If you’re an avid skier, Zakopane is the place to be in winter. With plenty of groomed slopes to choose from, both beginners and advanced skiers will find something to enjoy in the winter capital of Poland and the Podhale region. There’s plenty of fun for families with children too.
Over the past decade, I have skied many different slopes on my account. Although I have my favorite places, I also enjoy discovering new resorts. Next year Wisła or Szczyrk (other places) are possible destinations, but this year I will stay in Poronin, just like last year. I would like to invite you to have a look at the slopes that I have been skiing or plan to visit.
There are also lot of other great things you can enjoy in Zakopane. Please check here: Discovering the Best Sites of Krupówki: Zakopane’s Old Town
Slopes for Children and Beginners in Zakopane
In Wielka Krokiew you can find two ski lifts: the one inspired by the ski jump and the giant one. The former is suitable for beginners, with plenty of space for practicing and professional help from instructors. You can rent the necessary equipment and even take ski lessons in groups or individually. Gigant is another great spot for beginners, with a wide slope and low elevation gain. You can always get the equipment you need and take private or group lessons. Courses are available for both adults and children.
↳ 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
Polana Szymoszkowa is a great place for kids and beginners. It has two cable cars, the smaller of which takes you to the middle of the slope, perfect for beginners. At the bottom station there is KidsPark Szymoszkowa, where children can improve their skills with the help of an instructor. You can spend a whole day on the slopes of Polana for 109 PLN (100 PLN reduced).
A visit to Kalatówki is an excellent choice for those looking for an enjoyable skiing experience. The T-bar ski lift, located next to the Górski Hotel, is 400 meters long and has many advantages. For one, the area has a long-lasting natural snow cover and is supported by grooming, making it an ideal easy slope. The ski resort also has a kindergarten for children and instructors for those who want to learn. Equipment rental and service is also available at the hotel. A children’s pass, which includes 10 rides, costs only 30 PLN.
Gubałówka is a must if you are considering a skiing adventure with your children. It is the perfect place for them to take their first steps on skis and explore the breathtaking Tatra peaks. You can do this for 89 PLN, or for a discounted price of 70 PLN for those aged 5-15 or over 65.
Long Slopes For Ski Lovers in Zakopane
If you’d like to learn how to ski, the places mentioned above have gentle slopes, making them perfect for beginners. For more experienced skiers, Kasprowy Wierch has a 5,400-meter route that leads from the top of the mountain to Kuźnice via Kocioł Goryczkowy. However, the upper part of the route is suitable only for experienced skiers, and skiing conditions may vary depending on natural snowfall. A one-day ski pass costs PLN 138 (reduced PLN 110).
- Pictures and Google Maps Location: Click Here
Beginner’s Ski Slopes in Zakopane
Here are a few of the most important slopes you should consider when looking for slopes for beginners that you will visit with your children.
Ski Lift „Gigant” – Wielka Krokiew
You can experience the thrill of a ski lift at the Gigant Zakopane. Located below Wielka Krokiew, this ski lift is almost in the center of Zakopane. It offers both T-bar and telescopic lifts with a total length of 181 meters and is ideal for beginners and children. There is also a ski school, equipment rental and a snack bar. For an extra thrill, snow tubing is available – you can ride down a special channel on a pontoon.
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Polana Szymoszkowa Slope
You’ll find one of the biggest downhill ski mountains in Zakopane. From the top you will ski 1342 meters, so you can go a little further than usual. It’s a very special route for me. Skiers have access to a small and a large lift as well as a beginner’s band. It’s great for kids. There’s also a rental shop, ski school and restaurants in the area. The trail is really nice and wide. It’s also part of the Tatra Super Ski.
- Picture and Google Maps Location: Click Here
Suche Ski Slope
This is my discovery of last year. Located in Suche near Poronin, it is situated on the northern slope of Rafaczańska Grapa with a stunning view of the Tatra Mountains. You’ll find cash desks, ski equipment rentals and services, a ski school with an amazing team of instructors, a restaurant, restrooms and parking lots.
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The resort has two lifts – a 950m 4-seater chairlift and a 400m T-bar lift. Each lift is accompanied by a trail – the 4-seater lift has a blue trail with three variants and the T-bar lift has a green trail (easy). Get your Tatry Super Ski pass and enjoy the slopes that are perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Tatry Super Ski passes are ski passes available within the cooperation of associated ski resorts or passes only for Suche Slopes. This resort belongs to Tatry Super Ski.
Białka Tatrzańska – Kotelnica
You will have a great time at Kotelnica in the center of Białka Tatrzańska. You will have access to the Bania and Kaniówka ski areas. There are special routes for learning to ski, as well as gardens and a ski kindergarten for children. Białka is the largest ski resort in Podhale, with 14 kilometers of perfect slopes for pros and beginners. We had a great time here last year and you will too.
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Night Skiing Near Zakopane
Zakopane has also taken care of the night skiers. From Gubałówka you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Tatra Mountains and the city, an evening drive here will be a real experience. The southern slopes are partially lighted and artificially snowed. A one-day ski pass for adults aged 16-64 costs PLN 79, and the reduced price is PLN 50.
Harenda is located on the slopes of Rafaczówka, an extension of Gubałówka. It offers slopes for beginners and advanced skiers, including a challenging black slope. There are three T-bar lifts and one chair lift, the slope is lit and open until 21:00. A two-hour ride costs 65 PLN (60 PLN for those under 15). The ski slopes are lit by Budzowski Wierch, a complex of ski lifts in the Krzeptówki area.
Skiers can choose from three slopes of different difficulty levels, two of which are more challenging, while the other is suitable for the youngest skiers. The slopes are well prepared, snow-covered and maintained, and you can ski on them until late at night. A pass for beginners costs 10 PLN for 12 rides on a small lift and 15 PLN for a large lift. The price of a group pass is 12 PLN for 12 rides (both lifts).
- Pictures and Google Maps Location: Click Here
What to Consider When Going Skiing in Zakopane?
If you’re planning a skiing trip to Zakopane, I can tell you from my experience that there are a few important things you should keep in mind in order to make the most of your winter sports adventure.
- First of all, you should choose the right slope for your level. Zakopane offers many slopes of varying difficulty, so if you’re a beginner, it’s best to stick to the easier routes, while experienced skiers can opt for the more advanced slopes.
- It’s also important to have the right equipment. Don’t forget to wear a ski outfit that protects you from the cold and moisture, and don’t forget your helmet, goggles, and gloves. These are essential items to ensure your safety on the slopes.
- If you’re just starting out on your skiing adventure, it’s worth taking the help of an instructor. With the guidance of a professional instructor, you’ll learn basic skiing techniques faster and enjoy your winter sports more.
- Also, remember to eat right and stay hydrated. Skiing is a demanding physical activity, so be sure to eat a light meal before hitting the slopes and drink water or isotonic drinks during your run.
- Finally, it’s important to respect other skiers on the slopes. Always look ahead and react to situations that could lead to a collision. Remember that you are part of a group on the slopes, so be careful and considerate of others.
References
- https://poza-domem.pl/stoki-narciarskie-zakopane
- https://www.jaskoweklimaty.pl/na-narty-z-dzieckiem-najlepsze-stoki-w-okolicach-zakopanego/
