EUROPEAN SKI HOLIDAYS

POLAND

Capital: Warsaw Currency: Zloty Language: Polish

Time: GMT +1 Telephone Code: 00 48

Poland is located in Central Europe and is the 9th largest country in Europe. Poland’s oldest salt mine located near Krakow has been excavating salt for over 700 years; there is a legend that salt was first discovered at this site, it is   considered one of their most famous areas. Another interesting detail in Poland is their National Parks, of which there are 3 and is home to the European Buffalo and the White Eagle.

When visiting Poland, if you are able, be sure to visit the Spodek in Katowice. The Spodek is a large sports and concert hall and is designed to look like a flying saucer, particularly at night when it is lit up.

Zakopane is often referred to as the winter capital of Poland and is the most well known ski resort in Poland. Zakopane is located in the South Podhale region.

It is the only Alpine mountain range of the Carpathians and draws over 3 million people every year. Zacopane offers varied skiing with intermediate runs near the center of town and advanced runs off the mount; however, the beginner is not left out.

Szczyrk offers more than 37 miles of ski runs and 30 lifts. The season runs from the end of December to the beginning of April. Szczyrk is located in Southern Poland in the Zylica Valley. Szczyrk may not be the largest ski resort area in Poland but it is considered the resort with the best skiing possibilities with its varied ski routes and lifts and the introduction of artificial snow makers it assures a good ski experience.

Lift Information

Szczyrk offers a total of 33 lifts including 2 chair lifts, 1 gondola and 30 drag lifts. At the Zacopane you can travel up the slopes in an 80 year old gondola. Zacopane offers a total of 50 lifts including 6 chair lifts, 2 gondolas, and 42 drag lifts.

Cross Country Skiing

Poland has a lot of areas for cross country skiing and the country offers up its beauty for your enjoyment. Near Zacopane at the foot of the Tatry the wide spreading valleys always offer a variety of routes to enjoy the wilderness and scenery. Near Szczyrk in the area of the Beskids is an attractive area to practice your cross country skiing.

Types of Accommodation

Szczyrk offers hotels and apartments at bottom market rates with easy reservations. If you don't mind sharing facilities you can often get a bed in a lodge for just $12.00 U.S per person/per night! Szczyrks accommodations can often be discounted to patrons wishing to visit the ski resort. Accommodations while at Zacopane are competitively priced and have many choices from self service residence to hotels and all are easy to book on line.

Best Ways to Get There

If you are flying into Szczyrk resort you will want to fly into Katowice or Krakow; however, Katowice is much closer. From the airport you may rent a car or take a train to Bielsko-Biala where you can take a local bus right to Szczyrk. Flying into Zacopane you will arrive at Poprad or Krakow; however, at Krakow you may schedule a transport directly from the airport to Zacopane. There is also train service from Krakow to Zacopane or you may choose the taxi service from either airport.

Après Ski

Zacopanes après ski offers clubs and dining; be sure not to miss trying the salty cheese oscypek that is sold from stalls. Although it may appear that Szczyrk would not offer après ski it does. There are bars and restaurants and even a cinema for your evening enjoyment.