski lifts, normally longer and steeper than those in Kopanice, are available during the wintertime throughout Stiavnicke Mountains. There are two ski lifts in Bana hill in Kopanice: on its Eastern and on its Western slope (none exceeding 400 m length). The latter is not in operation very often, unlike the former.

The photos attached to this article, were made during one chilly winter and cloudy day with both snow falling and sunshine alternating, when the dazzled nature is deeply sleeping and the people seldom go outside – except those who go for skiing. The sky resembled heavy lead courtain, but sometimes we could see the Sun shining throughout bizarre cloud formations, which were changing dramatically, sometimes within just a couple of minutes.

Now, enjoy the pics!