It’s time for skiing in Zakopane!
Tourists visiting Zakopane in winter we can divide in two groups. Some are lovers of winter sports, skiing and snowboarding, wanting to spend a long time on the slopes, cross country skiing or ski touring. Others are the guests interested in visiting the city itself, to admire the unique town which attracts around 4 million tourists every year. In winter they are as well admire the local culture, restaurants, music, museums, art in galleries, architecture and the beautiful mountains covered with snow which surround the town. Please note, the best skiing conditions are from January until end of March, but often there is a lot of snow even in April, if you wish to ski, the best is to check the weather in advance, we can’t guarantee snow in April.
Depending on how we are planning to spend the time, we should search for appropriate accommodation and even what form of transportation will be the most convenient. Basically, we can choose to search for the accommodation first and then for attractions in its vicinity, or on the contrary, find a ski resort that meets our expectations and then look for a guest house or hotel in that area.
The first way will be better for those interested in staying in Zakopane or another nearby town. Second for those who know that they will want to spend most of their time on the ski slopes.
Why is it important to prioritize first? When you come to Zakopane you need to remember about its specific location, climate and infrastructure. Places that on the map seem to be close to each other might be by car or bus about 1.5 hours away. In Podhale, keeping the road “white” is a rule because the salt penetrates groundwater, and the National Park is right next to it. When there is heavy snowfall it significantly affects the communication. The roads are narrow and just a plow can evoke significant traffic jam. The public transport, which is getting better every year, still does not ensure smooth navigation throughout the region. We know, most people decide to come with their cars, or rent in Zakopane to be able to visit perhaps not all, but most of the ski resorts in the area and the roads at times are crowded.
This year is introduced for the first time the TATRY SUPER SKI a skipass for 14 resorts, connecting Zakopane and surrounding area into a single large ski resort. It is a new era of winter tourism in the region. On THIS PAGE we list all of them and those which have not yet joined this project but are in Zakopane or close to it. Most of the resorts have runs of various difficulties, skiing schools for adults and children, night skiing and of course equipment rental. On our list we have described the locations and in general the facility to give you some guidance, you can search for the details on their websites to which we have provided links. Some websites have cameras to view the slopes and weather information from the nearest weather station (in the whole region the weather may vary significantly at the same time, it is not worth checking forecasts for the city of Zakopane). There is also, most importantly, up-to-date information on active routes. When you will arrive in Zakopane you will find in most hotels and guest houses maps and information about all the attractions in the area and there is a Tourst Information Center at Kościuszki Street 17.
Ski resorts in Zakopane and the surrounding area
Below we present an overview of the most popular resorts.
In Bialka Tatrzanska
The largest complex of several stations next to each other, with the highest throughput, at the same time the most crowded in the day, but quite pleasant in the evening, having easy and more difficult routes, as well as cross-country trails. However, it is not conveniently located in relation to Zakopane in winter, perhaps you should look there for accommodation. An additional advantage is the Bania Thermal Baths located right next to the ski complex. Sometimes it is crowded place, it is said in Podhale that Bialka is the real capital of winter sports in Poland.
In Zakopane
Polana Szymoszkowa – a large facility within Zakopane, with various difficulty routes, and with beautiful views.
Harenda – most difficult runs in Zakopane, with beautiful views and one of the best ski schools, as well as an ice rink and for those who do not like to ski but appreciate amazing scenery.
Nosal – slopes beginners and good training center.
Wielka Krokiew Gigant Resort – very easy routes in the upper Zakopane, dedicated to beginners and especially to children.
Kasprowy Wierch – the most difficult slopes, with natural snow, without any music, available during the day, with great access by cable car.
Polana Kalatowki – “Bunny hill” within the borders of TPN. Best available for guests of the Kalatowki mountain hotel, the other tourists need to walk about half an hour from Kuznice. However, you do not need to carry equipment, you can rent it next to the slope.
Suche – less crowded resort not far from Zakopane with good slopes.
Ability to leave children under care for even few hours – Male Ciche, Koziniec-Ski in Czarna Gora, and Nosal resort in Zakopane.
Learning, equipment service, transport
Ski schools – it’s good to know that in Zakopane they are not only available at lifts. There are also private instructors. When it comes to rentals and equipment service points, these also sometimes operate ski schools completely independently of the ski stations, even in the city center.
Equipment– you can rent it in most resorts, check their websites, they service equipment too.
Transport – When it comes to transport, bus drivers generally agree to take tourists with skis and poles, but they demand that they be put in the basket at the back of the vehicle. One of the options is to rent private transport, buses for larger and smaller groups. The driver will pick us up from the place of residence and take us to the ski resort. You can arrange with the driver to take you back to your hotel.
“You can’t buy happiness but you can buy a ski pass.”
