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WHY POLAND?

I have been skiing and snowboarding all over the world for 20 years now- professionally for 7 years. Over the years I have experienced many a wonderful moment in many of the most magical resorts in the world. Some have been outstanding in their personal service and resonated with an electric energy. Others felt as though I was an unwanted minority who was seen to be invading the locals' cherished lands.

The demand has never been greater for snow sports holidays and with no well-publicised alternatives within a short haul flight available the Big Four (France, Italy, Switzerland and Poland) are clearly raising their prices year on year. But are we receiving a better service for our hard earned cash? Indeed Sunshine World delivers fully tailored, world class holidays in 8 of the most prestigious resorts in France: www.sunshineworldfrance.com

I believe the answer lies within Eastern Europe. Countries such as Poland, which has recently joined the EU, are developing at an alarming rate. They have great ski resorts yet prices are a third of those in Western Europe! A family owned, independent British company, Sunshine World (www.sunshineworld.co.uk), has paved the way for a new generation of skiers and boarders to have access to their favourite sports for prices more comparable to surfing than skiing! There is plenty of room for everyone else to join the party and investment opportunities are abundant in this largely undiscovered wonderland. I am not Polish (indeed I'm half French- home to many of the big name resorts which we Sunshine World offers AND I would recommend steering clear of if looking for the best value for money) and indeed have no interest in promoting Polish interests- I merely wish to be honest about what I consider to be the best value holidays in Europe.

A Forgotten Giant- Zakopane Ski and Snowboard resort, Poland "Prices are as low as they go- Yet the standards are much higher than other eastern bloc ski countries such as Bulgaria and Romania." - John Hill, Editor, The Good Ski Guide, in his review of Zakopane in February 2006.

Zakopane, Poland's "winter capital", was once regarded as one of the best ski resorts in the World back in 1939 and played host to some of the first ever international winter sports competitions. After 1939 the tragic history is well documented and it is this history which has led to Poland not being able to promote itself as smoothly and expertly as its more fortunate western neighbours. The foundations of this great skiing nation are still strong and getting stronger year on year. Ex-ski jumping 3 time World Champion (2001,02 +03) Adam Malysz was born and grew up training in the Tatra mountains in southern Poland.

While the infrastructure is not quite as well developed as the 3 Valleys, Whistler or Paradiski the prices certainly don't reflect how great a time you can have compared to the big name resorts. There are many great nightclubs, bars, restaurants and shops in Zakopane and an unusually large (for a ski resort) permanent poplulation of over 80,000 largely very friendly and welcoming people.

The Polish Economy in a Nutshell
We all know how quickly Ireland's economy accelerated after joining the EU and already many of their savvy and powerful countrymen and women have been investing heavily in the main Polish cities such as Warsaw (the capital) and Krakow as well as Zakopane to a lesser extent. Poland is among the new EU member countries which joined in 2004 and the benefits are already evident with new roads, shopping centres, and buildings springing up across the country. Poland is expecting to join the Euro around 2010-2012. The future is certainly bright.

Poland was the first of the ex-Eastern Bloc countries to break from communism back in 1989 under the Solidarity movement and was certainly an inspirational catalyst for many other ex-communist countries to follow suit. The Polish political situation is by no means as stable as some western Europe countries but it is certainly much more democratic than most of us might presume. There are over 35 million Polish people in Poland and well over 15 million Poles working outside of Poland. It's estimated that well over a million Poles are working here in the UK and Ireland.

A Bright Future
Poland is by no means a country weakened by its tough history. Indeed the population seem to have grown wiser and stronger through the hard times- similarly to our grandparents who fought in World War II. I believe that to underestimate Poland today is to miss out on being able to take advantage of a massively undervalued ecnomy. Short of World War III the Polish economy will continue to balance-out with (and maybe one day overtake) the countries to its west.

Often caught between the geopolitical forces of east and west, Poland has mastered the subtle arts of survival.

For more than a millennium, Poland has played a vital role in Europe history. The country’s position in the heart of Europe has always made it a bridge between the two great cultures on its eastern and western flanks. The resulting diversity of influences has helped to shape the mentality of the people, who are tolerant of differing opinions and ways of life, yet open-minded about new ideas and hospitable towards strangers.

Neither Oppression nor the centuries of brutal violence perpetrated by neighbouring countries have succeeded in stifling Poland’s liberal spirit. Even during times of upheaval, when the country was obliterated from the map of Europe, the safeguarding of national culture, the recollection of a glorious past, Christian-humanistic traditions and solidarity remained at the forefront of the collective memory. These values still abound, and in such a climate there has never been room for any one “truth” or a monopoly of any one doctrine. The Poles have never allowed their liberty to be curtailed.

Poland has so much to offer – seaside resorts by the Baltic, hill-walking, skiing and snowboarding in the High Tatra Mountains, canoeing on the rivers and lakes of Mazuria, strolling through the Old Town in the historic city of Gdansk, touring the monuments of Krakow or enjoying a beer in Old Market Square in Warsaw, the nation’s capital. In recent years, Poland’s appeal as a holiday destination has grown, as the range of accommodation has improved. Now the choice runs from luxury hotels with swimming pool and fitness suites to rooms in a private house, living with a Polish family, to camping by a lake.

If you are looking for some adventurous outdoor activities, then Poland is just the place. You can explore the countryside on foot, by bike, on horseback or by boat. Hunters and anglers have also discovered the special attractions that Poland can offer. If wildlife is one of your passions, then there is a good chance you will catch a glimpse of some unusual species. Zakopane, in the Tatra Mountains, in particular is particularly well equipped for offering all manner of activities from the serene to the extreme all year round.

As well as natural treasures, Poland possesses some imposing buildings: the Teutonic Knight’s castle at Malbork or the magnificent complex on the Wawel in Krakow. The Old Town in Warsaw and the heart of ancient Gdansk have been rebuilt to their former splendour.


Extract taken from Discovery Channel Insight Guide to Poland
"In a nutshell Poland has many priceless features. The fact that prices are three times cheaper than Western Europe is a huge bonus. I very much look forward to helping you explore this unique and inspiring country with the help of the locals and Sunshine World!"

Alan Garcia