SK: Low Tatras – Winter Trip from Certovice to Dumbier

Getting Ready

Especially during the winter season, the planning of the hike is recommended for its good timetable as well as weather forecasting. It is to be expected that days are shorter than in the summer months. Good and stable weather is important for safe hiking without unexpected complications in challenging winter conditions. An important necessity is also the observation of the declared level of avalanche danger, which can be verified on the site of the Mountain Rescue Service. Last but not least, depending on the actual snow conditions, it is natural to have winter hiking equipment (cramps, snowmobiles, ice axes) and know how to use it if necessary.

We Begin on Certovica

The route of our all-day tour starts in the well-known low-klippe Certovica klippe (1,232 m above sea level) through which leads the way of the 1st class number 72. It is an important and frequent connection leading through the Low Tatras, crossing the border between the Dumbierska and Kralovoholska part of the mountain. We can get here by car or bus from the southern side of Horehronia, as well as from the Liptovská strana from the north. Directly in the saddle near the motorway, right along the way, we join the red hiking trail, which is also the Trail of the Heroes of SNU (Slovak National Uprising). First we climb up the steep slope along the ski lift until we finally reach the main ridge of the Low Tatras, through which we will continue to the northwest.

On the Low Tatra's Main Ridge

Nowe we are located on the main ridge of the mountain range, which is sparse with the thin coniferous trees. We reach the Rovienka Hill (1,602 m above sea level), which gives us beautiful panoramic views of the High Tatras, as well as the ridge of the Low Tatras. We continue on tour, walk through a rugged, slender ridge. Field orientation is facilitated by winter stick marking. Looking eastwards in the distance, we recognize a massive dominant mountain with a characteristic transmitter at the top of the Kralova Hola (1,946 m above sea level). We are crossing the Krumstove klippe (1 549 m above sea level), gradually starting to rise again and the trail goes up to the massive hill facing us. It is the Kralicka (1 807 m above sea level), a distinctive, mountainous expanse of mountains stretching over the lowland ridge. From its top we offer beautiful views of the main ridge of the Dumbier Low Tatras, the Stiavnica valley and the adjacent hills.

M. R. Stefanik's Cabin

We continue on and follow the ridge from Kralicka to the M. R. Stefanik's cabin. The cabin can be easily identified as a small building under the majestic Dumbier massif. As we walk through the beautiful snow-capped alpine landscape, new views open up to the Low Tatras, but especially to Bystra valley, to Velky Gapel(1,777 m), in the districts attract our attention to the contours of the significant Skalka (1980 m above sea level) and Kotliska (1,937 m). After a relatively long sinking, we finally come to a significant intersection of our winter tour - the M. R. Stefanik's cabin.

The Finish – Dumbier's Summit

We can continue from the M.R. Stefanik's cabin through the winter trail and we are going to the final climb by steep slopes up to the top of Dumbier. The last section of the route is challenging until it may seem that the climb has no end and the goal is still somewhere in sight. After the effort we finally conquered the highest peak of the Low Tatras, and at an altitude of 2,046 meters we touch the top cross on Dumbier. From this place we can see the fascinating panoramic views of the Low Tatras, to see well and recognize the rugged ridges and the deep valleys forming the panorama of the Western and High Tatras. On our palm lies the mountainous region of Horehronia, the vast Liptov, with good visibility to see the outlines of the Chocske Hills and the Mala Fatra in the distance.

GPS: 48°54'19.4"N 19°44'08.8"E (Certovica klippe)

Text and photos: Radoslav Biskupič