It is always good to be back in Poland again, spending time with my family as well as skiing. I wanted to hike the polish mountains last year, but decided to do the three day walk instead and so, this winter, I finally went skiing in Zakopane. Followed by skiing in Jasna, Slovakia.. as you do. Keep reading!
But first, let’s visit my birth town and my family.
I came back from my Middle East Travels early, to finally enjoy some winter activities. In hindsight, it maybe wasn‘t the best timing, but no one could have foreseen that Europe would have the WARMEST February on record, with crazy spring temperatures up to +19 degrees.
That said, it was perfect to hang out in Kraków on those warm days (last year it was – 8 degrees) but, the downside was, there was less snow for skiing. Oh well!
Funnily it was basically the exact opposite from last year, when I skied in -20 degrees. See some photos here – Skiing in Slovakia.
Skiing in Zakopane
THIS TIME IT WAS GREAT! Skiing in Zakopane was actually fun. Firstly, because I could still remember how to ski, (phew) and every time I went down the mountain (a smaller one on the first day), I got more confident. So, in comparison to last year, I improved well enough to really enjoy it.
That said, I am still a long way away from looking professional. But one step at a time.
It is also great seeing the mountains during winter. The blue sky gives the snow covered ground a stunning contrast. The sun seems so big, and the other skiers below tiny, from the top of the chair lift. AMAZING mountains and amazing view!
The Town and the mountains
Zakopane is a resort town in southern Poland at the base of the High Tatras Mountains. It is a really cute town, and certainly very popular during summer as well as winter. It looks perfectly idyllic with the wooden chalets, the cozy restaurants and sheep skin shops. The ultimate place for a family holiday!
If you can, avoid coming here during the Polish school holidays. It seems like everybody from Poland is here and Zakopane can‘t handle the influx of cars. The traffic getting into the town, and parking, is terrible. I arrived just at the end of the school holidays so I timed it quite well in the end. Choose your timing when you want to go skiing in Zakopane. It can be crazy here.
Initially I was willing to stay in Zakopane for the whole week, however getting up to the ski lifts seemed too complicated and more of a hassle.
You have to park in the Zakopane town and then take a taxi up to the chair lifts. Which is a great opportunity for the polish mafia to totally overcharge you on parking and shuttle buses. I wasn’t keen.
In addition, I noticed there were only two proper slopes and only three lifts so, after a day or two, it can get ‚same same‘. I would have liked more options and more mountains to ski downhill.
And so, I spontaneously left Poland to go skiing in Jasna, Slovakia. The exact same spot I skied at the exact same time last year and basically the other side of the Tatra mountains from Zakopane.
Skiing in Jasna, Slovakia
In contrast to Zakopane, Jasná (Demänovská Dolina), the ski area is definitely much bigger and seems much more developed. It makes skiing more interesting and the slopes more versatile. The nearby town, Liptovský Mikuláš, might not have the ‚idyllic‘ look but it is still a pretty town with lots of restaurants on offer. I have already my favourites from last year. Dare I mention ROUTE 66 ?
Well, after all my excitement to ski however, I enjoyed the slopes here for one day only (hence the lack of photos), as I ended up twisting my knee twice (funnily both due to a fall while I was standing). So I spent two days in bed trying not to move too much. After all, I need to keep my knee fit for my bicycle trip in May. (Find more under my cycling activities)!
Nevertheless, skiing in Zakopane was great. The snow quality wasn‘t the best due to the warm weather, but good enough. I can say I really enjoy skiing now and I can‘t wait to get more experienced. For me, there is something calming about being in the mountains, whether it is skiing or hiking. I will certainly try and do it more often.
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Skiing trip summary
If you are planning a ski trip, know that you can enjoy it outside the Alps as well. If you have time, I would recommend to visit both spots, they are only a few mountains apart. Each place has something great to offer, so whether you are skiing in Zakopane, or skiing in Jasna, the mountains are great, the food is delicious, and the people are friendly. And that should be enough reasons to give it a go. Shouldn’t it?
… if you are after a total different skiing destination, why not try Spain? Yes, you heard right. The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range might not have too much snow, but when it snows, the skiing is amazing! See my blog Skiing in Sierra Nevada!
My polish Family
And while I am nearby, there is of course my family to see in Poland. It is always great to catch up with my cousins, uncles and aunts. Unfortunately my grandma passed away last November but having lived for 90 long years she has done well. A shame she didn‘t get a chance to write about her amazing life. I am also glad I had a beer with her August last year (photo 2018)!
It was also great to see all of my mum‘s brothers again. With her gone for over a year now, she is still very much missed. Amongst all of us!
Wrocław (Breslau)
Also, last but not least, if you do happen to drive through Poland, make sure you stop in Wrocław (Breslau). It is a gorgeous and historical town, especially on a sunny day. After all, it was one of the foremost cities in Prussia, the powerful Germanic state that bossed Europe until the end of the Second World War.
My uncle, (my mum‘s brother no. 2), gave me a great private tour. Definitely worth a stop!
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