Skiing and Snowboarding, two hugely popular winter sports, often conjure up thoughts of a past time experienced by the wealthy middle classes, successful couples, driven singles and content families. For most people seeking a budget break, as a family unit, individual or partnership, these activities often seem pricey, especially when paired with locations like the south of France or Switzerland. Fortunately Poland, a place known more for its Soviet past, cosmopolitan present and emerging economic future, could be seen as a way in for curious beginners.

The location for this financially viable introduction to the slopes is Zakopane, situated some 60 miles south of Kraków just shy of the Slovakian border. Here, the Tatra mountains tower above dense woodland and sizeable lakes in a landscape reminiscent of a condensed, miniature Alpine setting. Runs here can do little for the adventurous thrill-seeker, instead keeping to a mostly intermediate range with a number of beginner slopes ideal for first time skiers and snowboarders.

Go!Ski, one of the many equipment vendors in the town of Zakopane offer numerous levels of hire as well as some of the cheapest lessons in the area. Everything from skiing apparel, to goggles, helmets and the essential skis, boards and poles can be hired from about 40 Zloty per day, (approximately £8.30 as of spring 2018), far cheaper than a French or Swiss equivalent service. Lessons can be purchased lasting up to 7 hours, but even for those having never set foot on skis, a modest 3 hour lesson at 270 Zloty will see the basics covered and enough learned to tackle some of Zakopane’s basic slopes.

Immersing oneself into the world of winter sports can go beyond the physical activity during the day. With a host of well-furnished hotels and apartments, the learning experience can be built on with home entertainment. For only £14pppn, the self catering Stacja Apartment comes with a smart TV, perfect for kicking back and watching some of YouTube’s best tutorial videos, namely Stomp It Tutorials and SnowboardProCamp who provide useful tips for any level of skier or snowboarder respectively in a casual (and often entertaining) manner.

When the fundamentals of snowploughing, turning and carving are nailed, Polana Szymoszkowa enables keen learners to hone their newly-found skills on gradients gentle enough to continue learning and challenging enough to improve on speed, balance and confidence. Ski lift passes for the day cost no more than £20 and facilities include restaurants and bars serving hearty grub, moreish, Polish lager and warming hot chocolates. Whilst cheaper accommodation is readily available further into town, the Mercure Hotel lies within spitting distance of the lower slope, with the car park leading directly onto the snow from the foyer.

As night falls, Zakopane offers more than enough in the way of fulfilling eating opportunities and enjoyable watering holes along the main street Krupówki. A hint of the customary strip club touters, found in abundance in Kraków, is present about half way down the street but, unlike their Segway-riding or water-selling contemporaries in Prague or Barcelona, can be denied service with amicable politeness and will even offer useful advice on where to eat / drink beyond the town’s seedy establishments. A highlight of Zakopane must be Bąkowo Zohylina Niźnio, hidden in the backstreet of Józefa Piłsudskiego. Here lies an amalgamation of local Polish culture and cuisine in the form of freshly shot Stag stew, traditional Goral music and a rustic mountain vibe with bear skins and antlers tastefully lining the wooden walls around the open pit fire.

Beyond the skiing infrastructure, Zakopane has a wealth of alternative activities, especially useful if first-time skiiers decide the slopes are not for them. Walking trails up the narrow valleys south of the town give dramatic views of the surrounding landscape and a number of local viewpoints are accessible within an hour’s walk of the town centre.

As a modest introduction to the winter sports world, Zakopane is ideal. With only a small outlay required for a beginner, prospective Shaun White’s can decide whether or not to take on their snow-bound ambitions further at more established, expensive resorts in Europe and beyond.

Prices correct as of March 2018

Write Review