Veľká Rača – Oščadnica (Snowparadise): ski resort in the Kysucké Beskydy

Veľká Rača – Oščadnica (Snowparadise Veľká Rača Oščadnica) is a ski resort in the Kysucké Beskydy in north-western Slovakia, by the village of Oščadnica near Čadca, below the summit of Veľká Rača (1236 m) on the Polish border. The slopes are spread over three linked areas — Dedovka, Marguška and Lalíky — and connecting traverses let you ski between them. In summer the resort works as a fun centre with a bobsled track, a bike park and a lookout tower on Dedovka.

Slopes and lifts

The resort publishes a list of 12 numbered slopes. In the Dedovka area are Košariská I (1300 m, 314 m of vertical), Košariská II-b (900 m), Košariská II-a (500 m, no snowmaking, freeride) and Hladká (600 m). On Marguška are Marguška I (900 m, 250 m), Marguška II (1260 m), Tomanova (1100 m, 250 m) and the Connector to Lalíky (1200 m). In the Lalíky area are Hrebeň (450 m), Strmá (1000 m, 200 m) and the race slopes Pretekárska A (1048 m) and B (800 m, 210 m). Most slopes have snowmaking. Three traverses between the areas and a separate freeride zone (500 m) complete the ski area.

Of the lifts, the resort's website describes in detail the 4-seat chairlift to Dedovka: 1200 m long, 2400 people per hour; the total number of lifts is not given on the website. The same lift also runs in summer, carrying dogs, prams and wheelchairs at no extra charge, and you can ride up with a bike to the bike park. Slopes with night skiing are open until 20:45.

Season and ski passes

The timetable and prices for 2026/27 have not been published yet — as of October 2026 the website is in summer mode. According to the 2025/26 price list, an adult day pass at the cash desk or machine cost €28 in the early, main and spring periods and €41 at the Christmas peak (25.12–7.01); €3 less in the e-shop, and on weekdays in the main season there was an €18 promotion. Night skiing cost €11 to €20. Children under 6 ski free (€2 card deposit), the child rate covers ages 6–12, and the junior rate ages 12–18 and seniors from 62. Prices as of October 2026 — check the official website.

Who it suits

The resort suits families and intermediate skiers thanks to the long runs on Dedovka and Marguška, and experienced skiers thanks to the race slopes on Lalíky and the freeride terrain. For the youngest there is a children's ski kindergarten, and a ski service operates by the slopes.

Getting there from Ukraine

From the Uzhhorod – Vyšné Nemecké border crossing the road leads via Michalovce to Košice, along the D1 motorway via Prešov, Poprad, Liptovský Mikuláš and Ružomberok to Žilina, then north via Čadca to Oščadnica — roughly 400 km. An alternative is through Poland: Krakovets – Kraków – Żywiec – Zwardoń – Čadca. By train you can travel to Čadca and continue by bus to Oščadnica.

Nearby: trails and peaks

The hiking route Oščadnica, Vyšný koniec – Veľká Rača climbs to the top, where you find The summit hala of Veľká Rača, the highest peak of the Kysucké Beskydy. The route Oščadnica, Dedovka – Príslop also starts at the bottom station. Other resorts in this series are Vrátna and Kubínska hoľa.

Official website: snowparadise.sk

Photos: Pudelek (Marcin Szala), CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons; Jozef Bíro, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.