Hruba Kopa (2,166 m a.s.l.) is one of the most prominent peaks along the main ridge of the Western Tatras — a bold, rocky summit that rewards every effort with a sweeping panorama over two historic Slovak regions. Towering above the Žiarska Valley, it sits between Baníkov to the west and Tri kopy to the east, forming a spectacular section of the ridge.

The summit has a distinctly alpine feel. Its rocky top allows a full 360-degree view: the Western and High Tatras spread out in every direction, the Roháče and Žiarska valleys open up below, and on a clear day you can spot the Orava Beskydy, the Malá and Veľká Fatra ranges, the Low Tatras, and even peaks in southern Poland. The ascent is technically fairly demanding — this is not a casual stroll, and the trail requires solid mountain experience. In winter and early spring, several avalanche gullies drop directly from near the summit into the Veľké Závraty basin in the Žiarska Valley, making conditions serious.

• From the west — from Sivý vrch via Baníkov (2,178 m): red-marked ridge trail, demanding
• From the east — from Volovec via Plačlivé and Smutné sedlo: red-marked ridge trail, demanding
• From the north — from Ťatliakova chata hut: blue-marked trail via Smutné sedlo, demanding
• From the southwest — from the Žiarska Valley junction via the full valley: blue-marked trail via Smutné sedlo, demanding

• The peak lies within Tatra National Park (TANAP) — park rules and regulations apply.
• The northeastern part of the area falls within the Roháčske plesá National Nature Reserve.
• Žiarska chata mountain hut sits in the Žiarska Valley below the peak — a great base for an overnight stay before the ascent.
• Avalanche gullies run from close to the summit — exercise extreme caution in winter and early spring.

Hruba Kopa sits right on the border between the historic regions of Orava and Liptov — stand on the summit and you can look down into both valleys at once, two very different Slovak landscapes separated by a single ridgeline.