You can see Polana Szymoszkowa’s (the other name for the Szymoszkowa Ski Resort) duo of pistes from all over Zakopane town. They rise straight from the northern edge of the centre, off a wide street that acts like a sort of ring road. That makes them nice and accessible, if a little prone to crowds when the season is in full flow.
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This is a part of our greater ultimate guide to skiing Poland. Head there for more information on resorts and slopes near Krakow and beyond.
Szymoszkowa Ski Resort – one of the best small resorts for skiing Poland
Szymoszkowa Ski Resort isn’t big. It’s got just two marked runs and even they are really one and the same, marked hopefully as a pair on the ski map. Still, there’s plenty to be said for this resort.
Firstly, it’s got excellent tuition. It’s the place I first learned to ski in Poland, and since then the tutors have taken care of family members and friends. What’s more, the ski pass is cheap. It’ll cost you around just 60-80 PLN (£12-16) for two hours. Then there are the gorgeous views of the Tatra Mountains that unfold from the top station – they are wonderful, perhaps the best of all skiing in Poland!
“A small snow field that’s one of the best places to learn to ski in Poland”
There’s no dedicated terrain park or cross-country track on the Szymoszkowa ski map, although there is a designated slalom section open for the high-season months, along with a good area for younger skiers. The entire resort is floodlit for night-time skiing and is open late most days. That’s perfect for catching the sunset over the mountains and skiing to views of Zakopane town.
Szymoszkowa Ski Resort at a glance
- Lifts: 3
- Runs: 2
- Top: 1,126m
- Best for: Beginners/families
Because Polana Szymoszkowa is located outside of the national park, snow making is alive and well. That means this one has a longer season and can stay open even when conditions go bad. The two chairlifts are getting a little dated, but new electronic gates and a few upgrades in 2018 helped to keep things ticking along nicely. It’s basically a solid choice for skiing really close to Zakopane if you want something casual, cheap, and with good schools.
Where to stay near Polana Szymoszkowa
If you think the Szymoszkowa Ski Resort is perfect for your skiing Poland trip, then we can really recommend two hotels, both of which we’ve stayed in and had great service.
The first is Villa Jan. It’s just a short walk from the base of the slopes, has parking and a lovely family-run vibe, plus beautiful views over the Tatras.
The second is Villa Orla. You walk up a cobbled street across the river straight to the ski lifts from there. The home-cooked breakfast is lovely, and the suites are cosy with touches of mountain charm.
As far as ski-in, ski-out stays go, the Hotel Mercure, which sits neatly right at the base. Unfortunately, the whole building is something of an eyesore: a relic left over from the times when Soviet VIPs would come for the mountains and skiing in Poland. Still, the inside is well-appointed, and the building is a little quirky (not to mention comes complete with a pool!).
This article may contain affiliate links to hotels, services, and other extras that will earn us something if you click through and book. It’s what helps us keep offering great info on Krakow, so thanks for that!
