Final days for adventurers: Popular High Tatras trails set to close for winter
Seasonal closures affect three trails iIn Low Tatras National Park.
Tourists have a few days remaining to explore notable sites such as Chata pod Rysmi (Chalet under Rysy Peak), Kopské sedlo (Saddle), and Slavkovský štít (Peak).
Starting Friday, November 1, winter closures will take effect for selected hiking trails in the High Tatras, lasting until the end of May next year. The closures primarily affect higher paths, saddles, and peaks, notes My Východ.
Hikers can still visit the Symbolic Cemetery near Popradské pleso (lake) until December 15, after which it will remain closed until April 30, 2025.
Detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains, including attractions on the Polish side.
The primary reason for the winter closure is the protection of the Tatra's natural environment. During this season, both fauna and flora are particularly vulnerable. Animals seek shelter and rest, making it crucial to minimise human movement in these sensitive areas.
Marmots begin their hibernation as early as the end of October. The rutting season for chamois is also starting, which is essential for ensuring that we can observe these magnificent animals with their young in the coming year. In spring, female birds of prey, including golden eagles and peregrine falcons, sit on their eggs, ensuring that they have sufficient time to rear their young before tourists venture onto the high mountain trails.
The closure is also driven by safety concerns.
Winter conditions in the mountains can be challenging and hazardous, posing risks not only for novice hikers but also for seasoned adventurers. Despite this, the High Tatras offer numerous winter options for exploration. Routes leading to the mountain huts that remain open during the colder months are particularly popular, with the notable exception of Chata pod Rysmi, which is closed for the winter.
While the closure includes the Tatra peaks, there are some exceptions. During the winter months, climbers can still ascend Predné Solisko above Štrbské pleso or Baranec in the Western Tatras. A comprehensive list of hiking trails affected by the winter closure, along with those that remain accessible, can be found in the Tatra National Park Visitor Regulations.
Before embarking on a hike, it is advisable to check the accessibility of your chosen route and keep an eye on the current weather forecast.
In the Low Tatras National Park, seasonal closures of hiking trails in the central part of the mountain range began on October 1. These closures will remain in effect until June 30 of the following year. The annual seasonal closure in the Low Tatras applies to only three specific trails.
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