The Slovak Republic sits at the north western end of the Carpathian mountains and covers an area of central Europe measuring almost 49,000 sq km. The High Tatra alpine mountains marks the north eastern border Slovakia shares with Poland - a mighty range that contributes to the fact that almost 80% of the country is over 750m above sea level, with fertile lowlands stretching south to meet the river Danube at the Hungarian border. With a large percentage of the landscape swathed in forest, its rich natural diversity and breathtaking scenery has meant an increase in demand for holiday accommodation in Slovakia and opportunities for the visitor throughout the year. With its damp continental climate, Slovakia can expect changeable weather conditions at any time - summer months, from May to September, offer the best in terms of heat and sunshine, but winter guarantees bitterly cold temperatures and snow, especially in the mountains but even in the drier southern lowlands. Hot summer days are sometimes interrupted by sudden downpours creating the ideal environment for growing Slovakia`s lush, green vegetation, including the vineyards that carpet the slopes of the Little Carpathian Mountains where they meet the Danube River, and the unspoilt wilderness of the Tatra National Park. Summer is arguably the busiest season for tourists, but because of its abundance of high altitude mountains - particularly the High Tatras - skiing holiday apartments in the Tatra Mountains of Slovakia are gaining in popularity with facilities, conditions and accommodation at a level of quality that easily compete with the chic-est resorts in the Alps, but at more affordable prices and with fewer crowds on the slopes.