Winter Options
Winter Options
What to do in winter in Zakopane?
Winter attractions in Zakopane and Podhale are a real paradise for lovers of white madness. The most popular ski slopes, such as Kasprowy Wierch, Polana Szymoszkowa or Białka Tatrzańska, offer a wide range of ski lifts and slopes with different levels of difficulty.
In addition, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy cross-country skiing trails or start their touring skiing adventure. But that’s not all – there are also other attractions in Podhale that encourage you to visit the region, not only for skiing enthusiasts.
Where is it worth skiing in Zakopane and the surrounding area? Which cross-country trails are the most interesting? Where to go for the first ski tours in the Tatras? Below you will find our suggestions for those who do not part with skiing in winter.
Downhill skiing in Zakopane.
Distance from Smrekowa Polana Resort & Spa: About 4 km.
Address: Kuźnice 14, 34-500 Zakopane
Difficulty: intermediate and advanced
Kasprowy Wierch is one of the most popular ski slopes in Zakopane. Skiers appreciate it for its naturalness, because the snow on the slopes is completely natural. It is also the only alpine slope in Poland! The available routes are:
- Goryczkowa (1770m)
- Gąsienicowa (1200m)
- ski slope from Goryczkowa (3500m)
The resort is part of Tatry Super Ski. By purchasing a Tatry Super Ski pass, you can ski at 19 ski stations, where you can choose from 118 diverse ski slopes with a total length of over 84 km.
Distance from Smrekowa Polana Resort & Spa: About 4 km.
Address: Polana Szymoszkowa 2, 34-500 Zakopane
Difficulty: beginner and intermediate
Polana Szymoszkowa is one of the most popular ski stations in Zakopane. It delights with beautiful views of the Tatra Mountains. It has two cable cars: the first, 6-seater, leads to the top of Gubałówka, ideal for skilled skiers (1322m), while the second leads to the middle of the slope, ideal for beginners (400m). At the bottom station there is also KidsPark Szymoszkowa, dedicated to the youngest adepts of skiing.
The resort is part of Tatry Super Ski. By purchasing a Tatry Super Ski pass, you can ski at 19 ski stations, where you can choose from 118 diverse ski slopes with a total length of over 84 km.
Address: Oswald Balzer Road 30, 34-500 Zakopane
Difficulty: for beginners
The Nosla ski resort is another place where skiers, especially beginners and children, point their boards. Nosal offers 6 different routes, such as:
- Tatrapoma P1 (200m)
- Tatrapoma P2 (145m)
- Tatrapoma P3 (250m)
- Tatrapoma P4 (240m)
- Tatrapoma P5 (200m)
- T5 tape (33m)
Distance from Smrekowa Polana Resort & Spa: About 4 km.
Address: Harenda 21A, 34-500 Zakopane
Difficulty: beginners, intermediate and advanced
For fans of winter sports, there are 6 trails available on Harenda. Advanced skiers can choose an 800 m long slope that meets FIS standards and a slightly longer one (900 m) that is moderately difficult. Less experienced skiers can try their hand at two medium-difficult trails (100 m), while beginners have two easy trails at their disposal, 200 m and 250 m long. For the youngest, there is a Ski Kindergarten.
The resort is part of Tatry Super Ski. By purchasing a Tatry Super Ski pass, you can ski at 19 ski stations, where you can choose from 118 diverse ski slopes with a total length of over 84 km.
Downhill skiing in the area.
Distance from Smrekowa Polana Resort & Spa: About 25 km.
Address: Centrala 181B, 34-405 Białka Tatrzańska
Kotelnica Białczańska is a complex of ski slopes located in Białka Tatrzańska on the slopes of Mount Kotelnica (918 m above sea level) and Jankulakowski Wierch (934 m above sea level). There are six chairlifts in the resort, the longest of which is 1350 m long, a T-bar lift and two platter lifts. The total capacity of the lifts is 13,770 people per hour. There are 8 downhill slopes available for skiers, artificially snowed, groomed and illuminated, with a total area of 42 ha. There is also a ski slope connecting with the Bania ski resort.
The resort is part of Tatry Super Ski. By purchasing a Tatry Super Ski pass, you can ski at 19 ski stations, where you can choose from 118 diverse ski slopes with a total length of over 84 km.
Distance from Smrekowa Polana Resort & Spa: About 25 km.
Address: Podokólne 1, 34-532 Jurgów
The Jurgów Ski station is located 2.5 km south of the village center, just before the Slovak border. The ski slopes on the north-western slopes of Górków Wierch (1045 m a.s.l.) offer a total of 4500 m of trails varying in difficulty, gradient and length. Here you will find one of the most difficult black and red slopes, designed for experienced skiers and snowboarders. For the less advanced, there is a green slope, as well as lifts for children. A total of 7 downhill slopes, artificially snowed, illuminated and groomed.
The resort is part of Tatry Super Ski. By purchasing a Tatry Super Ski pass, you can ski at 19 ski stations, where you can choose from 118 diverse ski slopes with a total length of over 84 km.
Distance from Smrekowa Polana Resort & Spa: About 20 km.
Address: Wierch Rusiński 70, 34-530 Bukowina
Rusiń-Ski is a place where the whole family can enjoy the view of the Tatra Mountains, Gorce Mountains and Babia Góra. The longest route is 1,150 m long. There are trails of varying difficulty, including a six-seater Porsche Design chairlift, a four-seater chairlift, two drag lifts, a babylift for the little ones and a snow tubing track. The training lift for beginners is separated from the main route, increasing the safety of winter sports enthusiasts.
The resort is part of Tatry Super Ski. By purchasing a Tatry Super Ski pass, you can ski at 19 ski stations, where you can choose from 118 diverse ski slopes with a total length of over 84 km.
Distance from Smrekowa Polana Resort & Spa: About 9 km.
Address: Suche 103b, 34-520 Suche
Suche Ski Station is the newest station in the Tatra Super Ski line-up and offers a modern, four-person chairlift. Here you will find everything that skiers and snowboarders need – ski school, equipment rental and catering outlets. The length of the route is 640 m.
The resort is part of Tatry Super Ski. By purchasing a Tatry Super Ski pass, you can ski at 19 ski stations, where you can choose from 118 diverse ski slopes with a total length of over 84 km.
Podhale Ski Lift – the gateway to endless winter adventures surrounded by the picturesque Tatra Mountains.
Cross-country skiing, cross-country skiing to Zakopane.
For several years now, cross-country skiing has been gaining more and more popularity in Podhale, and every year there are more and more tourists who choose active recreation under the Tatra Mountains. Thanks to the increasing number of winter runners, new attractive routes are also being created. Without a doubt, the Podhale areas are very beautiful, especially when they are shrouded in winter weather, so we encourage you to relax actively and go on one of the routes.
Cross-country skis are not difficult to master, you just need to take a moment to master your balance and learn the basic glide. Equipment is also not a problem, people who do not have their own skis can easily rent them even for a few days, in one of the numerous rentals located in Podhale.
Here are a few cross-country trails that are worth choosing because of the mountain charms and beautiful views.
The 4 km long route on the Krupowa Plain, designed for beginners, is an easy route without major hills. The advantage of this location is the lighting, so you can run not only during the day.
The 3 km long loop of the Central Sports Centre , very well prepared, considered to be one of the most professional routes in Poland, where Justyna Kowalczyk also trains. There are rentals and an inn where you can relax after your runs.
A loop in the vicinity of the road under Reglami, about 6 km long. There is an equipment rental and an inn nearby.
The loop on Harenda , 4 km long, is located on the left side of the lift. The route is more demanding, with uphill sections, which runs along the slope of Gubałówka. The route is worth visiting because of the beautiful panorama of the Tatra Mountains. At the lift there is a rental shop as well as an inn.
The route in Kiry, 4 km long, flat sections are conducive to people with weaker fitness.
The route around the “Bór” nature reserve.One of the longest routes in Podhale, 15 km long, starts at the airport in Nowy Targ and runs around the “Bór” reserve. The route does not have any major elevation gains, but due to its length it is intended for athletic people.
Loop in the Bór housing estate, length 5 km.
The route on the Long Glade, length 4 km, on site there is a rental shop, a parking lot and an inn.
The 4.5 km long route at the Kotelnica ski lift , well prepared, illuminated, there is a tavern nearby and, of course, the entire complex of ski lifts.
The Pod Grapą trail, 7 km long, leads between the ski resorts of Bania and Kaniówka. There is a rental shop and a café in the area.
The “Sołtysi Potok” trail, 10 km long, is one of the longest cross-country trails in Podhale, it leads from the top of Kotelnica to the Białka turnpike.
Ski touring in the most beautiful place in Poland.
Ski touring in the Tatra Mountains is an increasingly popular form of activity that combines mountain hiking with skiing. It’s a great way to admire winter nature away from the crowded slopes. Climbing on skins and descending in pristine snow provide unforgettable experiences. Equipment rentals offer a wide selection of touring skis, boots, skins and avalanche ABC (detector, probe, shovel) for both beginners and advanced skiers.
Safety and guide
Regardless of your skill level, it is worth going on your first ski tours with an experienced guide. The Tatra guide knows the area, can assess weather and avalanche conditions and adapt the route to the participants’ abilities. It is not only a matter of safety, but also the opportunity to learn the technique of walking on skins and rappelling in difficult terrain. A joint trip is also an opportunity to admire the winter silence and the beauty of the Tatra nature.
The most popular ski touring routes in the Tatra Mountains
- Kuźnice – Hala Kondratowa – Przełęcz pod Kopą Kondracką: Klasyczna, malownicza trasa, idealna dla początkujących i średnio zaawansowanych skitourowców. Rozpoczyna się w Kuźnicach i prowadzi przez Halę Kondratową na przełęcz, skąd rozpościera się widok na Tatry Zachodnie.
- Chochołowska Valley – Grześ – Rakoń: A great choice for beginners and intermediate users. A gentle route leads to Grześ (1,653 m above sea level) and Rakoń (1,879 m above sea level), from where you can admire the panorama of the Western Tatras.
- Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich – Zawrat: A more difficult, but extremely scenic route, requiring good fitness and the ability to move in high mountain terrain. Zawrat (2,159 m above sea level) offers a spectacular panorama of the High Tatras.
- Kuźnice – Hala Gąsienicowa: A popular route, suitable for both beginners and more experienced ski tourers. It leads through Boczań or the Jaworzynka Valley to Hala Gąsienicowa, one of the most beautiful places in the Tatra Mountains. After reaching the place, you can rest in the “Murowaniec” shelter and admire majestic peaks, such as Głosiec or Świnica.
Ski touring in the Tatra Mountains is an unforgettable adventure that combines sport, contact with nature and beautiful views. But remember that safety is the most important thing. Before heading to the mountains, check the weather forecast, assess the avalanche risk and make sure you have the appropriate equipment. If you are just starting your ski touring adventure, use the services of an experienced guide.
A winter sleigh ride in Podhale, surrounded by white landscapes and the sounds of bells, you will discover the unique magic of traditional sleigh travel.
If you’re not a skiing lover, don’t worry!
Podhale does not end only on the ski slopes. This region offers countless winter activities that attract not only skiing and skiing enthusiasts. Discover the charms of winter nature while enjoying a variety of activities available to everyone.
Sleigh rides in Zakopane and the surrounding area – a winter attraction full of highland atmosphere
Sleigh rides are one of the most classic winter attractions in the Tatra Mountains. Sleigh rides organized by local highlanders allow you to feel the magic of winter in a unique atmosphere. During the sleigh ride you can admire fairy-tale landscapes, listen to highlander music and singing, and at the end there is often a bonfire with roasted sausages and oscypek cheese.
Najpopularniejsze miejsca na kuligi w Zakopanem:
- Kościeliska Valley – a picturesque route among snow-covered forests and rocks, perfect for an atmospheric ride.
- Chochołowska Valley – one of the longest and most scenic sleigh rides in the Tatra Mountains.
- Gubałówka, Zakopane – sleigh ride with a panoramic view of the Tatra Mountains and the possibility of ending by a bonfire in a clearing.
Sleigh rides in the Tatra Mountains are an ideal option for a family trip or a romantic adventure in the winter scenery. It is worth booking a place in advance, especially during the peak season.
Snowtubing is a unique form of winter entertainment, providing a lot of excitement for both children and adults. A ride on a special pontoon along a snow track is a guarantee of laughter and great fun. The lack of control means the tire rotates and bounces, adding unpredictability and adrenaline to the ride.
The best places for snowtubing in the Tatra Mountains
- Gubałówka, Zakopane – a popular track with a view of the Tatra Mountains.
- Bukowina Tatrzańska – snowtubing near the thermal baths and ski lifts.
- Białka Tatrzańska – great conditions and professionally prepared routes.
Snowtubing is a great alternative to skiing and snowboarding, perfect for a family trip or a moment of carefree fun in winter scenery.
Extreme experiences on snowmobiles in the Tatra Mountains
For adrenaline lovers, a snowmobile is the perfect option to feel the power of a winter adventure in the heart of the Tatra Mountains. The engine noise, speed and descents through the Podhale forests will provide unforgettable emotions. As in the case of sleigh rides, the trip often ends with a bonfire where you can warm up with a hot drink and roast sausages. Snowmobiling is great fun in a picturesque setting, perfect for those looking for something a little more extreme.
More information can be found on the Zakopane Quady – Snowmobiles website.
Dog sledding in Zakopane is a unique adventure for lovers of winter emotions. You can feel like a real musher as you drive through the picturesque Tatra Mountains, leading a team of huskies. The offer includes both rides with a carrier and the ability to independently control the carriage. This is an unforgettable attraction that will allow you to feel the true winter atmosphere of Podhale. Find out more about routes and reservations on the Dog Sledding Zakopane website.
Winter hike in the Tatra Mountains: Morskie Oko, Kościeliska Valley, Chochołowska and Hala Gąsienicowa
December, January, February and March are ideal months for winter hiking in the Tatra Mountains. The snow-covered peaks and valleys look particularly beautiful then, and the winter aura adds to their charm. It is worth going for a walk to Morskie Oko, Kościeliska Valley, Chochołowska Valley or Hala Gąsienicowa.
Morskie Oko is one of the most popular places in the Tatra Mountains. In winter, covered with ice and snow, it looks magical. The Kościeliska Valley delights with its picturesque rocks and caves, and the Chochołowska Valley with its vast spaces and views of the Western Tatras. Hala Gąsienicowa a perfect place to admire the highest peaks of the Tatra Mountains, such as Głosiec or Świnica.
Before setting out on the trail, it is worth checking the weather forecast and conditions in the mountains. Please remember that the days are short in winter, so it is worth setting off early in the morning to be back before dusk and, most importantly, take the appropriate equipment and clothes with you.
After a day full of winter adventures, such as hiking on snow-covered trails, skiing or snowboarding, thermal pools in Podhale are the perfect way to relax and regenerate. Warm thermal waters, rich in minerals, soothe tired muscles and joints, and improve circulation and general well-being.
There are many modern thermal complexes in Podhale, offering a wide selection of attractions, such as:
- Recreational pools with hydromassages, geysers and fountains.
- Slides and other water attractions for children and adults.
- Sauny i łaźnie parowe, które pomagają oczyścić organizm z toksyn.
- Gabinety SPA oferujące różnorodne zabiegi pielęgnacyjne i masaże.
The most popular thermal pools in Podhale include:
- Termy Chochołowskie – the largest thermal complex in Poland, offering, among others: swimming pools with brine water, therapeutic pools, saunarium and SPA & Wellness zone.
- Terma Bania – a modern complex with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, slides, saunarium and relaxation zone.
- Hot Potok – a unique complex with outdoor swimming pools in which thermal water flows through natural river beds.
- Termy Zakopiańskie – in addition to thermal pools, it also offers numerous attractions for children, such as slides, paddling pools and playgrounds.
- Relaxation after an active day – warm water and hydromassages help relax muscles and reduce tension.
- Regeneration of the body – minerals contained in thermal water support tissue regeneration and improve circulation.
- Improved well-being – bathing in thermal pools has a relaxing and relaxing effect, reducing stress and improving mood.
Podhale is an ideal place for a winter holiday, which can be combined with relaxation in thermal pools. This is an excellent proposition for people of all ages who value an active lifestyle and health care.
