WORLD CUP RETURNS TO SLOVAKIA

Flowers will welcome the elite of women’s skiing in Jasná

Perfectly groomed slopes, thousands of fans in the stands, great atmosphere and fantastic performances of the best skiers in the world. The World Cup race in Jasná five years ago was a memorable event for lovers of the white sport. The best Slovak ski resort could soon see another memorable race. In early March, it will once again be a place where female beauty is wedded with great sports performances.

There was a huge wave of euphoria in Jasná thanks to two Slovak skiers, Veronika Ve-lez-Zuzulová and Petra Vlhová in March 2016, and we have a chance to experience it again. This time, however, we have to cook from ingredients with a slightly bitter taste. Veronika’s retirement from skiing could be expected, but less so the events caused by the spread of the coronavirus. As expected, it also had an impact on the women’s edition of the World Cup. The organisers in Slovakia are in an unenviable situation. After months of uncertainty about whether the race will take place on 6 and 7 March 2021, the Internation-al Ski Federation (FIS) gave Jasná a definite green light in October.

With or Without Spectators

To prepare for such an event is to consider all the alternatives. There are many at the moment. This article was written in late October, just a few days after the partial lockdown in Slovakia, when all officials, not only in sports, had more questions than answers. The number of spectators has long been a great unknown. “We cannot count on a scenario similar to five years ago. However, there is a difference whether you have five thousand people in the stands, a thousand or none at all,” said Matej Hulej, chairman of the Organising Committee. However, the World Cup without spectators would be a wound that heals slowly. You can race without them, but skiers know very well where the best atmosphere and audience is.

The resort offers more than 50 km of perfectly groomed slopes of varying difficulty. On both sides of Chopok, there are 23 cable cars and lifts, which transport almost 28 500 skiers per hour.

Safety First

Regardless of the number of spectators, the priority of the organisers will be safety. Compliance with all the regulations of the Government and FIS is difficult and it will have to be addressed by hundreds of people, including a special Covid manager. “This person will constantly monitor all restrictions and ensure compliance in the individual commissions so that we do not neglect any of them, whether it’s accommodation, meals but also the movement in the resort,” he introduces a position that will probably be necessary for all major sports events, not only in the near future. Meetings and touches will be replaced by distance and an effort to avoid everyone. Strict measures will also affect accommodation for racers: their hotel will be hermetically sealed for the unauthorised people.

Flowers and beauty

Flowers and BeautyIn Jasná, they have been preparing for the World Cup for several months and the die-hard visitors of the resort will notice changes right from the start of the skiing season. “We have shown many times that we can organise a great event, and it’s no different this time. Once again, we have several surprises in store. They are not only for the racers but also for regular clients,” Matej Hulej revealed. They include themed decorations in restaurants, which will take on the colours of the countries of the world’s best skiers. Attractive souvenirs with the event logo will be available in the shops. The traditional hats, headbands and T-shirts will be complemented by face masks. “We have prepared this offer in co-operation with local makers. We want to help them survive difficult times. However, the main theme of the event will be flowers and women’s beauty, so our resort will be decorated in this spirit for several months,” he adds. The “beauty programme” where make-up artists took care of skiers and their beauty was immortalised in professional photographs, was one of the remarkable experiences on the circuit. So there is something to build on.

Remote Entertainment

As the number of people that the ski stars will be able to meet in Jasná is considerably limited, the organisers had to cut down on surprises. The presentation of the resort with our gold medallist Petra Vlhová was worth it. “We focused on our traditions and beauty, which, thanks to Peťa Vlhová, flew around the world. She had no idea that the original flower headdress from our region, which she wore during the photo shoot, is worth around one hundred thousand euro. If conditions are right, we would like to repeat this feat with other world’s top skiers,” the head of the organisers said with cautious optimism. Slovak folklore, headdresses and folk costumes should ac-company the event.

With Fans on Skis

The operators believe that the slopes will be open to skiers with more or fewer restrictions. Even if they don’t make it to the stands, they should not miss the art of the world’s best racers between the gates. “We want to prepare information screens for them in different places so they know what is going on and do not gather in one place. Most screens will appear at the valley and exit stations of the cable cars, where skiers will be able to stand for a while and see the ride of their favourite racer,” adds Matej Hulej, the chairman of the Organising Committee. We just have to believe that the spectators will be able to fill the stands and, together with millions of TV fans around the world, they will help the exceptional skier born in Liptov to win on the domestic stage. After all, every athlete knows that home victories are the sweetest.

MAMMOTH TOBOGGANS IN TATRALANDIA

Unique entertainment

A wide plain below the picturesque Liptov hills, lots of colourful pipes in the valley and people screaming. A moment of silence, a splash, a deep breath, and the sweet euphoria. I want to keep it up, let’s go again. Where? The toboggans of Tatralandia, which has been world-famous since summer.

It sounds incredible, but the first water park in Central Europe celebrated its fifteen birthday in summer. As in many similar cases, the age is just a number. Childhood times and diseases were replaced by adulthood and experience. The birthday was celebrated with mature novelties, which are, and will likely long be, unique in our country. „For years, we have been trying to please and entertain our visitors, and we are used to being the trendsetters,” said Igor Mráz, director of Tatralandia Water Park and revealed new attractions. “We decided to bring to Liptov something that cannot be found anywhere around. We have two unique toboggans, the only of its kind on the old continent.”

Fun for the whole family

A quick look on the blue “Delfín” and the yellow “4Family” indicates fresh air in northern Slovakia. Modern design, vivid colours, ride comfort and the height of the tower are the best invitation for fans of adrenaline and fun. There is a bonus: a lift for four-seater rafts that do not have to be carried upstairs, just get in them with the help of instructors. “We focused on families who can enjoy a ride together. The rafts are larger, heavier and more comfortable so people do not touch the laminate and their ride is safer. The roundness of the inflatable slider also brings
a lot of fun. As it rotates spontaneously, every ride provides
a unique experience,” says the water park’s boss about another feature. However, they can only be used during the summer months to complement the experience of many other water park’s attractions.

Comfort versus adrenaline

After hearing about this special novelty for the summer season, we had no choice but to give it a go. The view from
the height of a seven-floor block of flats shook our knees a little, but our determination was strong. After weight check, we got into the raft, counted to three and dived downwards. At that moment, I knew how acceleration from zero to 50 km/h in one second feels like. First a steep fall, then climb to the summit and a nice finish in a warm swimming pool. We felt fear, euphoria and adrenaline at the same time and we only managed the unanimous “let’s go again and let’s try the yellow one, too”. We immediately shared our impressions with the boss.

“The more than three-meter diameter of the toboggan makes the ride comfortable and it feels like entering a tunnel by car. You go through sharp turns, you enjoy a lot of light effects, while everything is great and safe. The parameters of blue “Delfín” are unique in Europe and will satisfy all adrenaline junkies. Thanks to the toboggans, Tatralandia ranked among the five best water attractions in the world in 2018,” says Igor Mráz, happy with the unexpected nomination. Of course he is happy, the closest gem like this is located in Dubai.

Against physics

However, their construction was very complicated. For many months, Tatralandia searched for suitable architects and engineers to build this project. “For the first time, thermal water was used for such a structure and we had to deal with it. The water heating technology was the most difficult, not to mention the seasonal weather effects,” says the water park’s director.

The contractor had to adapt the structure to the conditions in Liptov, which was not at all easy. A unique technology will ensure that the laminate from which the toboggans are made will also withstand temperatures below zero. It’s no wonder that the process of construction can also be considered unique in the world. But they still have lots of ideas for the future. “The toboggan tower has room for two new attractions. We want to be the first in the region to operate a toboggan with water flowing uphill. With a little help, we can break basic physical laws, and show people that they can slide upwards,” says Igor Mráz with a smile and adds: “In cooperation with our Gopass loyalty program, we are also working on a novelty for competitive types: they will be able to compete in a parallel race,” he added to our curiosity.

Water racing

There are similar toboggans abroad, but the one in Tatralandia will be different again. There will be no wall between the two racers so they will be able to see and touch each other and adjust the speed of the ride. To make it more attractive, there will be a couple of “bonuses” on the track: a stronger current for the faster rider and a cold shower for the slower one. The information about every ride will be recorded, so the water park’s visitor, like a skier, will get detailed statistics at the end of the day about the ride distance, with whom he/she raced and how well he/she did on the water. This model is typical of various computer games. In Liptov, they want to turn this interactive entertainment into reality, and they seem to be doing it successfully. Sitting at home in front of your PC in a swimsuit is definitely not what you want.

ARTICLE IS PUBLISHED IN V TATRY MAGAZÍN ZIMA 2018/2019.

The World‑Famous Vlkolínec Celebrates a Quarter of a Century

New UNESCO House in the historical heart of Liptov

A remarkable place with a unique atmosphere. I have always loved Vlkolínec, a little village hidden in the picturesque mountains of Liptov. It reminds us of the past long gone but it is still bustling with life. However, the modern life does not push forward, it stays in the background, humble and respectful of tradition. I couldn’t help my urge to return after some time.

I am walking again between beautiful log houses. The cars are parked in front of the entrance gate and I absorb the atmosphere of strange peace and beauty. However, it’s not the silence of an open‑air museum with lifeless buildings and exhibits. Vlkolínec is unique in that real people live there. Its two dozens of permanent residents are multiplied by cottagers coming over the weekends. And it’s not just elderly people, the first young families have settled here. They live in houses resembling the most beautiful postcards with folklore themes. They are probably used to it, but as a city person who lives in noise and stress, I am fascinated by this beauty.

Déjà vu after 75 years

Again, I’m admiring the narrow centre of the village with a stream flowing in wooden troughs. The small square is dominated by a log belfry from 1770, the oldest preserved monument. It still works although it is now powered by electricity. In addition to familiar sights, I have been drawn by curiosity and expectation of a new house, built on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Vlkolínec’s addition to the list of the world cultural heritage. „So this our new

UNESCO House,“ says my guide, Gabriela Demčáková from the Ružomberok Municipal Office. I almost overlooked it. Not that it was not interesting or nice. It looked as it had always been there. I soon learnt that I was right, but the house had a pause for three quarters of a century. It is
an accurate copy of the log house that had stood here until it was burned down during World War II. It’s not easy to notice at first sight that the log house is new. „That’s exactly what we wanted. The log house was built in harmony with the existing buildings. It was
difficult but it was worth it,“ says Gabriela Demčáková.

Attention to detail

Attention to detail The effort to recreate the original design of the house and to meet preservationist requirements produced a sophisticated result. For example, there are double windows and front doors, of course wooden: the outside wings open outwards and the inside wings open inwards. It is high‑quality work by master joiners from the region who have a feel for the place and its tradition. The dark roof with wooden shingles contrasts with the white façade. The inside and outside of the log house is painted with lime, which is Vlkolínec’s tradition, and the painting will be repeated every year. When I entered the house, it was clear that the internal layout also reflects the tradition. The porch of the UNESCO House is used as a reception and information desk, the point of first contact with a visitor. On the right, there is a storeroom turned to a memorial room, an exhibition of Slovak cultural heritage protected by UNESCO, both tangible and intangible, such as the sound of fujara (shepherd’s flute). „We will add more exhibits and interactive elements, depending on the interest of the visitors and our capacity. We are very enthusiastic,“ says my guide, answering a question I didn’t ask.

A range of activities

On the left side of the porch, there is a large front living room, which serves multiple purposes. It contains showcases with exhibits, information panels and video projections about the history and traditions of the village, and also a fireplace. In cold winters of Liptov, the fire from wooden logs flickers and heats up the room, creating an authentic atmosphere of this unique place. The front room is also used for presentations and workshops for smaller groups. The porch, storeroom and cellar no longer have earthen floors and visitors now walk
on modern tiles. The cellar is used only for exhibits exposed along the walls on panels and in showcases. If the weather is bad, it is used for craft demonstrations. „One of the first thematic exhibitions will be dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising, which had in impact on Vlkolínec and some people still remember
it,“ says Gabriela Demčáková

Real life

The magic of Vlkolínec lies in that it is alive. The life is real, not pretended. The woman raking hay behind the house is not an actor showing traditional technology to tourists. You may laugh, but this is what some people think. Not everyone reads the leaflet that comes with a ticket. This results in funny situations, which may not be so funny for the locals. That’s why fences were built around the inhabited log houses, although there used to be none in the village. That’s a part of life in a world‑famous village where people inhabit cultural monuments. I hope it will live on and keep its fascinating atmosphere. I will be happy to come back again. I heard that something else will be brought back to life…

ARTICLE IS PUBLISHED IN TATRY MAGAZÍN WINTER 2018/2019.