Both near Kraków and in other parts of Małopolska, there are many professional ski slopes where you can successfully practice winter sports. Where to go for a short trip, not necessarily limited to skiing alone?
Podstolice Skiing and Recreation Centre is the closest ski resort to the capital of Małopolska, which offers four 1.3 kilometre long pistes covered in artificial snow. Thanks to perfect illumination of the slopes, it is possible to ski there until late in the evening, even if you leave Kraków in the afternoon in order to get there.
Beginner skiers and snowboarders can train under the supervision of instructors, whereas lovers of extreme sports can take part in snowkiting workshops, i.e. a winter equivalent of kitesurfing.
Close to Kraków
In order to reach the centre located on the north-eastern hill of the Chełm Mountain, you have to take the Kraków-Zakopane route – the journey takes only 20 minutes from Kraków. The advantages of Sport Arena Myślenice are two chairlifts and approx. 2-kilometre long ski piste. The slopes stand out thanks to modernized snowmaking system and IP cameras, which make it possible to provide current information on skiing conditions on the resort’s website. When in Myślenice, it is worth climbing the observation tower overlooking the slopes or going to the local ice rink.
Snowbird fans should visit Siepraw where they can enjoy a separate trail for snowboarders, as well as a terrain park. The complex, located about 20 kilometres from Kraków, offers six pistes with ski lifts, and although none of them exceeds 350 meters, they are very much diversified in terms of difficulty.
Further – Wierch Rusiński
If you cover the distance of over 100 kilometres from the capital of Małopolska, you will reach Rusiński Wierch, located in the village called Bukowina Tatrzańska. An excellent place for family winter sports is the Rusin Ski resort, as it mostly offers easy pistes. Nevertheless, you will also find there pistes for advanced skiers or the slalom slope.
Rusin Ski is two-time winner of the title of “The Best Ski Station in Małopolska”, awarded by the authorities of Małopolska Voivodeship, the Małopolska Tourist Organization and TVP Kraków. After some recreation on the slopes, it is worth visiting the thermal pools complex in Bukowina Tatrzańska, Szaflary or Białka Tatrzańska.
For the advanced – Kasprowy Wierch
The peak of the Western Tatras is famous for two pistes called Gąsienica and Goryczka. It is worth remembering that these pistes are dedicated to skiers experienced in winter sports. It is possible to reach the peaks of each slope by chairlift. Moreover, they are also extended by a ski piste which leads to Kuźnice.
Due to its location in Tatra National Park, pistes are not illuminated and artificially snowed. Nevertheless, their skiing conditions remain favourable until May.
