Ski hotel in Horna Marikova: SKI Ráztoka and culture

The SKI Ráztoka ski resort has three lifts measuring 1,000, 720 and 250 metres in length. Ski mountaineering is also possible on the Čertov–Horná Mariková–Portáš route. This places two clearly defined winter activities in the area around Horna Marikova at the centre of attention: a ski resort with three lifts and a designated ski mountaineering route.

Winter sports

The information about SKI Ráztoka describes the available lift lengths without mentioning any further features of individual slopes or current operations. The Čertov–Horná Mariková–Portáš route is likewise specified as the concrete setting for ski mountaineering. For planning your winter stay, the documented lifts and this route therefore remain the key points of reference.

Mountain landscape and hiking trails

On Orgoňova Kyčera, the viewing platform of the observation tower is seven metres above the ground. Orgoňova Kyčera can be reached from the centre of Horná Mariková: via a route directly from the renovated “Rezort Mravec” hotel or via the Modlatín valley and the Máčkovci settlement. The viewpoint lies on a blue-marked hiking trail that leads from the main ridge of the Javorníky Mountains via the Malý Javorník elevation towards Považská Bystrica.

From the observation tower on Orgoňova Kyčera, views include Manínska tiesňava, the Súľovské skaly, Žilina and the Low Tatras. The Javorníky–Družba educational trail, focusing on natural history and local history, is also located in the cadastral area of the municipality of Horná Mariková.

Cycling and water

Cycling route 8316 from Horná Mariková to Máčkovci is 1.8 kilometres long, easy and designed for recreational mountain biking. It runs along asphalt and paved paths. It begins in Horná Mariková near the senior citizens’ home, at an intersection with the blue cycling route 2307.

The Horná Mariková–Bahno route is also 1.8 kilometres long, easy and designated as an asphalt recreational cycling route. It begins at an intersection with the blue cycling route 2307 in Horná Mariková. The local recreational offerings also include the Rybník Horná Mariková pond. It is stocked with trout, carp and grass carp and is available for fishing.

The Marikovský potok, also known as Marikovka, flows through Horná Mariková.

Culture and local character

An open-air museum with an exhibition on traditional living in the Mariková Valley is located in the Modlatín district of Horná Mariková. The exhibition is housed in a three-part wooden house. At the Modlatín open-air museum, it can be visited free of charge by prior arrangement with the responsible staff member of the Horná Mariková municipal office. By arrangement, a guided tour with an ethnologist from the local history museum in Považská Bystrica is also possible.

The Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk is also located in the Modlatín district. Its original structure dates from 1765. In 1925–1926, the church was extended with a new part of the nave and a side annex.

Ráztoka is home to the only wooden church in the district. It was built in 1948–1949. The Žrnovanka folklore ensemble is one of the well-known cultural representatives of Horná Mariková. The Marikovské folklórne slávnosti have been held in Horná Mariková since 1991.

Original log houses have been preserved in the settlements of Horná Mariková. They are gradually being converted into holiday cottages and holiday homes.

For other local pages in the surrounding area, go to Sádočné, Domaniža or Papradno.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Považská Bystrica.