Winter in Zakopane is a magnet for tourists and sports enthusiasts from Poland and beyond. Are you wondering how to make the most of your vacation, find the perfect accommodation or the best skiing spots?
Best Ski Slopes in Zakopane For All
Here are my top 5 ski slopes in Zakopane.
Nosal – Gentle Slopes Perfect for Families
In my experience, Nosal is ideal for beginners and children. The Ski Training Center is located here, which makes it a great place for your child’s first ski experience.
- Pictures and Google Maps Location: Click Here
Polana Szymoszkowa – Lifts for Adults and a Kids Park for Children
Here you’ll find slopes for adults and activities for children, including ski and snowboard kindergartens and a playground. This allows parents to enjoy skiing while their children are under professional supervision. Although skiers usually prefer T-bar lifts, I know that the cableway at Polana Szymoszkowa offers added comfort, a feature found in only a few places in Zakopane.
↳ Make sure to check out my guide to ALL attractions in Zakopane, so you don't overlook anything interesting: 66 Best Attractions in Zakopane 2023 – What to Do – Interesting Places
- Pictures and Google Maps Location: Click Here
Polana Szymoszkowa has two lifts – a small one for beginners (360 m) and a bigger one for advanced skiers (1,291 m). The resort also has a children’s zone – KidsPark with a ski school.
The resort offers six downhill ski trails, one cross-country ski trail and one ski touring trail, the longest of which is 900 m. There’s also a ski kindergarten for young skiers.
Gubałówka – The Popular Podhale Mountain
While there are many ski slopes near Zakopane, some prefer the slopes within the city, such as Gubałówka. These slopes are mainly designed for beginners, but advanced skiers and snowboarders will also have a great time here. With artificial snow and partial lighting, Gubałówka’s slopes are ideal for all skill levels and offer a place to practice and learn from instructors.
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The Gubałówka ski slope is 300 m long blue (easy) slope and includes a snowboard track – Polana Gubałówki Halfpipe. This snowboard chute is 100 m long, 13 m wide and 2.2 m high, with a slope of 16%.
Harenda – Ski and Recreation Center
At Harenda you’ll find ski, snowboard and cross-country trails, equipment rentals, a ski school, sports shop and restaurants – enough activities to fill your day. Harenda’s slopes cater to both expert and beginner skiers, with a challenging black trail and beginner-friendly green trails. The resort is well equipped and the slopes are relatively affordable, making it an excellent choice for those new to the sport.
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Kasprowy Wierch – Challenging Black Routes
When recommending ski slopes in and around Zakopane, you can’t miss Kasprowy Wierch. With 14 km of FIS-certified slopes, skiers can enjoy a variety of terrains. Kasprowy Wierch is one of the highest ski slopes in Zakopane, but its challenging routes make it more suitable for experienced skiers. It’s the only place in the area that resembles alpine ski lifts found in Austria and Switzerland.
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Kasprowy Wierch offers three ski slopes. Two black (very difficult) trails are located in Gąsienicowy and Goryczkowy, both of which start with steep descents before leveling out. These wide trails offer breathtaking views, but are only partially groomed.
The third trail, a blue run from Goryczkowa, is 3,500 meters long and accessible by cable car.
Kotelnica Białczańska Slope
Kotelnica Białczańska is a large, modern ski resort with green, blue, and red trails totaling 14 km. Chair and T-bar lifts provide access to the lighted, snow-covered and groomed slopes. Special trails are available for cross-country skiers.
- Pictures and Google Maps Location: Click Here
The resort is specially designed for children and offers easy and very easy slopes. The longest run is 470 m. The resort has five blue runs, the longest of which is 1,300 m. The short 4.5-minute ride to the top is a bonus.
There are five short runs (180 m – 450 m) accessible by T-bar lifts, making this resort perfect for children. It has the longest ski belt in Poland, a ski garden, a snow tubing track and a ski carousel. There is also an ice rink for more winter fun.
Ski Lessons During the Holidays?
Winter vacation in Zakopane is the perfect time for your child to learn to ski. Group lessons at ski schools last a few hours and give kids the basic skills they need. Each school has ski equipment for rent, so you don’t have to invest in equipment right away.
What About Cross-Country Skiing in Zakopane?
Cross-country skiing is growing in popularity, with more and more routes appearing in Zakopane. These trails vary in difficulty and scenery, but always offer breathtaking views. If you’re looking for an active winter activity other than downhill skiing, give cross-country skiing a try. Some great spots include
- Kościelisko – Biathlon Center Stadium
- Siwa Polana in the Chochołowska Valley
- Biały Potok near Wielka Krokiew
- Równia Krupowa – in the heart of Zakopane
More Than Just Skiing
If you enjoy spending time outdoors in the winter, but aren’t into skiing or snowboarding, there are still plenty of options for you.
- Toboggan runs – Snowlandia has one, along with the world’s largest artificial snow maze.
- Sleigh rides – experience the excitement and emotion of a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy forest.
- Dog sledding – meet the adorable huskies and create unforgettable memories as you ride with these energetic canines.
- Snowmobiles – guided tours ranging from an hour to a full day, explore areas inaccessible on foot while marveling at the stunning Tatra and Podhale landscapes.
As evening falls and temperatures drop, the heart of Zakopane comes alive. The lively Krupówki Street, cozy restaurants serving Podhale cuisine and chic cafes welcome you. Spend your days on the slopes and explore the city by night. Zakopane awaits you.
References
- https://poza-domem.pl/stoki-narciarskie-zakopane
- https://www.kraina-smaku.com/6-najlepszych-stokow-narciarskich-w-zakopanem-i-okolicach
