SK: West Tatras – Up to Preduvratie Klippe

Na okraji Západních Tater

The Predúvratie klippe is situated in the southwestern edge of the West Tatras, at the heart of their side ridghe. It is a part of a long and diverse ridge stretching from Babka summit  (1 566 m) northwards to Sivy (1 805 m), the latter being located on the main ridge of the mountain range. Summit section of this southern edge of the mountain range are usually covered in mountain pines, pine forest, or open meadows. The area is well known for interesting rock formations, and dolomite karsts. Also located there are protected areas divided into three national nature reserves – Mnich, Sucha valley and Suchy summit.

Accessibility and Conditions for Tourists

The starting point of the tour is best reached by car on the road from Liptovsky Mikulas towards the village of Jalovec. By turning left to a yellow marking you will continue to Bobrovecka Vapenice recreational resort. The road is not maintained and full of potholes. So be careful there. At the chapel, before the forest entrance, there is a crossroad of hiking trails and a parking lot. Here starts a blue trail which later connects to the green trail. Both trails are accessible all year round. This is particularly useful as most tourist trails are closed during winter in the Tatranian National Park. In winter, you can make hikes and ridge hikes up to Preduvratie klippe.

Going Along the Ridge Across Babky

We are about to make a winter hike during which we should cross 1067 meters of elevation and the total distance of 12,6 kilometers. We should make it in about 6 hours. Our hike starts at Bobrovecka Vapenice crossroad. Here we set out along a blue trail by going around a recreational resort. Then we enter the forest, go steeply uphill and cross Nad Kamenolomem signpost. Then we continue to Pod Babkami singpost. There we turn left and follow a green tourist trail. After going steeply uphill we exit forest and reach the klippe with the first amainz vistas over the West Tatra mountains. Our trail then turns left and goes up the peak of Babky.

To Predúvratie Klippe

From Babky (1 566 m) we can see Jalovecka valley and the summits of Salatin Pachola, Banikov, Banikov, Príslop or Raztoka. Also we can see the Liptovska basin, the Low Tatras and the Choc Hills. Then we continue in our hike along wavy ridge by following a green tourist trail. All the time we enjoy amazing vistas over the surroundings. Situated in an open landscape, there are disjointed stretches of mountain pines. Ostra (1 764 m) is visible in the distance as it rises up to the sky. Then we cross Rigel locality which leads us to forest adjacent to Mala Kopa (1 637 m). By going around this low mountain we reach our destination Preduvratie Klippe at 1585 meters. In the klippe, we enjoy a wide panorama over snow-capped summits of the West Tatra, Choc Hills and especially the mountain of Velky Choc (1 608 m).

Predúvratie klippe is an ideal destination for tourists hiking in the West Tatras and it is accessible throught the whole year. This easy ridge hike is great particularly for amazing vistas over the West Tatras and the nearby Choc Hills.

GPS: 49°11'36.2"N 19°38'17.8"E

Text and photos: Radoslav Biskupič