Can you ski in Krakow? Guide to skiing near Krakow

Many people planning a trip to Krakow wonder if it is possible to ski in Krakow. Are there ski slopes in Krakow? Despite what some misleading blogs might claim, there are no professional ski slopes in Krakow. The city, known for attractions and low prices, is not a skiing destination. However, don’t let that discourage you, there are several ski resorts located within a short drive from Krakow, making it a great base for a day trip to the slopes. Where to ski in Krakow?

It must be stressed at the outset that Poland is not a good tourist destination when it comes to skiing. In Europe, you go skiing to Italy, Austria and Switzerland, maybe also to France and Finland, but certainly not to Poland. Even the best ski resorts in Poland (actually one good one) are quite expensive and do not offer much in the way of trails or attractions or overly good ski conditions.

Where to ski near Krakow?

The closest ski resort to Krakow is Podstolice Ski, located just 18 kilometers (about 11 miles) from the city center. This is a small ski area suitable for beginners and families. You can reach it by car in approximately 30 minutes from Krakow. While it’s not a large resort, it offers a few slopes, a ski lift, and rental equipment, making it a convenient option for a quick skiing session.

The Best Ski Resort Near Krakow: Kotelnica Białczańska (Białka Tatrzańska)

For a more extensive skiing experience, head to Ski Resort Kotelnica Białczańska, commonly known as Białka Tatrzańska. This is one of the most popular and well-equipped ski resorts in Poland, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Krakow. The resort is part of the Tatry Super Ski network, which means you can use a single ski pass to access multiple slopes in the region.

Białka Tatrzańska offers 10 kilometers of slopes for all skill levels. The drive from Krakow takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. It is the largest ski station in Podhale region near Krakow with several ski lifts, including 1300, 1350 and 1090-metre-long pistes and T-bar lifts. There are a total of 10 pistes of varying levels of difficulty, including the longest at 1,600 metres. So you can see that, compared to the big ski resorts in Italy, Austria or Switzerland, this place is not as attractive.

It’s a perfect destination for a day trip from Krakow. It is best to rent a car or use car sharing service. You can get here by bus from the very center of Krakow in about 2 hours for 32 złoty (approximately 7.50 EUR, 6.50 GBP, or 8 USD).

Why there’s no skiing in Krakow

Krakow is a lowland city, and its topography doesn’t support the development of ski slopes. While you might find small, artificial hills or temporary snow parks during winter, these are not suitable for professional skiing. If you’re looking for real skiing, you’ll need to venture outside the city.

Planning your ski trip from Krakow

If you’re visiting Krakow and want to combine city exploration with skiing, here’s what you need to know:

• Podstolice Ski is closest ski station to Krakow ideal for a quick, casual skiing experience.
• Białka Tatrzańska is the best choice for serious skiers and snowboarders.
• There are several ski resorts in the vicinity of Krakow, but they are rather for amateurs

Check ourarticle: “Where to Ski from Krakow: A Complete Guide to the Best Resorts”, where we’ll dive deeper into the top skiing destinations near Krakow and how to plan your trip.

Key Takeaways

• There are no professional ski slopes in Krakow – despite what some blogs might claim.
• The closest ski resort is Podstolice Ski, located 18 kilometers (11 miles) from Krakow.
• The best and most popular ski resort near Krakow is Białka Tatrzańska, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) away.
• Both resorts are easily accessible by car and offer slopes for all skill levels. You can go to Białka on bus.

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