Liptov every which way

From skis and bicycles to skimo and hiking boots, every sport presents a new challenge and a wealth of inspiration. Miriama Kováčová is a child of the mountains, a keen sportswoman, and a popular social media influencer from Liptov. She started out by sharing stunning photos of her mountain adventures, but soon she turned her passion into a profession. Besides showcasing the beauty of the Tatras, she also aims to advise fellow adrenaline seekers.

Mountains and sports are closely linked, yet not everyone falls in love with them enough to spend nearly the entire year pursuing these activities. What’s the big draw for you?

Growing up among the mountains naturally creates a bond with the peaks around you and the breathtaking landscape of Liptov. Although I didn’t actively seek them when I was little, my interest grew during secondary school and especially at university. My parents introduced me to hiking and skiing, and then I began exploring other activities, first climbing, and subsequently ski mountaineering and cycling.

Your photos and videos suggest you thoroughly enjoy your time in the mountains. How did the idea come about to promote them on a larger scale?

At first, I only occasionally posted a nice photo of the mountains or nature on social media after a good hike, solely with the aim of pleasing friends and family. Their responses were positive and many of them said this motivated them to spend more time outdoors. As my following grew, everyone expected me to keep posting, and I saw no reason not to. I believe that positive influence on healthy activities and appreciation for the mountains is always beneficial.

What started as a hobby gradually became a career, leading you to work for MTHIKER, where you write articles about outdoor sports and create educational videos. Was this transition as smooth as it seems?

Believe me, it was quite challenging at first to stand in front of the camera and speak smoothly. My initial attempts were less than perfect, but I got used to it, and now we don’t need to repeat each sentence multiple times (laughs). Sharing knowledge about safe practices in the mountains, what to pack for a trip, where to find information, and how to prepare for hiking, skiing, or climbing has become a natural extension of my interests. Having studied these topics at university, I’ve combined pleasure with practicality. However, I always recommend beginners seek professional instruction. Mistakes early on can be difficult to correct later.

Recently, you became an ambassador for the Liptov Cycling Region and you’ve developed a taste for more adrenaline-fuelled cycling. What’s it like to explore this beautiful part of Slovakia on two wheels?

Cycling offers a fantastic way to experience and visit many of Liptov’s attractions in a relatively short time. These days, tourists can rent e-bikes, which is ideal for those who may not be extensively trained but still wish to go on longer rides. New trails and options are added every year, making Liptov an excellent destination for cycling enthusiasts. I’ve recently discovered the thrill of single trails – one-way routes through forests with various obstacles. The first was opened three years ago above Vlkolínec, but my favourite spot is Hradská Hora near Liptovský Hrádok, since it has trails offering stunning views of Kriváň. There are trails there that are suitable for both beginners and advanced riders. But for that you need a slightly better and, most importantly, well-suspended bike for the jumps. The easier trails can be handled by anyone, even on an ordinary mountain bike. The newest trail, above Liptovský Mikuláš in Háj-Nicovô, is suitable for all ages and abilities. It’s another interesting trail. I am already looking forward to paying frequent visits there.

You studied sports and physical education teacher training at Matej Bel University. Do you incorporate any of your teaching training into your mountain adventures?

Living in the mountains means outdoor activity is part of my routine. It’s different when you just visit occasionally and try to fit everything into a window. I think being a teacher has to be in your blood. I initially took a course to be an instructor for artificial climbing walls and, later, natural rock faces. I wanted to learn proper techniques and expand my knowledge so that I could explain safety and skills to others. I started climbing informally with friends, but knowing I’m doing things correctly gives me a much better feeling.

With your extensive experience in Liptov, are there any specific places you particularly enjoy returning to?

Absolutely. For hiking, I particularly enjoy Čereňová Skala. It’s not the most challenging of routes; it takes about 45 minutes at a leisurely pace. But the views of the entire region, Liptovská Mara, and the Low and Western Tatras are well worth the effort. For climbing, I prefer Machnaté in Demänovská Valley. Many heading to Jasná pass by this area, but few realise it’s an excellent spot for climbing. The rock formations accommodate both advanced climbers and beginners, including children – who have their own designated area.

Most adrenaline sports involve overcoming challenging goals and experiencing that rush of euphoria. What motivates you in the mountains?

I don’t set myself challenging or dangerous goals. My focus is on the journey and the people I share it with. For climbing, my toughest route I tackled was abroad, while at home, it’s a climbing area within a large cave arch, with a view of Chopok in Repiská, in Demänovská Valley. Generally, I don’t focus on performance. My aim is to return safely from each trip. Mountains are unpredictable and unforgiving of mistakes. Especially in winter, you have to be cautious, and I try to share this message with occasional tourists. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings. When the weather changes rapidly, it’s often wiser to return than to risk unnecessary danger.

The recent pandemic sparked a boom in ski mountaineering, we might even say a nationwide craze. Even since the resorts have reopened, adherents of the sport can still be seen on the ski slopes. Is this safe, or do you recommend that beginners stick to different routes?

 We all have to start somewhere with this sport. Many find the route to Žiarska Chata appealing – it’s relatively wide and is covered in snow for most of the winter. Having said that, my advice to beginners would be to start by considering their skiing skills. Ascending a hill is one thing, but descending safely is another. Skiing on much lighter skimo equipment can be more challenging than on regular skis, especially in difficult terrain with deep snow. Even really good skiers will work up a sweat. There is the option of booking a few lessons with an instructor to master the basics. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with starting on ski slopes, as many resorts, such as Jasná, now have designated or off-track routes for beginners. If everyone adheres to the resort’s rules, it’s a safe and ideal way to get acquainted with the sport.

Winter often means skiing for many tourists. Do you still enjoy this sport even when you’re surrounded by throngs of people?

The tranquillity of the mountains certainly has its appeal, but I’ve been skiing since kindergarten and have no intention of giving it up. For the past four years, I’ve bought a season pass for TMR resorts, allowing me to fully enjoy the best ski terrains in Slovakia. At the start of the season, I aim to ski as much as possible to build endurance for ski mountaineering and avoid muscle burnout. Skiing down a challenging slope in one go can be strenuous, and the legs need reconditioning after a long summer. Fortunately, Jasná and the High Tatras offer a wide selection of freeride routes, allowing me to practise in open terrain as well.

The ski gopass also grants access to water parks and a whole world of relaxation and regeneration. Do you take up of those options?

Being from Liptov, I have Tatralandia and Bešeňová right on my doorstep. I’ve been visiting both parks since I was little, and now I can go regularly thanks to the season pass. My university classmates in Banská Bystrica inspired me. Many of them bought a season ski pass every year and enjoy several months on the slopes at a discounted rate. I asked myself, living right under Chopok, why I didn’t have one. Since I started buying one, I can easily drive to a water park in the evening and enjoy the water or wellness. It’s been a fantastic choice for me.

When it comes to mountain sports, you’ve probably tried everything, and physical activity is your lifestyle. Do you also have days when you stay home and spend time indoors? Can you even relax?

Definitely. I’m not the sort of person who exercises daily and follows strict fitness plans, with the exception of the beginning of winter when the first snow falls and I head into the terrain with my skimo gear. After a long summer, I can’t get enough of the snow. I sometimes get out there twice a day (laughs). However, if it’s raining, I’m not the type to push myself to exercise. I have no problem staying at home for a few days and resting. The same goes for summer during heatwaves. I don’t want to subject my body to overheating and I never go into overdrive. I’d rather hunker down somewhere shady and go rock climbing than scramble up some heavy hill, which I’m sure I wouldn’t enjoy in the heat. My motto is that you also have to know how to laze around.