The Donovaly Mountain Resort Is Getting a Makeover
The popular Donovaly Mountain Resort is entering a new era. In response to shorter winters and the changing needs of visitors, it is gradually transforming into a year-round destination. As early as the summer of 2026, it will open a new bike park with cycling trails and is preparing extensive investments in sports infrastructure to boost its appeal throughout the year.
Donovaly has long been one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Slovakia. While in the past visitors came here mainly for skiing, today there is growing demand for activities available throughout all seasons. Typical guests are families with children who expect a diverse range of services for different age groups.
Winters Are Getting Shorter; the Solution Is a Year-Round Offering
Climate change is significantly affecting the operations of mountain resorts. The number of days with snow cover is decreasing, and operating winter resorts is becoming increasingly challenging. Donovaly is therefore investing in new offerings that will attract visitors even outside the winter season.
The development of cycling tourism is expected to play a key role. The resort is preparing a modern bike park and a network of bike trails, drawing on the expertise of one of Europe’s most successful resorts—Sölden, Austria. Sölden ranks among the top destinations for mountain biking and is providing Donovaly with expert guidance on both trail construction and operations.
New Bike Park Coming in June
The construction of the bike trails is being carried out in collaboration with the renowned Canadian company Gravity Logic. The first flow and single trails will be open as early as June 2026, and the official opening of the bike park is scheduled for June 27, symbolically kicking off the summer season.
The trails will be designed for both beginners and advanced riders, ensuring that families, recreational cyclists, and experienced bikers alike will find something to enjoy.
Partnership with Sölden and Community Development
Donovaly has also established an exclusive partnership with the Bike Republic Sölden resort. The collaboration includes not only marketing support and the exchange of expertise, but also joint products, club trips, exchanges between bike schools, and professional internships. The goal is to raise awareness of both destinations and boost visitor numbers.
Investments in Sports and Youth
The resort’s development will not be limited to cycling. Plans include the creation of a Skills Training Center for both winter and summer sports, a children’s traffic playground, and a Bike Base Camp featuring a cycling school, a pump track, and a test center.
Donovaly also aims to support the athletic skills of young people. For high schools in the Banská Bystrica Region, they are preparing programs that will allow students to spend an active day in the mountains, depending on the season—whether skiing, biking, or participating in other sports.
Donovaly as a Modern Mountain Destination
The resort’s transformation is expected to bring benefits not only to visitors but also to local residents and businesses. Thanks to its existing accommodation capacity, prime location between national parks, and a large catchment area, Donovaly has the potential to become one of the most attractive year-round destinations in the region.
The summer of 2026 will thus mark the beginning of a new chapter for Donovaly.