Zakopane has been the undisputed capital of Polish skiing for years. Every winter, it attracts thousands of tourists – from experienced skiers dreaming of skiing down Kasprowy Wierch to families with children for whom their first steps on the slopes are a great adventure. It’s this diversity that makes skiing in Zakopane not just a sport, but a true winter experience. The mountain climate, fresh air, and views of the snow-capped Tatra Mountains create a scenery unlike any other place in Poland.
When planning a ski trip to Zakopane, it’s worth remembering that each slope has its own character. Some are ideal for beginners, others offer long, challenging runs. Some are located right near the center, others in quieter, more picturesque areas where time passes more slowly. The key to a successful trip is to match the location to your needs: planning a vacation with children is different from planning a weekend getaway with friends.
More and more people are choosing apartments in Zakopane as a base for their winter adventures. It’s a convenient solution – you can return after a day on the slopes to a warm interior, relax by the fireplace, prepare dinner, or use the private sauna. This type of vacation combines sport, relaxation, and a family atmosphere, allowing you to truly experience the spirit of the Tatra Mountains.
In this post, we’ll show you which ski slopes in Zakopane are worth visiting, how to prepare for a family trip, and where to stay to ensure your winter vacation is comfortable and full of mountain experiences.
Zakopane is a true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Within a few kilometers of the city center, there are several renowned slopes, varying in character, length, and difficulty. Everyone, regardless of skill level, will find the perfect spot for themselves.
This diversity makes skiing in Zakopane an excellent choice for both experienced skiers and those just starting their winter sports adventure. Each slope has its own character and atmosphere, allowing you to spend several days here without repeating any of the slopes.
A family ski trip to Zakopane requires careful planning. A winter vacation in the mountains can be a joy, but only when everything is well organized – from clothing and equipment to choosing the right accommodation. For families with children, it’s worth prioritizing comfort, safety, and proximity to attractions, which will ensure a truly successful trip.
The first step is choosing the right slope. If children are just starting their skiing adventure, it’s worth choosing places like Nosal or Harenda, where renowned ski schools operate. Instructors teach through play, and the slopes are short and gentle, allowing them to quickly gain confidence. For older children or adults with some experience, Polana Szymoszkowa is a great option – its large terrain, good infrastructure, and beautiful views guarantee a successful day.
Don’t forget about the right equipment. Ski rentals in Zakopane are available at most slopes, so there’s no need to bring everything from home. However, it’s worth bringing your own helmet, gloves, and goggles – these are essential elements for comfort and safety. Clothing should be layered, breathable, and moisture-resistant. It’s also a good idea to have a thermos with a hot drink and snacks, especially if you plan to spend several hours on the slopes.
After a day full of excitement, it’s best to plan something more peaceful – a family walk along Krupówki Street, dinner at an inn, or an evening relaxing in the thermal baths. This way, the children can rest and the parents can enjoy a moment of respite after an active day.
✔ Insurance: It’s always worth purchasing ski insurance that covers the Tatra Mountains.
✔ Reservations: Ski schools and rental shops are crowded during the season – book in advance.
✔ Children’s equipment: Properly sized skis and boots are essential for safety.
✔ Weather: Check the latest TOPR (Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue) reports – conditions can change very quickly.
✔ Rest: Plan breaks – too long descents without recovery are a common mistake for beginners.
After a day spent on the slopes, Zakopane offers something you won’t find anywhere else in Poland – the unique atmosphere of a winter town that lives from dawn until late at night. After intense descents, it’s worth slowing down and discovering a completely different side of the Tatra Mountains – more relaxing, atmospheric, and highlander.
One of the most popular ways to recover after skiing is to visit thermal baths and thermal pools. The warm, mineral-rich water allows muscles to rest and warm up after a day in the freezing cold. The most popular complexes in the area are Termy Chochołowskie, Termy Bukovina, and Termy Bania in Białka Tatrzańska – all of them offer outdoor pools with views of snow-capped peaks. This is a great option for both adults and children, who can relax in the warm water after a day full of excitement.
For those who prefer to stay in the city, Zakopane offers many attractions available just after dark. A stroll along Krupówki Street in winter has a completely different atmosphere than in summer – the lights, the smell of mulled wine, and the sound of highland music create an atmosphere that’s hard to forget. You can visit one of the inns, sample local dishes, and simply enjoy the peace and quiet.
If the weather is nice, it’s also worth taking an evening sleigh ride with torches – it’s one of the most atmospheric winter attractions in the Tatra Mountains. A sleigh ride through snow-covered valleys, culminating in a bonfire and live music, allows you to experience the true spirit of highland tradition.
Many tourists agree that it’s the evenings that truly make a stay in Zakopane truly magical. It’s the time to forget about the rush, warm yourself by the fireplace in your apartment, sip tea with a view of Giewont, and plan your next day on the slopes.
After a day full of excitement on the slopes, everyone dreams of returning to a place where they can relax, warm up, and experience true peace. VillaT is just such a place – a complex of luxury apartments in Zakopane that combines modern design with a highland atmosphere and a location ideal for winter vacation enthusiasts.
Thanks to its location in the heart of Zakopane, VillaT is an excellent base for both those looking for daily skiing and families planning a more leisurely vacation. Its proximity to the slopes, Krupówki Street, and thermal baths means there’s no need to waste time commuting – everything important is just a few minutes away.
The VillaT apartments offer what you need most after a busy day in the mountains – warmth, space, and privacy. The interiors are decorated with attention to detail: fireplaces create a cozy atmosphere, large windows offer views of snow-capped Giewont, and some apartments feature a jacuzzi or private sauna. This is a place that allows you to truly experience the atmosphere of Zakopane in winter.
The offer includes apartments for both couples and families with children. Worth noting:
Executive Suite with a view of Giewont – a spacious apartment with a living room and a panoramic view.
Suite with a view of Giewont – ideal for 2+2 families who value comfort and elegance.
Superior Apartment with a fireplace – the perfect choice after a day on the slopes in the warm highland climate.
✅ Proximity to Zakopane’s main slopes and attractions.
✅ Private parking, ideal for winter car trips.
✅ Fireplace, sauna, or jacuzzi in selected apartments.
✅ Spacious interiors – perfect for families and groups of friends.
✅ A view of the Tatra Mountains, a daily reminder of why it’s worth returning.
VillaT is a place that combines all that is most beautiful in Zakopane – the energy of the mountains, the tranquility of nature, and luxurious comfort. It’s not just a place to stay, but a space where winter vacations take on a whole new dimension.
A winter trip to Zakopane is more than just sport. It’s a combination of exercise, nature, and a unique atmosphere that makes every day different. A morning on the slopes, a warm cup of tea in the mountain hut, an afternoon relaxing in the thermal spa, and an evening by the fireplace with a view of the Tatra Mountains – it’s this harmony that keeps tourists coming back here every winter.
Whether you’re just starting your skiing adventure or looking for a family-friendly destination with safe slopes, Zakopane offers everything you need. And if you want to combine active relaxation with luxury, space, and privacy, VillaT apartments are the perfect choice. Here, after a day on the slopes, you can relax in a warm interior, unwind by the fireplace, or admire the snow-capped peaks from your own terrace.
Winter in Zakopane can be magical – you just need to plan your stay carefully. Book an apartment at VillaT and see for yourself that the perfect combination of skiing, relaxation, and mountain climate truly exists.