Plačlivé from Žiarska valley

Above the cottage there is free open terrain, initially slight with a slope of up to 30°. The ascent route copies the summer marked trail and alternates steeper sections with milder ones. Initially, the route leads through the forest and knee timber trees, which gradually thin. With ascending height meters, the views of the whole valley and especially of Baranec, the highest peak in the whole valley, open up. As if within reach is the goal of the ascent – the top of Plačlivô. The way up continues around the crossroads below Homôľka. On the left, the summer path leads to Smutné sedlo (Smutné Saddle), on the right, the route continues to Žiarské sedlo (Žiarske Saddle).

One more steep climb and there is Žiarske sedlo with a pleasant platform to rest before the last section leading to the top. The Saddle is 208 meters high from the top and about half an hour of steep hikes. During icy conditions, it is necessary to use ski crampons, or crampons and climbing axe. At the very top there is a compact view of the southern and northern side of the Western Tatras, with Liptov, Orava and Kriváň peak.

Way down: The slope is wide, with several descent routes interrupted by rocks. Beware of avalanche terrain, especially in the right part above the crossroads below Homôlka. The inclination is around 30 to 40° and there is less space for maneuvers in the upper part, but enough in the lower part. In milder winters, however, timber knee trees stick out out significantly in the lower part, so mind to be careful in this part, too.