Zakopane is probably the best known Polish mountain resort and it’s the winter capital of Poland, hosting many international winter sports events and attracting millions of visitors including social elites from across Europe during the winter months.
Other resorts include Szczyrk, Karpacz, Szklarska Poręba, Szczawnica, Krynica Zdrój and Ustrzyki. These resorts are all located in the southern border regions, rich in natural beauty and less commercial than many alpine resorts. The summers can be hot, ideal for hiking or just enjoying the scenery, the winters can stay well below freezing for long periods with deep snow.
Resort Comparison Chart
A winter sports resort comparison chart is in preparation showing length of season, average temperatures, altitude, availability of accommodation, sports facilities and other winter attractions.
Zakopane and Tatra Mountains
Zakopane is in the Tatra Mountains, the only alpine range in the Carpathian Mountains which runs from the Czech Republic, through Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine, right through Romania and even stretching a little into Serbia.
Zakopane is often used as a base before heading off for skiing or hiking in the Tatras, but the centre of Zakopane also has attractions, there are lively shops, cafes, bars and the night life can be interesting. Summer time attractions include white river rafting on the Dunajec.
Seeking fewer crowds and more wilderness then head out to the smaller villages in the surrounding hills, there are still some really nice places around with wooden houses, horses and carts and lodgings for the night in the barn.
Szczyrk
Szczyrk is further north east in the Beskid Slaski Mountains, and is also an important winter sports resort with over 60 km of ski routes, mountains peaks include easily pronouncable Skrzyczne (1,257 metres) and Klimczok (1,117 metres), Szczyrk is also close to the source of the river Wisla, which then runs over 1000 km right across Poland.
Szczawnica
Szczawnica is in the Pieniny Mountains, a great base to visit the famous Dunajec River Gorge, and location of health spas specialising in treatment of lung troubles.
Krynica
A little further east is Krynica Zdroj in Beskid Sądecki mountains, you will also find some excellent health spas here.
Nowy Sącz
Not quite in the mountains but a great stop over point along the way to nearby resorts such as Krynica and Szczawnica. Nowy Sącz is a small town but a regional centre with good shopping facilities, hotels and clubs. We stayed at Villa Oaza for just over £10 per night, a comfortable guest house in a rural setting with a good view over the town. Zajazd Ostoya might also be a good stop over motel, located close to large retail outlets and trunk roads.
Ustrzyki
Ustrzyki in the Bieszczady is as far south east as you can go in Poland, it’s an interesting wild region with poor infrastructure but fantastic for a place to get away from it all.
Szklarska Poręba and Karpacz
Szklarska Poreba and Karpacz in the Sudety Mountains in the south west, on the border with the Czech Republic (where there are also resorts worth considering). The highest peak is Sniezka in the Karkonosze Mountains which is 1602 metres high.
Thanks for use of photograph to http://www.flickr.com/photos/anapaulahrm/3601349902/