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SKI AND SNOWBOARD AREAS IN ZAKOPANE, POLAND

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Overview of skiing and snowboarding areas in and near Zakopane
Bania and Kotelnica, Bialka Tatrzanska
KASPROWY WIERCH, Zakopane
HARENDA, Zakopane
SZYMOSZKOWA, Zakopane
NOSAL, Zakopane

Overview of Ski and snowboard areas in and around Zakopane

First of all it's important to note that the ski areas in Zakopane are all independently owned and run and thus there are seperate lift passes for each area. Individually the areas are certainly not anywhere near the size of the gigantic, interlinked areas that you can find in the 3 Valleys, France or Whistler-Blackcomb, Canada. Having said this, once combined, which is easily possible to do by visiting a different slope each day, the total number of lifts, runs and variety of slopes is certainly more than enough to firstly and most importantly improve to and beyond instructor standard and secondly to have a very fun time without getting bored.

Of course the most obvious benefit of the skiing and snowboarding in Zakopane is the price- there is no way that you'd ever be able to get away with a £10- £20 lift pass ALL DAY in the established resorts in France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria or North America. Another awesome advantage in Zakopane is that you can ski on certain areas- notably Bialka Tatzanska, one of the most varied resorts, from 9am until 10pm EVERY SINGLE DAY of the season which can often last from late November until Mid to late April (snow permitting of course). An all day unlimited pass at Bialka costing just 70zl you can't go far wrong. Also the fact that from 4pm onwards the slopes become much quieter meaning that even in peak season it is possible for keen sportspeople to get in plenty of quality runs without having to queue too much as long as you choose your times on the slopes wisely.

One of the hardest things to organise is often the transport to and from the slopes (which is included in all our "all inclusive" packages). Booking taxis or minibusses can prove very difficult if travelling independently and prices can and will vary wildly depending on your driver. There are public transport options to some of the areas although again information and logistics regarding this solution is very hard unless you are good at speaking Polish.

Another advantage of the ski areas in Zakopane is that as they do not currently work well together amongst themselves they constantly try to compete and undercut each other on price which keeps their standards reasonably high (although certainly not on a par with the best resorts in western Europe and north America) while keeping the costs for the consumer to an absolute minimum. Personally I feel as though the quality for what you pay in Zakopane is the very best possible for travellers from the UK and Ireland. While customer services and relations are often not as good as what we are used to back home it is easy to forgive once you check your wallet and make a quick calculation as to how much is still in there compared with choosing a western European resort- A recent news report by the BBC confirmed that a plate of spaghetti Bolognese in one of the big canteen style restaurants on the slopes of Val D'Isere, France currently costs a whopping 30 Euros for just one portion! That price will happily feed a family of four on the slopes in Zakopane including at least two courses each plus drinks (even including table service, beer and mulled wine!)

Bania and Kotelnica, Bialka Tatrzanska

Snowmobiling is easily accessible at Bialka Tatrzanska ski area as little as 30 minutes from Zakopane (traffic permitting).

One of the best all round ski and snowboard areas. Bialka has recently started to grow and take its ski area to a much more professional level. New to the season 2014/15 there was a new ski lift and run. There is also a brand new lift and run that has just opened (April 2015) which links to the Kaniowka ski area. Each season a new snow park sponsored by Burton snowboard company or similar is built. At the bottom of Bialka they have created a snow tubing zone (large rubber rings that you sit on and slide down a track in) which is included on your lift pass for the little ones where they get dragged up the hill in a rubber ring by a little lift and then slide down a designated course like a little bobsled run.

If you are a first time skier or snowboarder then there are 3 wide beginner areas served by I draglift, 1 magic carpet and a 4-person chair lift. If you are more an intermediate skier or snowboarder then there are long and wide runs perfect for practicing those turns, which is served by 4 high speed detachable 6-person chair lifts. However, if you fancy yourself as a bit of an expert then there are 2 chair lifts and 2 drag lifts at the top or the first 6 man lift with a choice of steeper runs. The drive to Bialka takes about 30 minutes (can be more or less than this depending on traffic) but once you are there it is fully equipped to keep you entertained even if you do not want to ski. There are a selection of good and comparatively cheap restaurants and bars with a large decked area at the top and bottom of each lift. There is not only the wonderful view of the Tatra mountain range but a designated sledging area, restaurants, cafes, bars, games rooms, ski shops and even a local market.

Introduced in 2012, there is a Thermaly heated Aqua park right next to the slopes, perfect for an afternoon of relaxations after a morning on the slopes. As a Sunshine World customer you will receive a 10% discount to all services. ( Please ask a member of staff in resort for information)

For more information check out: http://www.bialkatatrzanska.pl

Photos above: SW group at Bialka Tatrzanska, Alan posing somewhat and Batman and Yoda in the Bialka car park.

Photos above: Bialka is perfect for all: young and older, good and Dark Side of the Force :)

1 Drag Lifts: Difficulty – Easy for beginners (Green run)
1 Magic Carpet - Difficulty – Easy for beginners (Green run)
4-Person Chair Lift: Difficulty – Intermediate (Blue/Green run)
6-Person Chair Lift: Difficulty – Intermediate (Blue run)
3-Person Chair Lift: Difficulty – Intermediate (Blue run)
4-Person Chair Lift: Difficulty – Intermediate/Difficult (Red run)
2 T-Bar/Button: Difficulty Intermediate/Difficult (Red run)
4-Person Chair Lift: Difficulty – Intermediate/Difficult (red run)
6-Person Chair Lift: Difficulty – Intermediate/Difficult (red/blue run)
6-Person Chair Lift: Difficulty – Intermediate/Difficult (red/blue run)
6-Person Chair Lift: Difficulty - TBC – New To 2016

Bialka Tatrzanska Ski Area

Sunshine World Day Trip to Bialka Tatrzanska: Including return transport, lift passes (To a maximum 60zl value) and a minimum 1-hour lesson with a member of our pro team -From just £45 per person (Based on a group of 4 people, day trip lasts around 6 hours)

All prices are Sunshine World LTDs prices. We reserve the right to change our prices. Your confirmation invoice price will not change.

ALL INCLUSIVE and fully customisable ski and snowboard holiday packages in Zakopane, Poland are available with Sunshine World covering all of these areas! Click here to find out more about our incredible all-inclusive packages: http://www.sunshineworldpoland.com/html/allinclusive.htm

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KASPROWY WIERCH, Zakopane

Photos: The views from the top of Kasprowy Wierch on a clear are arguably as good as any of the most famous resorts in the world.

Kasprowy Wierch is located high in the middle of the Tatra Mountains, 1987m above sea level it is the biggest and most challenging ski area in Poland. Not only does it offer superb skiing and snowboarding but spectacular scenery as you are in the heart of the Tatra Mountains. From the bottom of Kasprowy, Kuznice, the brand new Aerial Cable Ropeway, capable of carrying 60 people at a time will take you to the top of Kasprowy in less than 15 minutes. From the top you can ski in either of 2 valleys, to the left in the Gasienicowa valley and to the right the Goryczkowa valley. Each valley is served by a chair lift operating between 9am and 2.45pm - 4.45pm (depending on the time of season). At the top of the cable car there is a large restaurant and snack bars. At the end of the day you can take the cable car back to Kuznice or ski all the way down the 6km long Goryczkowa valley, past the bottom of the chair lift and onto a long winding run that leads you back to Kuznice.  

New in 2009 Kasprowy Wierch hosted Zakopane's first Red Bull "Zjazd Na Kreche" (Translation- Straight to the Base") race with over 226 male and female skiiers and snowboarders all starting at the SAME TIME down the 6km long extreme slopes from the top! Kasprowy has hosted many international competitions throughout the last 70+ years and is gradually coming back onto the international scene as it's facilities are upgraded year on year.

Photos left and right: Two Sunshine World advanced guests taking it to the extreme in Kasprowy's amazing powder snow

It is worth noting that while Kasprowy is only serviced by the main high speed cable car and two chair lifts these lifts allow access to two HUGE bowls with hundreds of possible lines down with very little traversing necessary. Skiing and snowboarding off piste is technically illegal on Kasprowy Wierch and doing so may result in an angry park Ranger demanding your ID and maybe even fining you! If you are careful not to stray too far from the ropes they generally leave you alone altough we cannot guarantee this so if you duck under the red ropes at any time the day may prove more costly than you had originally planned for (up to 200zl fine per person!)

Hopefully the attitude towards skiing and snowboarding in Poland's favorite National Park will become more reasonable in the near future. The general attitude of the last few years does seem to be swinging more in favour of sport and less of unneccessary protectionism of what has so far only seemed to be to "protect the trees from skis and snowboards" which can't possibly cause any real damage to them!

Again the main benefit on Kasprowy is that you can Pay as you Go which while at first it appears to be inconvenient (it is a little inconvenient after all!) It does mean that you can genuinely relax and enjoy a long lunch or Coffee/ mulled wine break without feeling like you SHOULD be maximising your 50 Euro/ $100 Canadian Dollar Day pass on the slopes. A full day pass on Kasprowy - (2015) is 138PLN/ about £25. You can buy single runs for about £4 per time. This is a great option if you are just looking for a relaxed few runs.

Also, while there are often queues for the main cable car (mainly "pedestrians" who are sightseeing Poland's most famous peaks), the non skiiers/ boarders are not allowed up after 2.30pm which means a lie in or start of the day on another area can easily be followed by a queue-free trip up Kasprowy for a good couple of hours of blasting! If you get up early you can also avoid the queues by getting to the base at 8am if you're very keen.

60-Person High-Speed Aerial Cable Ropeway: Access to Kasprowy Wierch
4-Person Chair Lift: Gasienicowa valley. Difficulty – Difficult (Black runs)
2-Person Chair Lift: Goryczkowa valley. Difficulty – Difficult (Black runs)

Sunshine World Day Trip to Kasprowy Wierch: Including transport, lift passes (cable car plus ten chair lift rides) and a minimum 1-hour lesson with a member of our pro team and guiding around the mountain -From just £60 per person (Based on a group of 4 people, day trip lasts around 6 hours)

All-Inclusive Skiing/ Snowboarding offer Add on – suitable
for 6 nights stay –From just £225 per person!

• 6 days ski/ snowboard equipment rental
• 5 days professional ski/ snowboard instruction (min 1hr per day)
• 5 days lift passes for areas designated by instructor
• 5 days return transport to and from slopes

ALL INCLUSIVE and fully customizable ski and snowboard packages in Zakopane, Poland are available with Sunshine World covering all of these areas! Click here to find out more about our incredible all inclusive packages: http://www.sunshineworldpoland.com/html/allinclusive.htm

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HARENDA, Zakopane

Located a short drive from the centre of Zakopane Harenda has skiing and snowboarding for everyone. There are wide beginner areas with a gentle drag lift once you find your feet, steep runs for the more advanced skiers and snowboarders and a snow park (depending on time of season- they don't maintain the park all season unfortunately!) with various jumps, rails and boxes for anybody wishing to learn some new tricks. At the top and bottom of Harenda there are cafes with both indoor and outdoor seating areas, perfect for taking a well-deserved rest and watching people ski. Learning to ski and snowboard at Harenda is that much more fun due to the astonishing views. It really is hard not to smile when you stand up from your first big fall, shake the snow off, wipe the snow from your goggles, open your eyes and see the whole of the Tatra mountain range and the whole of Zakopane. For more information check out: http://www.harendazakopane.pl

Harenda also has probably the least expensive altitude cafe in the world with a pint of beer at the little hut at the top costing just 6zl in 2015 (£1!) and wonderful views to go with it.

4-Person Chair Lift: Difficulty – Difficult (Black run)
3 Drag Lifts: Difficulty – Easy to Difficult (Green/Blue/red run)

Harenda Ski Area- the picture above is actually a "virtual reality" shot- for real photos (actually looks nicer in real life ;) check out our Gallery
Sunshine World Day Trip to Harenda: Including transport, lift passes (Maximum 60zl value) and a minimum 1-hour lesson with a member of our pro team -From just £40 per person (Based on a group of 4 people, day trip lasts around 6 hours)

All-Inclusive Skiing/ Snowboarding offer Add on – suitable
for 6 nights stay -From just £225 per person

• 6 days ski/ snowboard equipment rental
• 5 days professional ski/ snowboard instruction (min 1hr per day)
• 5 days lift passes for areas designated by instructor
• 5 days return transport to and from slopes

ALL INCLUSIVE and fully customizable ski and snowboard holidays in Zakopane, Poland are available with Sunshine World covering all of these areas! Click here to find out more about our incredible all inclusive packages: http://www.sunshineworldpoland.com/html/allinclusive.htm

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SZYMOSZKOWA, Zakopane

Szymoszkowa is one of Zakopane's most popular ski and snowboard areas due to its location and fantastic facilities. Situated close to the centre of town it sits opposite the Tatra mountain range providing a stunning backdrop. With state of the art snow making facilities Szymoszkowa is rarely without snow. If it is cold and not snowing naturally the snow cannons are turned on and left to build up a big snow base, one of the first places to open and last to close. At the top of Szymoszkowa there are 3 restaurants with another large restaurant and café at the bottom. The wide piste on Szymoszkowa is always well groomed on the lower intermediate area and from the top there is a much more challenging steeper run with moguls appearing naturally through the day. Open from 9am until 10pm you can enjoy skiing by day and night. For more information check out: http://www.szymoszkowa.pl (Do not worry about the snow depth reading 0cm, it does not seem to get updated)

Left: Some SW snowboarding guests chilling on the slopes at Szymoszkowa.
Right: Our beloved mascots: Sunny and the Little Tree

4-Person Chair Lift: Difficulty – Beginner to Intermediate (Green run)
6-Person Detachable Chair Lift: Difficulty – Advanced (red/Blue run)

Szymoszkowa Ski Area

Above we have a Sunshine World guest showing off his adventurous new "Butter" skills in 2006 at Szymoszkowa. Below: Happy Sunshine World guests at Szymoszkowa

Sunshine World Day Trip to Szymoszkowa: Including transport, lift passes (maximum value of 60zl) and a minimum 1-hour lesson with a member of our pro team - £40 per person (Based on a group of 4 people, day trip lasts around 6 hours)

All-Inclusive Skiing/ Snowboarding offer Add on – suitable
for 6 nights stay – From Just £225 per person!

• 6 days ski/ snowboard equipment rental
• 5 days professional ski/ snowboard instruction (min 1hr per day)
• 5 days lift passes for areas designated by instructor
• 5 days return transport to and from slopes

ALL INCLUSIVE and fully customizable ski and snowboard holiday packages in Zakopane, Poland are available with Sunshine World covering all of these areas! Click here to find out more about our incredible all inclusive packages: http://www.sunshineworldpoland.com/html/allinclusive.htm

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NOSAL, Zakopane

Located a 5 minute drive from the centre of Zakopane, Nosal is perfect for both first time skiers and snowboarders as well as families with young children. Throughout the winter Nosal runs ski school/children's ski courses. It has 4 easy beginner runs with wide, well groomed runs and a number of cafes at the bottom as an incentive to get down and take a well-earned drink. With opening hours from around 9am to 10pm as the sunlight fades on Nosal the floodlights power up allowing you to carry on skiing late into the night. For more information check out: http://www.nosal.pl

Nosal is certainly not the best area for intermediate skiers/ snowboarders looking to cruise around on long blue-graded slopes but for this standard of skier/ rider Nosal is a good option for a first day back on the slopes if you're feeling like a nice, easy area to get your legs back in sliding mode.

4 Beginner Drag Lifts:  Difficulty – Easy and very easy for beginners (Green run)

Sunshine World Day Trip to Nosal: Including transport, lift passes (To a maximum value of 60zl) and a minimum 1-hour lesson with a member of our pro team - From Just £40 per person (Based on a group of 4 people, day trip lasts around 6 hours)

All-Inclusive Skiing/ Snowboarding offer Add on – suitable
for 6 nights stay – From just £225 per person!

• 6 days ski/ snowboard equipment rental
• 5 days professional ski/ snowboard instruction (min 1hr per day)
• 5 days lift passes for areas designated by instructor
• 5 days return transport to and from slopes

ALL INCLUSIVE and fully customizable 7 night ski and snowboard packages in Zakopane, Poland are available with Sunshine World covering all of these areas! Click here to find out more about our incredible all inclusive packages: http://www.sunshineworldpoland.com/html/allinclusive.htm

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