5 Best Polish Ski Resorts
Poland's family-friendly ski resorts don't offer the bells and whistles of their Alpine counterparts, but could be perfect for an affordable, low-key ski break.
Skiing in Poland has been on the up for some years now, particularly around Krakow and the nation's south.
While Polish ski resorts don't offer the cutting-edge amenities of France or Austria, they are substantially cheaper - one of the key reasons they have become go-to options for skiers in Central-Eastern Europe.
Generally, Wroclaw and Krakow ski resorts have smaller footprints and fewer lifts than bigger destinations to the west - so don't be surprised if you end up skiing the same slopes several times in a given day.
However, Polish ski resorts are extremely family-friendly, are ideal for beginners and often permit skiing long after dark (10 pm in many cases).
To work out which resort is best for you and your group, read our guide to the best Polish ski resorts, with an emphasis on Wroclaw and Krakow skiing.
Szczyrk Mountain Resort
Located near the Czech border, just a few miles from the famous Żywiec brewery, Szczyrk Mountain Resort combines extensive pistes, reliable snow and affordable prices - making it a frontrunner among Poland ski resorts.
Szczyrk boasts an impressive 702 metres (2304 feet) of vertical descent and 27 pistes that stretch over 40 km. It also features 27 ski lifts (2x chair, 25x surface lifts), and six cross country routes, extending nearly 40 km.
It's just over 2 hours' drive from Krakow, which receives frequent direct flights from the UK - many operated by low-cost carriers.
Szczyrk ski pass cost?
A one-day ski pass costs 199 PLN (£39), while a six-day pass fetches 1075 PLN (£211). This makes it around a third cheaper than many better-known resorts in France (a Courchevel day pass costs 75 euros/£64).
Szczyrk Mountain Resort - accommodation, food, and drink costs
The really big savings are made on accommodation, food, drink, and entertainment - all of which are much cheaper than somewhere like Courchevel.
A beer can be enjoyed for £1.50, while a hearty meal will set you back about £5.
Why choose Szczyrk Mountain Resort for your next skiing holiday?
It may not have the size and glamour of many top-billing western European resorts, but it's perfect for those on a budget or who aren't looking for intense nightlife.
Skiing in Poland doesn’t get much better than this.
Białka Tatrzańska – Kotelnica/Kaniówka/Bania
Positioned near the Slovenian border, Białka Tatrzańska has a long season and a good range of slopes that are perfect for beginners as well as more advanced skiers. It's also just 1.5 hours' drive south of Krakow Airport, which is served by Ryanair, Wizzair, and Lufthansa - who all run services direct from London.
With 18.3 km of slopes, it's modestly sized, while the vertical elevation is just 230 m. However, its mix of blue and red runs, wide slopes, and numerous ski schools make it a great place for kids to learn the ropes.
There are also thermal pools to enjoy nearby - where you can soak in a hot pool surrounded by snow.
A stone's throw from the slopes is Terma Bania, which costs 69 PLN (£13.50) for two hours.
Białka Tatrzańska ski pass cost?
At 160 PLN (£31) for a high-season day pass, and 790 PLN (£155) for a six-day pass, Białka Tatrzańska offers impressive value for money.
Considering some famous French resorts charge up to three times these amounts, it's a great choice for the budget conscious.
Białka Tatrzańska - accommodation, food, and drink costs
Accommodation costs can be very affordable. At the time of writing, the well-reviewed Rezydencja Silverton is offering a hotel room with a balcony for £31, while the more upmarket Zakątek pod Grapą Bis has a double for £79. Both of these examples are a walkable distance from the ski lifts.
While food and drink are not as cheap as big Polish cities like Krakow and Warsaw, it's more wallet-friendly than many resorts in France, Switzerland, and Austria.
Why choose Białka Tatrzańska for a ski holiday?
This charming resort is perfect for those with children who are looking to enjoy Poland skiing and snowboarding for less.
And with extras like the thermal pools and easy access to the sights of Krakow, it's an offbeat place to spend a winter holiday.
Szymoszkowa ski resort
Pocket-sized Szymoszkowa is a 35-minute drive southwest of Białka Tatrzańska.
With just 4 km of slopes and three ski lifts, it's a good option for a day trip as part of a longer stay in its much larger neighbour.
What it lacks in size, it makes up for in slope maintenance and staff friendliness.
A handful of ski schools operate here, and there's a pleasant cafe in the middle of the slope.
A thermal pool is also located by the ski lift entrance.
Szymoszkowa ski pass cost?
Ski passes are priced the same as neighbouring Białka Tatrzańska: 160 PLN for a day pass; 790 PLN for six days.
Szymoszkowa accommodation, food, and drink costs
Despite its small footprint, Szymoszkowa has a good range of accommodation options, ranging from £40-a-night guest houses to more luxurious £200 chalets. Limited food and drink options can mean higher prices.
Overall, Szymoszkowa is a rewarding option if you want a day or two in a quieter resort, but it lacks the size and facilities needed for a longer visit.
Zieleniec
Positioned on the edge of the Czech border, Zieleniec features 21.6 km of slopes, a vertical elevation of 285 m, and 31 cable cars/lifts.
60% of the runs are blue, making it a good choice for beginners. However, with a third of runs being intermediate (red), there's plenty of appeal for more experienced visitors.
The resort's modest size makes it worthwhile for a day or two - especially for those exploring the local area (historic Wroclaw is two hours to the northeast by road).
A very convenient ski-in, ski-out resort.
Zieleniec ski pass cost?
A weekday ski pass costs just 140 PLN (£27.50), while a six-day pass costs 685 PLN (£135). This makes Zieleniec the cheapest resort on our list.
Zieleniec accommodation, food, and drink costs
A number of affordable hotels are available in the area, with very few luxury options.
A number of reasonably priced restaurants are positioned near the lifts, including the atmospheric Karczma Diament, serving up cheesy fries, salads, and waffles.
Overall, Zieleniec is a great location to enjoy some ski action while exploring this part of Poland - and won't break the bank.
Szklarska Poręba – Ski Arena Szrenica
Set amidst the brooding forests of Poland's southwest and just over 2 hours' drive from cobblestoned Wroclaw, Szklarska Poręba features 12 km of slopes and a vertical height of 605 m.
More than half the runs are red, making it a good choice for intermediate skiers. But there's also plenty for beginners (27% of runs are blue) and experts (18% are black).
Other attractions include the dramatic Szklarki Waterfall.
For Britons, the easiest way to reach the resort is flying from London to Wroclaw, then travelling by road.
Szklarska Poręba ski pass cost?
Prices are comparable to other Polish ski resorts, with a day pass costing 160 PLN and a six-day 790 PLN.
Szklarska Poręba accommodation, food, and drink costs
A wide choice of accommodation is on offer, with many starting at around £50 per night.
Food options are also plentiful, including the top-rated 654 Bistorante, sporting contemporary decor, friendly service, and a range of hearty Polish dishes.
In summary, Szklarska Poręba is a rewarding option for those seeking a smaller resort with fairly challenging pistes and plenty of Polish hospitality.