Lodowa Grań — known in Slovak as Ľadový hrebeň, or 'Ice Ridge' — is one of the most dramatic lateral ridges in the Slovak High Tatras, a jagged rocky spine separating the Valley of Five Spis Lakes from the secretive Ice Valley. If you want raw, untamed Tatra scenery, this is the place to be.
The ridge descends from Lodowa Kopa (2603 m) in a south-easterly direction, ending at the rounded summit of Pięciostawiańska Kopa (approx. 2121 m). Along its crest you will find a striking sequence of towers, notches and cols — Lodowe Wrótka, Lodowy Ząb, Wielki Lodowy Kopiniak — names that read like a roll call of alpine adventure. To the east lies the Great Spis Lake, while the small Ice Tarn nestles on the western side. In summer the views from the southern slopes across both lakes and surrounding walls are breathtaking. In winter and early spring the ridge takes on a serious alpine character, plastered in snow and ice.
How to reach the ridgeThe first complete winter traverse of the entire ridge was not achieved until 19 April 1946, which says a great deal about just how serious a proposition this icy crest becomes outside the summer season.