ECC-Net prepared report „Ski resorts in Europe 2010/11” which is based on pan-European market survey concerning 200 ski resorts in Europe. The main concept of the report is to support consumers when choosing the most suitable ski resort for their personal winter vacation. Especially families can save a lot of money, if they are informed in advance about the prices and the availability of any special offers and family reductions. Well structured information about custom-made options or alternatives can make snow activities much more accessible.
Full text of the report is available here
What about skiing in Poland?
Though a less popular winter destination than France or Italy, Poland provides skiing opportunities that are not only fully satisfactory, but also highly affordable. Only here will you be able to find a wide range of slopes, walking routes and accommodation at prices so disproportionately low to the standard of attractions provided.
In Poland people usually spend one week in the mountains during winter – since December till March. In this period kids have a winter vacation therefore it is high season for ski holiday.
The heart of the Polish Mountains lies at the foot of Tatra Mountains. The most notable destination here is Zakopane. With a century-old skiing tradition and access to over 50 world-class ski lifts and slopes, the citys renown can hardly be considered unwarranted. Nearby, Kasprowy Wierch, Kociol Goryczkowy and well-known Gubalowka offer slopes adjusted to the capabilities of all skiers.
fot. Zakopane, Morskie Oko
Wikipedia.org
Another worthwhile Polish ski resort is the town of Szklarska Poreba, which is located in Karkonosze Montains. Szklarska is in close vicinity to Polana Jakuszycka, which is a unique cross-country skiing centre, offering 156 days of permanent snow, numerous ski routes and the annual Bieg Piastow competition. Karkonosze Mountain range is also home to the town of Karpacz, Its biggest advantages include 100 days of permanent snow, well-prepared ski routes, and such tourist attractions as climbing, bungee jumping, tennis, paintball and fishing.
Szczyrk and Krynica Zdrój are the best choices in case you are looking for an intimate ski resorts where you can enjoy your stay undisturbed. Krynica-Zdroj is the biggest wellness centre in Poland, celebrated for its fresh, clean air and over twenty springs of highly mineralised water. Still, Krynica-Zdroj is also a famed ski resort, offering its visitors the well-equipped slopes of Jaworzyna Krynicka (1,114 metres), as well as a number of ice rinks and tobogganing trails. The snow cover remains here for at least 5 months a year. On the slopes of Jaworzyna Mountain there are 3 ski runs which are 4 km long altogether. The longest slope is 2,5 km long and it runs from the Upper Station to the Intermediate Station in Czarny Potok. 8 new ski runs, with a total length of about 13 km, are planned for the near future
If You are interested in rather easier, family-friendly slopes they are numerous in Polish mountains including resorts: Bukowina Tarzanska, Karpacz-Kopa, or Zieleniec.
Bialka Tatrzanska, Czarna Gora, Korbielow or Ustron is a perfect choice for the families looking for places providing slopes on a different difficulty level. Ski-lifts and snow machines are the basic elements of these resorts.
If you would like to find more information about Ski-resorts in Poland and ski conditions in particular places, you can visit the website:
http://www.e-wyciagi.pl/en/
There are two main Mountain Rescue Service in Poland: Gorskie Ochotnicze Pogotowie ratunkowe (GOPR) and Tatrzanskie Ochotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe (TOPR).
Emergency number for mobile users is: 0048 601 100 300.
On its websites you can find information about ski trails destination, winter hazards in the mountains, weather conditions: www.topr.pl www.gopr.pl