Skiing in Poland

Anyone been?

What is it like?

Well, I was in the Tatry Mountains twice. It's very nice - especially when the place is not too crowded (won't happen during weekends though ;). They have artificial snow capabilities, but between December - March there's enough natural snow there. Take your own equipment if you can since the rentals are not that great.

But Zakopane (the main city in the Tatry Mountains) and the Zakopane area is even more interesting than just skiing; a lot of nice pubs, historical buildings, great food, nice girls... A lot of private accommodation with the real Polish food; no need to book in advance unless it's really the highest season (Christmas and New Year).

Cheers,

Peter

Thanks

We are going in March, well I am, my friends who I was going with have split up this past weekend so I am not sure of the situation. The plane is booked so is the hotel. We have our own clothing, boots but need to rent skis.

Need to sort a hire car too.

I'm sure you'll have fun! It seems the ski season ends at the beginning of April so you'll have to hurry up ;). Make sure they have a car with auto transmission available (I'm sure they have but it may be slightly more expensive than the "regular" one).

May i ask why? I know the firm we were going to use do autos but we were going to hire a regular Focus

Well, if you can drive a regular car (stick shift), you should be fine; I just thought you may feel more comfortable driving automatic...

Thanks for the airline tips. I found a couple small commuters out of Wroclaw that are not listed in expedia, so I can make them work.

Next question. FISZ mentioned skiing, are there good places to downhill ski within driving or train distance from Wroclaw?

Also, I was looking online for any clubs or groups that are essentially english speaking expats in Wroclaw. Didn't find any on the web, anyone know of something like that?

Your help is much appreciated.

You can ski as close an one hour drive from Wroclaw, in Jelenia Gora region. I don't ski myself but those who do, usually like it there.

I live in the city centre and I love it. I walk to work most of the time and save myself public communication, traffic jams and crowds. But of course it will make little sense to move into the centre just to commute to the otskirts to work so before you decide on where to live, check exact location of your company.

About English speaking expats in Wroclaw, there are many of them, probably most of them teach, I met a few recently and they seemed to have a network of firends rather than anything more official.

Nov 2 2006, 13:47 - Attached on merging:
Skiing in Poland over Xmas

Hello

Thinking of doing a skiing trip to Poland this xmas. I know, I know...it's getting quite late especially with flights.

Any affordable ideas for a couple who are essentially beginner skiers? Packages most welcome to save hassle in organising every aspect!

PS Slovakia is also on the radar as a destination....

Thank you!

No way. It's the perfect time to visit Poland. The airfare is less expensive, and it's just a fabulous time to visit. I've been to the Czarna Gora(south Poland) and the Tatry near Zakopane. If you're a beginner try Czarna Gora. It's smaller and WAY less crowded. We stayed in an extermely small village called Bolesławów and there was free breakfast and dinner. The mountain was about a 10-15 min drive. Be very careful on the roads down there in the winter. The tire ruts are deep and the roads are narrow. I'll see if I can get you more info.

But it's getting too crowded in Poland at times (especially during Christmas/New Year season) - they should build more ski routes (especially for the beginners like myself).

Yes Zakopane gets extermely crowded. Wasn't too bad at Czarna Gora...and very easy trails :)

Zakopane is always very crowded. You can try the other polish ski resorts as Wisła, Szczyrk, Korbielów...

I have to say that I love skiing. And I am so happy that yesterday it started snowing and it's so beautiful and white outside :)

Jealous..... Kasia are you towards wroclaw? I've never heard of Szczyrk. What mtn range does it belong to?

:) Szczyrk is (after Zakopane) the second most popular resort ski in Poland. It is situated in the Beskid Śląski mountains (Beskid Śląski is a part of the Western Carpathians). Szczyrk is a little bit (250 km) far away from Wrocław, 110 km from Cracow, 50 km from Auschwitz, 40 km from the boarder with Czech Republic and Slovakia :) Wisła (in English: Vistula) is 10 km from Szczyrk and it's also great place where you can ski. But Szczyrk during the Christmas and any other holiday is almost as crowded as Zakopane.

poland is supposed to be a wonderful place to ski

Nov 15, 06 [15:36] - Attached on merging:
Skiing In Poland

Having had an excellent short break in Krakow a couple of years ago I am thinking of returning to Poland for a skiing holiday next year.

Where would be the best area to go? Zakopane? Has anybody skied in this area and would you recommend it? How does it compare to say Austria?

Thanks

Ask Fizs, he's skied in Poland, but from what I hear it's very good, also skiing in Slovakia is supposed to be good

I have friends who live in the Czech Republic and they dont recommend Slovakia. They say although it is slightly cheaper than Austria the long ques, slow lifts and grumpy staff make Austria better value for money. I dont think there is much snow making in Slovakia either. However I have hiked in the Slovakian Tatra during the summer months and the scenery is fantastic. I would definatly recomend it for a walking holiday.

Most people from Wroclaw go to the Czech Republic. If you have deep pockets go to Austria.

What about Szklaska poreba , Karpatz or even Swieardow Zdroj (2 hours from Wroclaw). These all have good skiing . I live close to Swieradow and use these slopes.

I would also however recommend Harahov which is just inside the Czech republic. It is actually a venue for world cup skiing so has fantastic facilities both for skiing and for afterwards (restaurants ,bars etc).

Thanks for the info.
Does anyone know of a Web site that has Piste maps for Polish Ski resorts?
Where is Harahov? The Krkonose Mountains?

skiing-europe.net/skipoland.html

here's one..

some skiing in Marianske Lazne in Czech Rep. but not sure its for a seasoned skier..but is a beautiful place

Yes Harahov is close to the Polish Border in the Karkonoske. I would recommend it .
The other place in the Czech republic which I have heard great things about is (something like) SPinderolowa Minn (sorry dont know the exact spelling but not miles from Harahov.

And Liberec of course.

The Czechs certainly are way advanced in terms of a 'real' ski resort (similar to alps etc restaurants, music bars, genuine metropolian feel). Poland is still growing into it but is great for the beginner to learn at low cost and a local friendly environment.