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Skiing in Zakopane, Krakow 2024-2025

Those who are fond of winter sports shouldn't miss the chance to leave Krakow for a day or two and to visit Zakopane, a town located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. Especially, when it takes only two hours!

Best time: December–February

Zakopane is a great destination for beginners, the slopes are well-groomed and apres-ski food is delicious. Kasprowy Wierch is called a Sacred Mountain for Polish skiers. It features cable-car, two chairlifts. Nosal Ski Station boasts long lasting snow cover, a chairlift and 5 ski lifts. Szymoszkowa Ski Station with two chairlifts and great views is great for intermediate skiers.

Even if you don’t like to go skiing yourself, you’ll have a chance to see Wielka Krokiew or the Great Krokiew, one of the biggest ski jumps. It was built in 1925, and since that time it is a place for the world championships in jumping. It is a regular location for the FIS Ski jumping World Cup.

As long as Zakopane is one of the most popular ski resorts in Poland, there are activities for everyone. Among the exciting attractions is the huge ice maze made of solid ice which usually appears in the middle of the winter.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit Zakopane for skiing?

From December to February, Zakopane is the best destination for skiing. The weather at this point is perfect, ranging from -10°C to 5°C, providing an ideal climate for skiing and other winter sports. The ski stations are usually open for business, and the snowfall is dependable, making it the perfect time to enjoy skiing at Zakopane.

Where are the best ski resorts in Zakopane for beginners?

The ski stations in Zakopane have ample opportunities for first-timers. Kasprowy Wierch Ski station is an excellent option and additionally features cable-cars, two chairlifts, and slopes for beginners. Szymoszkowa Ski Station features two chairlifts for skiing, while Nosal Ski Station has two beginner ski lifts and one chairlift suitable for inexperienced skiers, and intermediates. These stations offer on-site instructors and rentals for an excellent skiing experience.

What is the Sacred Mountain in Zakopane and why is it important for Polish skiers?

The Sacred Mountain in Tatra mountains range in Zakopane is Kasprowy Wierch, a historic, beautiful, and a religious haven for Polish skiers. Skiers can experience the well-maintained slopes, cable-car, and two chairlifts in the scenic beauty while skiing. After a day of skiing, people can enjoy a delicious Polish cuisine in the restaurant. In essence, Kasprowy Wierch is considered a religious site due to its historical and natural importance.

What is the Great Krokiew and what events are held here?

The Great Krokiew in Zakopane, an iconic venue constructed in 1925 for ski jumping, is famous worldwide for world championships and the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup events. With a capacity of 35,000 people, it stands tall as a spectacle in Zakopane. The Great Krokiew now hosts music festivals, cultural events, and other competitions while preserving its legacy as a historical site. Tourists, therefore, have an opportunity to encounter a culturally and historically significant site while enjoying ski jumping.

What are some unique winter activities in Zakopane besides skiing?

In addition to skiing, Zakopane offers several sensational winter sports activities. During peak winter, the ice maze, constructed entirely of solid ice, offers a unique experience. Adventure seekers can attempt to climb the frozen waterfalls with picks and ropes in the ice-climbing event. Snowmobile riding is a thrilling sport that allows visitors to experience the wonders of Zakopane's beautiful environs. Visitors can also try dog sledding or cross-country skiing to discover the beauty of a winter landscape in Zakopane.

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