ENGWycieczkaZimowa

The project is co-funded by the Regional Operational Programme of Lesser Poland for the years 2014 – 2020. The support of small and medium-sized enterprises which operate in tourism and increasing the recognisability of Lesser Poland as a tourist economic brand.

The project ‘The support of small and medium-sized enterprises which operate in tourism and increasing the recognisability of Lesser Poland as a tourist economic brand’ (no RPMP.03.03.01-12-0593/18) co-funded by the European Union as a part of the Regional Operational Programme of Lesser Poland for the years 2014 – 2020.

the Foundation for the Development of Regions www.f-rr.org

the Association of Polish Spa Communities www.sgurp.pl

Art Manager: Konrad Rogoziński

Text: Maria Kościelniak

Proofreading: Agata Kościelniak

Realization: Digital Places Multimedia Publishing www.digitalplaces.pl Kraszewskiego 1/406

33-380 Krynica-Zdrój

Translation : Ewelina Natanek-Rogozińska

Design: Klaudia Stochmal

Typesetting: Klaudia Stochmal

Photographies: © Konrad Rogoziński / DigitalPlaces.pl

Cover © Łukasz Świętach

Apart from:

P. 5 photos no 2 i 3 © Wojciech Rząsa; p. 2; p. 9 photo no 1; p. 10 photo no 1; p. 27 photo no 3; p. 30 photo no 1; p. 40 photo no 3; p. 20 Kokuszka Ski Station p. 21 Ice rink; p. 27 photo no 3; p. 30 photo no 1; p. 34 photo no 3; p. 37 photo no 3; p. 40 photo no 3; p. 42; p. 46 photo no 4; str no 47 photo no 3 © Łukasz Świętach; P. 6 photo no 2; p. 11 photo no 1; p. 16 Sankolandia; p. 43 photos no 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12; p. 44-45; p. 47 photo no 1 © Mirosław Hobora; P. 11 photo no 2 i 3 © Freepik; P. 18; P. 21 photos no 2, © Wiktor Baron; P. 24 i 25; p. 26 photo no 1; p. 27 photo no 2 © Piotr Gaborek; P. 26 photos no 2 i 3; p. 31 © Adobe Stock; P. 32; p. 37 photos no 1 i 2 © Joanna Dragon; P. 36 Ice rink © Piotr Kuczaj

Introduction

How about winter in the spas of Lesser Poland? Definitely yes! We will take you for a trip full of powdery snow, fast schussing, skis, sleds, snowboards, ice-skates, snow-covered hills, majestic, white mountains, magic lights, sleigh rides with torches, the starry sky, fairy-talelike streets, landscapes taken from the Chronicles of Narnia, crunching snow, biting frost, frozen waterfalls, fairs, warm tea, mulled wine and a pro-health climate – after all we are in a spa!

Even though we associate winter with unpleasant cold and frost, it can be magical. In the mountains, it surprises with the amount of snow and a possibility to do a variety of winter activities. In towns, it enchants with lights,

decorations, Christmas trees and fairs. Each of the eight presented communes offers a lot of winter attractions and each of them has something special to offer.

We will start our trip around winter resorts from Krynica-Zdrój which is the winter capital of Sądecki Land and can easily compete with Zakopane. This is a commune with the greatest number of winter attractions, with the beautiful mountains of the Beskid Sądecki on which six excellent ski stations are located. There are beautiful villages, great accommodation facilities and regional restaurants whose winter version seems to be even warmer and cosier than usual!

The route of the trip

KRYNICA-ZDRÓJ

The winter capital of Sądecki Land

Krynica is the winter capital of Sądecki Land! The mountainous landform of the commune makes it an excellent spot to do numerous winter sports and relax. Additionally, if snow falls, the place is really beautiful. Evenings are especially magical when streets are white and colourful lights twinkle over them. The fire dances cheerfully in fireplaces in regional restaurants and we can see sleigh rides with torches in the streets.

In the upper parts of the commune, a climate similar to the alpine one prevails – snow appears in November and stays till March. It rains approximately for 70 days a year and a snow cover is present for 120 days. Jaworzyna Krynicka (1,114 m), the highest mountain in the area, is a place where a snow cover can be from 1 to 2 m thick which creates excellent conditions for the enthusiasts of winter sports.

Even though Krynica has a number of great ski stations (with various runs and snow parks), where you can either ski or snowboard, they are not the only places where you can have fun in winter. You may walk along trails covered with snow, go cross-country skiing and ski-touring, ride a snow-scooter, go ice-skating or sledging.

The less demanding ones can take advantage of sleigh rides through picturesque valleys and feasts by the fire. The Park of Lights can be a good place to spend our time in a nice way or we may simply walk around the resort, which is exceptionally delightful in this part of the year. The majority of the attractions – mineral water pump rooms, the panoramic tower or museums are also open in winter. All catering and accommodation facilities operate as well. Krynica is a commune where you cannot get bored!

Ski stations

Jaworzyna Krynicka Ski Centre

Jaworzyna Krynicka Ski Centre is located on the slopes of the highest mountain in the vicinity. There are eight runs of various difficulty with a total length of 8.3 km – four of them have FIS certification. Skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of a gondola lift, four chair lifts and eight T-bar lifts. Thrill seekers can have fun at a snow park where you can get crazy skiing or snowboarding.

jaworzynakrynicka.pl

Słotwiny Arena

Słotwiny Arena is one of the best known ski stations in Krynica. The centre offers three lifts – two chair ones and a carpet one, 9 runs of various length and difficulty. Moreover, the station has catering facilities, an equipment rental and a panoramic tower. Children can learn how to ski in a ski kindergarten and school. There is also a playground.

slotwinyarena.pl

Henryk Ski Centre

Henryk-Ski Centre is situated in the heart of Krynica-Zdrój, on the slopes of Krzyżowa Mountain (812 m). Wide, gently sloped runs will be perfect for beginners and a bit more advanced skiers and snowboarders. They can use two chair lifts and one carpet one.

henryk.ski

Słotwiny Ski Complex

Słotwiny is the oldest ski centre in Krynica. It is located on the slopes of Drabiakówka Mountain and surrounded by the wild nature of the Beskid Sądecki. Skiers and snowboarders can use four lifts. All the runs are artificially snowed and lit. There are four runs of various difficulty and with a length from 120 m to 950 m. The runs have FIS certification which makes it possible to organise competitions and training sessions at a high level. Everyone

who wants to learn how to ski, snowboard or simply perfect their abilities irrespective of age should turn to SnowSense School.

There is also a rental where you can get appropriate ski or snowboard equipment. They also offer servicing. There are catering facilities at the down station of the complex.

Adress: ul. Słotwińska 53, 33-380 Krynica-Zdrój

Phone: +48 18 471 27 26

slotwiny.pl

Pomarańcza Ski School – Jerzy Karakuła

POMARAŃCZA Ski School has been operating in the area of TYLICZ.ski Station for years. It is the biggest school of this type in Tylicz with over 40 instructors of alpine and cross-country skiing or snowboarding. The main aim of POMARAŃCZA is to show that gaining knowledge and experience can be fun. The instructors take pleasure in teaching as it is their passion. They have come up with an original programme and created the Academy of Kubuś –a ski kindergarten where children learn through play and sports games on a slope among their peers. The instructors

Address: Wolności 1, Tylicz

E-mail: akademiakubusia@e-tylicz.pl

Phone: 505 925 979, 730 032 233

are qualified teachers. Children get one warm meal during a day. Every course is crowned with a ski competition. Older children who are from 8 to 12 years old can join SKI RIDER Tylicz. Under the supervision of alpine skiing instructors, children perfect their ability to do this sport. Such a course lasts 5 days during which GOPR (Mountain Volunteer Search and Rescue) rescuers come to present various, unpredictable situations which can happen on a slope. The course ends with a skiing competition with time measurement.

tylicz.ski/stacja/szkola-narciarska

Stacja Narciarska TYLICZ.ski

TYLICZ.ski Station

Tylicz Ski Station is situated 5 km from Krynica-Zdrój, in a beautiful area, on the slopes of the Beskid Sądecki, in the buffer zone of the Poprad Landscape Park. There are 6 km of runs of various length and difficulty (from 100 m to 1,200 m). The runs are regularly groomed and snowed, all of them are lit. Thanks to a large area, winter fun is pleasant and safe. We can take advantage of two chair lifts, two T-bar lifts and one carpet lift by the run designated for children. There is a rental, catering facilities and places where you can relax after a day spent on a slope. Ski-touring runs are an interesting addition – they run

from Bradowiec, which can be reached by a chairlift, to the down station through a forest area.

Tylicz Ski is an excellent place for the youngest amateurs of skiing. They can perfect their skills in a ski kindergarten and school which is run by well-qualified staff. Tylusiowa Polana (Tylusiowa Clearing) is a designated place with a carpet lift where children can train. However, if they get bored with skiing, they can go sledding or snow tubing. There is also a play room where the youngest can have fun and warm up after a day spent on a slope.

Address: ul. Wolności 24, 33-383 Tylicz

Phone: +48 18 471 13 56

tylicz.ski

Master Ski Station

Master-Ski Centre is in the very centre of Tylicz. It is a modern ski station which has 4- and 6-person chair lifts, two T-bar lifts with a length of 500 m and 600 m and a training lift with a length of 150 m. Beginners can take advantage of a carpet lift and the smallest ones can use BabySki. You will find there more than a dozen runs of various length and difficulty including two pistes. The amateurs of extreme sports and effective tricks can have fun at a special snow park with obstacles. All the runs are snowed and groomed. The station is lit until late in the evening so we can enjoy snow for a long time. Additionally, there is a free car park for cars and coaches.

Address: Kazimierza Pułaskiego 11a, 33-383 Tylicz

Phone: +48 664 641 508

Children from 5 to 12 years old can learn how to ski in Mini Master Skiing School. The programme is adjusted to the abilities of learners – basic, intermediate or advanced. The school promotes play-centred learning.

After a day of schussing, one may rest in a pleasant regional restaurant which serves either regional dishes or classical ones. Grilled delicacies are also available. A home atmosphere, burning fire and highlander music will make you feel exceptionally cosy.

master-ski.pl

Ski-touring and cross-country skiing

‘U Leśników’ cross-country skiing trails

The Forest Research Institute of the Agricultural University in Kraków created three cross-country skiing trails on the slopes of Jaworzyna Krynicka (1,114 m), in the Czarny Potok Valley. They are 500 m, 2,400 m and 2,800 m long, lead through a forest and are well-groomed. All of them have FIS certificates of homologation.

lzdkrynica.urk.edu.pl

The trail begins at the down station of the Gondola Lift to Jaworzyna Krynicka and leads along the green hiking trail to the top. From Jaworzyna, we can ski down along the run nr 1.

The trail begins at the down station of the Gondola Lift to Jaworzyna Krynicka. Then, it leads along the road to the Shelter. From the Shelter, we go along the green and red trail to Runek and to Hala Łabowska. We return along the same route.

The trail begins at the down station of the Gondola Lift to Jaworzyna Krynicka. Initially, it leads along the green hiking trail to the Krzyżowa Pass. There, we change the trail into the blue one which runs through Runek to Bacówka over Wierchomla. We ski down the road to Szczawnik.

CZARNY POTOK – JAWORZYNA KRYNICKA – CZARNY POTOK 6.3 KM

CZARNY POTOK – BACÓWKA OVER WIERCHOMLA – SZCZAWNIK 16 KM

CZARNY POTOK – JAWORZYNA KRYNICKA – HALA ŁABOWSKA 28 KM

ICE RINK

The ice rink in Krynicy-Zdrój

The ice rink in Krynica-Zdrój is a full-size (30 x 60m), roofed ice rink. There is a rental where you can get figure or hockey skates. The ice rink has seats which will hold 2,635 people and 6 changing rooms for players. Sports matches and performances are organised there very often.

Sledding in Krynica

In the winter capital of Sądecki Land there must be places where you can go sledding or sliding with the use of any other snow equipment. Due to the landform of the commune, you will find a plethora of safe glades ideal for this activity for instance Park Mountain, the slopes of Jaworzyna Krynicka or the slopes of Drabiakówka in Słotwiny. In the vicinity of Tylicz we can go sledding on the slopes of Szubienica. Specially prepared areas for children can be found on Park Mountain (741 m) – there is Polana Kubusiowy Stok (Kubuś Slope). In Słotwiny there is Trikke Skki Arena where we can slide down on sleds, dinghies or trikke skkis. On the slopes of Iwonka, right behind the ice rink, there is an all-year-round luge track – Sankostrada. Special sledding slopes are prepared by Tylicz Ski as well.

mosirkrynica.pl/pl/hala-lodowa

Snow scooters

Snow scooter tours in the Beskids are an amazing adventure ideal for those who search for winter attractions with a thrill. Every ride is supervised by a well-qualified

instructor on a serviced scooter. The organisers always prepare a route adjusted to the needs of a customer. After a ride, it is possible to get together by the fire.

SNOWCAT – winter rides by snow scooters

snowcat.pl

Snow scooter tours – Fabryka Endorfin

fabrykaendorfiny.pl

Sleigh rides

Sleighs rushing through crunching snow, white valleys, the starry sky and torches – sleigh rides constitute an attraction both for adults and children. It is something you have to try while being in the mountains. Sleigh rides in the area of Krynica commune are organised in Tylicz

and Krynica-Zdrój. Sleighs are pulled by horses or tractors. When there is not enough snow, wheels are added to sleighs as an assistance. After sleigh rides, campfires with highlander music or feasts in regional restaurants are organised.

farma-lama.pl

atrakcjekrynicy.pl

Krynica-Zdrój

Farma Lama, Tylicz

The park of lights – park mountain

When it gets dark, Krynica becomes more beautiful than during the day – especially in winter when it is decorated with colourful lights. Parkowa Mountain is the most beautiful then – the Park of Lights is opened annually at the top.

It is a truly magical place. There are light installations in the shape of a fountain, a sleigh, a drinking jug and many others. There is also a lavishly decorated Christmas tree.

MUSZYNA

Winter in the Land of Gentleness

Winter in the Land of Gentleness is a true fairy tale. When it comes, the mountains which surround Muszyna are covered with powdery snow. Forests look like scenery from a winter fairy tale. Numerous Orthodox churches look magical in white. The villages of Muszyna Commune are places where we can experience ‘the true’ winter – snow cover reaching our knees, frozen streams, crunching snow and biting frost. Even though they are peaceful, they abound in attractions.

A submontane climate makes winter last  – snow appears in November and stays till March. We can enjoy snow the longest in higher parts of mountains. Crocuses which break through the snow cover in the gardens of Muszyna are a harbinger of spring.

Skiers may take advantage of cross-country skiing runs  –it is good to take a trip into the Leluchów Mountains or to Bacówka over Wierchomla (a tourist shelter). If you feel like sledding or trikke skkiing, you can go to numerous clearings or use a specially prepared track. Sleigh rides are a real treat in this area – especially after nightfall with torches and mulled wine. Sleighs rush through the villages and valleys of Muszyna on a pleasantly crunching snow.

The town of Muszyna is illuminated with numerous light installations in wintertime so it is a good time to visit the Square and the Gardens. We can spend pleasant evenings in warm, regional restaurants or go ice-skating.

Zapopradzie ice rink

By

Zdrojowa Alley

in Muszyna, in the spa district, there is a roofed ice rink – a perfect place for all the fans of ice-skating irrespective of their age. There is a rental where, apart from ice-skates, you can equip yourself with helmets and penguin skate helpers. Next to the rink, we will find a cafe – Grzyb Hans Cafe – where we may rest, warm up and eat something delicious.

hans.com.pl/lodowisko-i-skate-park

Sledding spots

Sankolandia

Sankolandia in Muszyna is a special sledding run located on the slopes of Kotylniczy Wierch in Złockie, only 8.5 km from Muszyna. It is an ideal spot for the fans of speed (sledges, snowboards, trikke skki). The most popular and, at the same time, the most difficult red run called śliskostrada (slide-piste) is 2,000 m long and an easier, blue one is 3,000 m long. There are two separate runs for Trikke Skki and Nordic walking. From the top of Sankolandia (1,023 m) cross-country skiing trails run. At the place we can rent special sledges with brakes and helmets. Moreover, we can take advantage of transportation which will take us to the top. The runs are regularly groomed which allows good and safe fun.

siedemdolin.pl

The gardens of lights – the sensory and the magic gardens

The Sensory and the Magic Gardens of Muszyna seem to be a summer attraction. You could not be more wrong! Although flowers do not bloom there in winter, this season adds to the charm of the place. In the evening, when it has already got dark, the gardens are illuminated with beautiful, colourful lights which create fabulous installations. It is a good idea to come by and see this amazing Garden of Lights. Apart from a traditional Christmas tree, we can see elements from fairy tales and the symbol of the town – storks.

muszyna.pl

Ski-touring and cross-country skiing

Szczawnik

The route starts at the loop in Szczawnik. It partially leads along the yellow hiking trail, below ski slopes to Jaworzynka (936 m). At the top, we change the trail into the blue one and following it, we reach Bacówka over Wierchomla. We come back to Szczawnik down a forest road.

Sleigh rides from Szczawnik to Bacówka

If we want to go for a picturesque sleigh ride, we leave Szczawnik and we go through the valley of the Szczawnik Stream up to Bacówka over Wierchomla. Sleighs are pulled by a tractor – it is a unique attraction. When we reach our destination, a campfire awaits us on a clearing below the shelter where we can roast sausages. At the shelter, we can have a warm meal or delicious apple pie. We come back to Szawnik taking the same route.

– Bacówka over Wierchomla – Szczawnik 14 km

PIWNICZNA-ZDRÓJ

Winter in the Poprad Valley

The Poprad Valley does enchant us in winter. Piwniczna, the town, lies in its centre between the Jaworzyna Krynicka and Radziejowa Range. Small villages of the commune are located on the slopes, which is the reason why they are so beautiful, even magical, in winter. Forests covered with snow, frozen waterfalls and hiking trails with crunching snow delight!

A submontane climate makes the place perfect for the amateurs of winter sports. Snow often comes here in November and leaves in March. Warmer periods happen but high in the mountains snow cover stays longer and, additionally, ski slopes are artificially snowed.

We will find two ski stations in the commune and in the area of Wierchomla and Eliaszówka (1,023 m) picturesque skiing trails run. There are a plethora of clearings where we can go sledding. Winter trekking along trails covered with snow will be a real adventure. From Piwniczna we may hit the trail to reach the highest peak of the Beskid Sądecki – Radziejowa (1,266 m). Small, regional restaurants serve warming-up, local cuisine, mulled wine or a winter selection of teas. Watching the landscape from the windows of a warm and cosy regional restaurant is very pleasant. Mountain shelters and shepherd’s huts become extremely cosy in winter especially when we need to reach them following routes covered with snow.

Ski stations

Wierchomla Ski Station

Wierchomla Ski Station is located at a height of 590 – 896 m in Wierchomla Mała. There are 5 runs of various difficulty and a length from 110 m to 1,800 m. A cross-country skiing route starts at the upper station. Winter sports

enthusiasts can take advantage of a chair lift and three platter lifts. The amateurs of extreme skiing and snowboarding will definitely enjoy a snow park.

wierchomla.com.pl

Kokuszka Ski Station

Kokuszka Ski is a small ski station located in a tiny village close to Piwniczna-Zdrój at a height of 530 m. There are two platter lifts and a carpet one designated for the youngest skiers. There is a rental of ski equipment, snowboards and a service point. You can take advantage of accommodation and catering facilities. It is also possible to organise a campfire.

arenanarciarska.pl

Ski-touring and cross-country skiing

WIERCHOMLA – BACÓWKA OVER WIERCHOMLA – WIERCHOMLA 4 KM

This is an easy route which runs along the ridge from Wierchomla upper station to Bacówka over Wierchomla (a tourist shelter). We come back along the same route or we can ski down a forest road to Szczawnik.

KOSARZYSKA – WIELKI ROGACZ – ELIASZÓWKA –PIWNICZNA-ZDRÓJ 23 KM

The route starts in Kosarzyska in front of the church. Firstly, we move along the green cycling trail in the direction of Niemcowa (963 m). Then, we follow the red hiking and skiing trail to Wielki Rogacz. We reach Eliaszówka (1,023 m) along the blue skiing trail which will also constitute our way back to Piwniczna.

Ice rink

At Radwanów, right by the Poprad, a swimming pool transforms into an ice-rink in winter. This is the only attraction of this type where we can safely skate on well-prepared ice. There is a rental with ice-skates and helmets by the ice-rink.

basenyradwanow.piwniczna.pl

Wierchomla SKI & SPA Resort

The Wierchomla SKI & SPA Resort, located in picturesque scenery, surrounded by forests and located among mountains, is an excellent place for those who want to breathe deeply and regain their strength, especially in winter. Right by the hotel, there is Wierchomla Ski Station which is located at a height of 590 – 896 m. The fans of alpine skiing can enjoy 5 runs of various difficulty and length – one of them is even 1,800 m long! Additionally, there is a chair lift, platter lifts and a snow park.

After winter fun, the hotel offers a swimming pool and Wellness&SPA zone which gives us a possibility to take advantage of relaxing, regenerating and healing treatments.

Apart from beauty treatments, the hotel offers healing massages and saunas.

The hotel can accommodate 280 guests in 105 rooms and apartments. There is a restaurant which serves dishes of regional and world’s cuisine. Those who want to get to know the culture of Lemko people can attend Regional Tuesdays during which we are taken on a journey to the roots – to the heritage of Lemko people. If you take part in the event, you’d better forget about a strict diet – Lemko cuisine is based on simple and very often greasy dishes. Its biggest advantage is the fact that the ingredients are natural. A real highlander band definitely adds to the atmosphere of the event.

Address: Wierchomla Mała 42, Piwniczna-Zdrój

E-mail: hotel@wierchomla.com.pl

Phone: 18 414 31 30, 18 414 31 31

wierchomla.com.pl

Wierchomla  – Hotel i Stacja Narciarska

Wierchomla is famous for its magnificent scenery. The views from the ski station on the way to Bacówka over Wierchomla (a tourist shelter).

UŚCIE GORLICKIE Lemko

Uście Gorlickie Commune is located in the west of the Beskid Sądecki. The Low Beskids are said to be the wildest mountains in Poland. In this place we will definitely see the real winter and powdery snow which is ideal to make a snowman and or to go sledding!

Winter sports enthusiasts have a small ski station and a snowtubing track at their disposal. Even though the area is not very popular among skiers, there are a plethora of ski-touring and cross-country skiing trails. They will be just right for those who do not enjoy crowds. Small hills and vast clearings await kids who feel like sledding.

winter

Sleigh rides are a real treat in this part of the Low Beskids. Gentle slopes and valleys are perfect for hucul ponies which pull huge sleighs. Evening rides with torches are especially attractive as they allow us to watch the starry, winter sky. After such a ride, pop into a regional restaurant to warm up by the fire and taste Lemko dishes.

Uście Gorlickie is worth visiting during the Christmas period. The land has been inhabited by Lemkos for ages. Even though they were resettled after the Second World War, a part of them came back and they have been cultivating their Christmas Lemko traditions. Beautiful Orthodox churches in Kwiatoń and Brunary are open to visitors in winter as well!

Ski stations

Smerekowiec Ski Station

Smerekowiec is a small Ski Station located in the Low Beskids, almost 8 km from Uście Gorlickie. There is a T-bar lift. The run is 650 m long (including a training run which is 100 m long) – it is lit, snowed and groomed on a daily basis. The regional restaurant serves dishes and offers accommodation.

Sleigh rides

Sleigh rides in the Low Beskids are amazing. In the vicinity of Regietów and Gładyszów the stables of hucul ponies are situated which organise real horse rides with huge sleighs. Sleighs run through the forests of the Beskids, among trees covered with snow, under the starry night and we can hear snow crunch. There is always time for children to play in snow and for a campfire. Adults who decide to go on a sleigh ride in the evening will enjoy torches which add to a special atmosphere of a trip. After such a ride, there is a regional feast with Lemko dishes.

The Stable of Hucul Ponies ‘Gładyszów’

kario.com.pl

wyciag-smerekowiec.pl

huculy.com.pl

The trail starts in Wysowa, in the valley of the Łopaciński Creek. We follow the forest road along the creek to Kozie Żebro (in good weather we may see the Tatras). We ski down the same road or go downhill to Regietów or Hańczowa.

Ice rink

In winter time when the temperature falls below O°C a seasonal ice rink (18x30 m) is opened on the ground of an ‘Orlik’ sports field. There is a rental of ice-skates by the rink.

wysowa-zdroj.pl

The trail starts in a small village of Izby and leads to the highest peak of the Low Beskids – Lackowa (997 m). It is almost completely wooded (as the whole Low Beskids). A forest road leads us from Izby to the Beskid Pass. From the pass, along the red hiking trail, we move towards Lackowa. The climb to the peak is very steep. We ski down to the Pułaski Pass and climb up Ostry Wierch (938 m). We ski down along the yellow trail in the direction of Stożek (852 m) and from it we come back along a forest road to Izby.

IZBY - LACKOWA - IZBY 12 KM

WYSOWA-ZDRÓJ – KOZIE ŻEBRO (847 M ) – WYSOWA-ZDRÓJ 6 KM

SZCZAWNICA The white Pieniny

The Pieniny Mountains in winter? It is a great idea! Even though they are said to be the most beautiful in spring, when it snows, they become really magical. Szczawnica Commune lies in the valley of the Dunajec and the Grajcarek, between the Pieniny and the Beskid Sądecki. In both ranges snow cover can be up to 1 m thick. Both of them offer a lot of winter attractions such as skiing, sleigh rides, walks –simply everyone will find something for themselves!

The first snow appears in the Small Pieniny in the middle of September. The Dunajec Valley is the place where snow comes last (in November). Snow cover is present from 98

to 140 days and northern slopes are the ones where it remains the longest. Snow in the Beskid Sądecki, due to its southern exposure, disappears faster. A long and snowy winter attracts the amateurs of winter sports. The commune offers two ski stations and we can go ski-touring as well. The slopes of Palenica and the clearings of the Little Pieniny will be ideal for sledding and the promenade in Szczawnica or the Pieniny Tract for winter walks. Mountain trekking is also a great alternative – Trzy Korony (882 m) or Wysoka (1,050 m) look as if they were taken from a fairy tale! Evenings can be spent on sleigh rides with torches through the valley of Biała Woda.

Ski stations

Jaworki-Homole Ski Station

Ski Arena Jaworki-Homole is located in a beautiful corner of the commune, on the edge of the Pieniny and the Beskid Sądecki. It offers six runs of various difficulty designated for children, beginners or professionals. The fans of extreme sports can take advantage of a free-ride route. In total, the runs are 3,600 m long.

arenanarciarska.pl

Palenica Ski Station

Palenica Ski Station offers a few routes of various difficulty located on the slopes of Palenica and Szafranówka in the Little Pieniny. The runs are from 400 m to 1,800 m long – one of them is designated for beginners. Skiers and snowboarders can use the cableway to Palenica and T-bar lifts located on Szafranówka Clearing.

Droga Pienińska (the Pieniny Tract) will be just ideal for parents who look for spots for sledding. It is an incredibly picturesque tract which leads us along the Dunajec River –from Szczawnica to the Red Monastery in Slovakia. The route is 10 km long and the elevation gain is only 40 m. It is well adjusted to cyclists and people with mobility impairments who move on wheelchairs so it will be a piece of cake to pull sleds there. The views will be a reward for the effort. If you want to take a shorter walk, you should choose the promenade by the Grajcarek. The slopes of Palenica and Szafranówka Clearing will be perfect for sledding (we can get there by the cableway or following a hiking trail). A clearing next to Durbaszka Shelter and a clearing next to the upper station of ‘Homole’ Cableway will also be a great spot which can be reached by the cableway or on foot through the Homole Canyon.

pkl.pl/palenica/palenica

Sledding in the pieniny

Sleigh rides

The Pieniny Mountains look magical in winter. It is best to admire them from sleighs which run through crunching snow. A sleigh ride with horses constitutes a great

attraction for the whole family. The campfire is an integral part of it. An additional attraction of evening sleigh rides are torches and feasts organised in regional restaurants.

arenanarciarska.pl pieninskiecentrumturystyki.pl

Dog sledding in the Pieniny is organised by a company from nearby Orava. It is an amazing adventure either for adults or children, for everybody who loves speed and adrenaline. Together with delightful dogs we head for the most remote corners of the commune. Everything starts with greeting the dogs and preparing them for a ride. The trip lasts 1.5 h and later a campfire may be made. Dog sledding at night will be an exciting adventure! Such rides are organised for groups of at least 10 people.

psynabiegunach.pl

Dog sledding

Andrzej Mos Biała Woda Agrotourism Farm

The Pieniny Centre of Tourism

RABKA-ZDRÓJ

Winter in the Town of Children

Winter in the Town of Children cannot be boring. Especially taking into consideration the fact that the commune is situated in the valley between mountains –the Gorce Mountains, the Island Beskids, the Maków Beskids, the Żywiec Beskids and Podhale. It happens that there is not a lot of snow in the centre but the outskirts, which lie on the slopes of the Gorce, are covered with snow which creates a magical scenery.

Rabka is located at a height of 500 – 560 m, a mild climate prevails in the place – it is milder than in the nearby mountains, the air is clean and the wind does not blow here often. In winter, when snow falls down, it is a really pleasant and picturesque place.

The commune will be a great destination during winter holidays with children. All year round we can take advantage of beneficial features of the area and places such as the Spa Park, a swimming pool, the Museum of Rail in Chabówka or the Museum of Highlanders and Brigands. We will also find typical winter attractions – there is an ice rink, a ski station, a luge track and a variety of hills perfect for sledding.

The commune is crossed by a number of skiing trails. The Gorce Mountains are worth exploring on skis. We can also ski in the Spa Park, go on a short but picturesque trip to Krzywoń (627 m) or a longer one to Turbacz (1,310 m). Hiking trails in the Gorce National Park are available to tourists in winter.

‘U Żura’ Ski Station

‘U Żura’ Ski Station is an ideal place for a family holiday with the youngest ones as the runs are well-groomed and safe. They are situated on a mild and wide slope, hence, they are recommended to children and adult beginners. The station offers a platter lift which is 350 m long and a line one which is 100 m long. The slope is lit until late so we can enjoy winter conditions for a long time. Additionally, when weather conditions are good, a luge track is open. It is located on a specially designated area on the

Address: Chabówka 181, 34-720 Chabówka

Phone: 698 490 724

slope and ends with a vast flat space. It is free of charge and widely-available. Well-qualified, young, energetic instructors await eager students. They will teach with great commitment everyone who is ready to plunge into the winter craze.

By the station, there is a rental which offers over one hundred pairs of skis including cross-country ones and snowboards of various sizes. There is also a service point..

chabowka.com

Cross-country Skiing School Świstak

‘U Żura’ Ski Station is just ideal to take your first steps skiing or perfect your technique. That is why, you will find there well-qualified instructors who will share their love for winter sports and teach you how to do this sport safely. The best ones are from ‘Świstak’. Fascination for this sport should be instilled as early as possible, that is why the classes are dedicated to children in particular. The programme is adjusted to the age and abilities of a learner – the one for the youngest is based mainly on games. Learning with instructors is always safe and full of happy moments. Adults who want to learn how to ski

or improve their skills can also take advantage of such lessons – both individual or group ones are available. The instructors teach cross-country skiing as well. They also organise cross-country skiing tours around nearby mountains which are an amazing adventure for either beginners or experienced skiers.

What is more, ‘Świstak’ is a company which offers skiing equipment for rent. If you reserve equipment in advance by the phone, you can collect it from an accommodation facility ‘Przystanek Rabka’ (6 Zakopiańska Street).

Address: Spytkowice 338 A, Spytkowice 34-745

Phone: 506 748 153

Fundacja Instytut Działań Edukacyjno Aktywizujących

‘U Żura’ Ski Station luge track

A luge track is located in Chabówka within the area of ‘U Żura’ Ski Station. It opens when there is enough snow. The track is wide and ends with a vast, flat space which ensures safety but still gives us a thrill.

chabowka.com

Ice rink

is

operates only in winter. By the rink, there is a rental where you will find not only regular skates but also double runner ones which are ideal for children who want to learn how to skate. Instructors are ready to help too. By the rink, there is a small bar where you can warm up and eat something tasty.

facility

Lodowisko Rabka-Zdrój

The ice rink (29 x 40 m) in Rabka-Zdrój

situated near the Spa Park, right by the Solanka Creek. It is an open-air

and

Ski-touring and cross-country skiing

RABKA-ZDRÓJ – SHELTER ON STARE WIERCHY – RABKA-ZDRÓJ 13 KM

The route starts in the Spa Park in Rabka-Zdrój. The Main Beskid Trail, marked red, runs through it and coincides with the red skiing trail. The route leads us to Maciejowa (837 m), through a PTTK (Polish Tourist Sightseeing Society) shelter on Maciejowa and Bardo (942 m), through the slopes of Jaworzyna Ponicka (996 m) to a PTTK shelter on Stare Wierchy. We ski down to Obidowa following the red skiing trail all the time – the hiking one leads in the direction of Turbacz (1,310 m).

RABKA ZARYTE – LUBOŃ

WIELKI (1,022 M) – RABKA

ŚMIETANOWA 10 KM

The blue skiing trail leads from Zaryte which is a district of Rabka. We move in the direction of Luboń Wielki parallel to the hiking trail through the Rolski Creek. From Luboń, we ski down along the green, very panoramic skiing trail to Śmietanowa which is another part of Rabka.

RABKA-ZDRÓJ LEŚNICZÓWKA –KRZYWOŃ (627 M) – RABKA-ZDRÓJ FORESTER’S LODGE 3 KM

This is a short trail marked black. It starts in the Spa Park, but if we want to avoid skiing through the town, we can start at the Forester’s Lodge. Then, we follow the Forest Educational Path to a panoramic spot on Krzywoń. We come back along the same route.

CZARNY DUNAJEC

Winter with a view of the Tatras

If you dream of spending winter in Podhale, right at the foot of the Tatras, in a peaceful place, more peaceful than Zakopane, but abundant in winter attractions and powdery snow, Czarny Dunajec will be an ideal choice for long holidays, a weekend or a Christmas break.

The commune is located in Podhale, nearly 30 km from Zakopane and the Tatra National Park at a height of 650 – 1,000 m. This is an area with a cool, temperate climate. Winters can be long, frosty and last approximately 120 days. The boglands in Czarny Dunajec are one of the coldest spots in Poland.

So, if you want to experience a real winter, Czarny Dunajec is the place. Snow reaching your waist, huge snowmen, snow angels, frozen streams and, at the end of a day, tea which will warm us up and food from Podhale. There are a plethora of propositions to spend winter days in the place.

The commune offers a ski station and numerous cross-country skiing routes. The place can also be a starting point for trips into the Tatras. There is an ice rink and thanks to a specific landform, we will reach a lot of places ideal for sledding. When we get cold doing winter sports or walking, we should hit thermal swimming pools. There, sitting in warm, healing thermal water, we can admire the Tatras covered with snow.

CzerwienneSki Station

In Czerwienne, on Budz, in a charming corner of Podhale, there is CzerwienneSki Station. It is a great place for holidays if you are an amateur of winter sports. The capacity of the station is 850 people per hour and a wide run with a length of 620 m and an elevation gain of 110 m is adjusted to the abilities of every skier and snowboarder. Additionally, the run is snowed and groomed every night. Well-qualified, young and energetic instructors await eager learners.

There is a rental offering skiing and snowboarding equipment of various sizes and technical parameters. However,

if you have your own equipment, you will be able to take advantage of a service point.

After a day of schussing, skiers can have a rest in a regional restaurant which serves local dishes with a modern twist.

‘Na Budzu’ Regional Restaurant and Pizza Place is famous for its excellent cuisine served in a home atmosphere created by highlander music and carved, wooden elements. An additional advantage of the station CzerwienneSki is the proximity of an accommodation facility – you can rent a room in a guest house located right next to it.

Address: Czerwienne - Budz 179a, 34-407 Ciche

Phone: 502 29 57 58

czerwienneski.pl

Czarny Dunajec Ice Rink

The ice rink operates in Czarny Dunajec in winter. The facility is roofed and lit so we can take advantage of the place irrespective of weather conditions. There are changing rooms, an equipment rental and a skate sharpening service.

lodowisko.czarny-dunajec.pl

Thermal swimming pools are the most tempting in winter. When the temperature falls below zero, it is really pleasant to go into thermal water. After a day spent skiing, ice-skating or sledding, it is an ideal way to relax and regenerate your body. Chochołowskie Thermal Baths is the biggest facility of this type in Podhale – there are 30 pools, a healing zone, a sauna zone, a water playground, the centre of sports and a restaurant. Swimming in outdoor swimming pools, we can admire the Tatras covered in snow allowing water to soothe our overworked muscles.

chocholowskietermy.pl

Cross-country skiing route around chochołowskie thermal baths

By the thermal baths, there is an ideal route for beginnerS. It starts at the car park and goes near the Czarny Dunajec River. It is only 1,100 m long. It is mild and flat so it will be ideal for beginners and children. Moreover, we can go ski-touring on the Cycling Route around the Tatras.

Chochołowskie thermal baths

CRACOW Magical Cracow

The Wawel Castle covered in snow, the Square full of Christmas Trees and colourful lights, small bonfires in the centre by which we can warm up our cold hands, Christmas music which can be heard in the streets, small cafes which give off warmth, woollen hats and socks hanging at the stalls. Winter in Cracow is magical!

Cracow is located in the valley of the Vistula between highlands. It is said to be a great starting point for trips into the mountains, but before we go to the mountains, let us stay a bit in the city. There is less snow than in the south of Lesser Poland. However, when winter is really harsh, snow can remain in the streets or parks for a long time as well.

The ones who long for peaceful walks and relaxation should go to Swoszowice. There are no typical winter attractions, but we will find there peace and places ideal for sledding – the first hill can be found in the Spa Park.

The majority of attractions of Cracow – museums, cinemas, restaurants – are open all year round. Additionally, in winter we can have fun at ice rinks including the Ice Park which is the biggest ice rink in Poland, the Christmas Fair or the fairy Garden of Lights in Stanisław Lem Science Garden.

Ice Park

The Ice Park in Kraków is the biggest, open-air ice rink in Poland. It is located in Jordan Park near AGH (the University of Science and Technology). The rink is divided into three zones. The first one covers an area of 1,200 m2 The second one is designated for children and covers an area of 400 m2. The third one is a fairy-tale-like ice alley

(360  m long) which meanders between trees and sculptures of Jordan Park. There is a rental with skates and ice-skating walker aids. We can also take advantage of a sharpening service. The rink looks best in the evening when the ice is lit.

ice-park.pl

Other ice rinks in Cracow

The Ice Rink by Galeria Krakowska

Lodowisko Galeria Krakowska

Origo Ice Rink

lodowisko-krakow.pl

The Ice Rink by the Water Park

tauronarenakrakow.pl

Cracovia Ice Rink

cracovia-hokej.pl/klub/lodowisko

Daisy Ice Rink

lodowisko.jrp.pl/pl/strona-glowna

NCK Ice Rink

nck.krakow.pl/oferta/lodowisko

The

The Ice Rink by Tauron Arena

The Garden of Lights in the Science Garden

Winter in Cracow can be magical! You will become convinced about it the minute you enter Stanisław Lem Science Park. Even though a garden seems to be a typical summer attraction, in winter (from the end of November to the end of February) there is a fabulous garden of

lights. Over 30 installations refer to various fairy tales. There are games for children and photo spots. A winter walk around the garden will take you to a fairy land full of magic and lights.

krolewnasniezka.ogrodswiatel.pl

Christmas fair

The Christmas Fair in Cracow is a return to mediaeval trade traditions of the Main Square and an attraction of European calibre. Vendors from all over Poland and even Europe come to the Main Square and present traditional goods, handicraft, products ideal for presents or Christmas decorations. There is a wide selection of traditional,

Christmas dishes and you can have a sip of mulled wine. The whole Square is beautifully lit, there are Christmas trees and decorations, music, various attractions which altogether create a unique, Christmas atmosphere. The fair starts at the end of November and lasts until Christmas.

Although Swoszowice or other parts of Kraków cannot boast of mountains where you can ski, you will find there a few hills ideal for sledging. One of such hills is located in the Spa Park in Swoszowice. Safe places, far from road traffic can be also found in the Park in Krowodrza, the Park in Kurdwanów, Jordan Park, the Millenium Park, Maciek and Dorota’s Park or even next to Krakus Mound (it is not allowed to go sledging down the mound). The Park of Polish Pilots and the area of Bielany-Tyniec Landscape Park would be ideal for walking with sleighs (e.g. the vicinity of the ZOO).

Cracow Holidays – Wojciech Kulczykowski

a transport company

Exclusive transportation for an important event? A prestigious car for a business meeting? Or maybe a safe and fast trip to an airport? Wherever you or your guests need to go, Cracow Holidays will take you there by best, most comfortable and reliable cars or buses.

Transportation to or from an airport is the most commonly chosen service. You just need to book a transfer on the date of your arrival to Cracow, Warsaw, Wrocław or Rzeszów and a Cracow Holiday driver will wait for you

in the arrivals hall with a board with your name so that they can assist you from the very beginning.

Moreover, Cracow Holidays organises trips for small groups to the most interesting places in the vicinity of Cracow and Poland. They will take you to Wieliczka, Bochnia, Zakopane, Wadowice, Warsaw or Oświęcim. They offer trips around Cracow by melex cars with audio guides in over 20 languages.

Address: Adama Asnyka 7, 31-144 Kraków

E-mail: info@cracowholidays.com

Phone: +48 733 00 63 00

cracowholidays.com