Katarína Pirháčová studies literature and cultural studies at the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University in Brno. She works as a cultural journalist, translator, and PR manager. Occasionally, she facilitates creative writing workshops. Her texts have been published in media such as Plav.sk, Glosolália, Knižná Revue, Pontón, Artalk.sk, and Psí Víno. She has collaborated with the Július Koller Society, OZ Vlna, and the Slovak Literary Center. In 2018 and 2019, she participated in Medziriadky – a creative writing camp. A passionate sportswoman, she is currently writing a series on sports as part of the Perspectives programme.
The author examines the commercialization and changes in the nature of water sports, which have transformed from a traditional activity into organized recreation with a developed infrastructure. The article also discusses the historical context of water tourism in Czechoslovakia and critically assesses the impact of mass tourism on river ecosystems, mentioning efforts to regulate and protect natural resources.
by Katarína Pirháčová
first published by Kapitál under the title České vody all inclusive
The text examines the development of ski recreation in the Spiš region of Slovakia. Through personal experiences and interviews, the author describes the transformation of skiing from a mass, local activity to an increasingly inaccessible and centralised sport. The text highlights the decline of small ski resorts due to climate change, generational change and changing economic conditions, contrasting the golden days of the past with an uncertain future.
by Katarína Pirháčová
first published by Kapitál under the title Politiky snehu:o dejinách a budúcnosti lyžiarskej rekreácie
