Everything you need for your Zakopane ski holiday.
11th May, 2025
5 min read time
Nestled at the base of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is Poland's premier ski destination, renowned for its unique blend of traditional culture, scenic beauty, and diverse skiing options. This lively resort town offers something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned skiers, making it an excellent choice for both family vacations and adrenaline-packed adventures.
Our comprehensive guide will take you through all the essentials you need to plan your ideal Zakopane ski holiday. From its location and ski areas to its snow history and top dining spots, we've gathered all the information to help you make the most of your stay. At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Zakopane is located in the extreme south of Poland, approximately 108 km (67 mi) south of Kraków.
Nearest airport
Kraków John Paul II International Airport: 112 km (69.5 mi)
Transfer time
Kraków John Paul II International Airport: 1hr 40
Zakopane the resort
Resort elevation: 833 m (2,732 ft)
Population: ~28,000
Zakopane's unique character is defined by its charming blend of traditional wooden cottages and modern architecture, creating a cosy yet vibrant feel. The town's heart, centred around the bustling Krupówki Street, is alive with activity, featuring a mix of local shops, welcoming cafes, and restaurants that highlight the region's distinctive flavours. During the winter months, Zakopane transforms into a lively hub for snow sports enthusiasts, where its après-ski scene thrives with inviting venues to relax and enjoy the evening. The atmosphere in Zakopane beautifully balances its rich cultural heritage with the excitement of a modern ski resort, making it a destination that captivates both skiers and non-skiers alike.
Pros
Cons
Excellent value for money
Unlinked ski areas
Cosy and vibrant vibe
Becomes busy during winter holidays
Breathtaking natural scenery
Limited expert terrain
Easily accessible
Variable snow conditions
Here is how Zakopane looks like
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Zakopane has to offer.
Zakopane's ski area is spread across multiple sectors, each with its own character and appeal:
Kasprowy Wierch: located 3 km (1.86 mi) from the town centre, this area offers high alpine skiing with two treeless bowls. It’s ideal for advanced skiers and features a cable car that ascends to 1,987 m (6,519 ft), offering stunning views and challenging runs.
Nosal: known for its FIS-certified slopes, Nosal is perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers. It offers excellent artificial snow coverage, night skiing options, and a variety of challenging runs.
Gubałówka Hill: a popular spot for beginners and intermediate skiers, Gubałówka Hill provides a gentle slope with good snow conditions and a mountain tram that carries up to 120 people to the top.
Budzowski Wierch: ideal for beginners and children, the easy terrain makes it a great spot for ski lessons.
Pardałówka Ugory: a small, beginner-friendly area with a few short runs less crowded than the main areas, providing a more relaxed skiing experience.
Gigant: suited for intermediates, Gigant offers slightly steeper slopes.
Lipki: another area primarily aimed at beginners and families.
Pod Krokwią: this area features mild slopes that are perfect for beginners. Its proximity to the ski jump at Wielka Krokiew also makes it a unique spot to witness ski jumping competitions.
Skiing in Zakopane
Beginners
Zakopane is an excellent destination for beginners, with plenty of gentle slopes spread across areas like Gubałówka, Budzowski Wierch, Lipki, and Pod Krokwią. These spots provide a welcoming environment for those new to skiing, offering well-maintained pistes that make it easy to practice and gain confidence.
Intermediates
Intermediate skiers will find a variety of blue and red runs across Zakopane's ski areas. Nosal is a highlight, with its steeper slopes and FIS-certified runs. Gigant also offers a great option for intermediate skiers.
Advanced
For advanced skiers, Kasprowy Wierch is the crown jewel of Zakopane. Its high-altitude, demanding slopes and off-piste opportunities offer some of the best skiing in Poland.
Snowboarding
While Zakopane is not as well-known for snowboarding compared to other destinations, beginners and intermediate snowboarders can still enjoy the gentle slopes at Gubałówka and Nosal, where they can practice carving on well-groomed pistes.
Zakopane ski season dates
The ski season in Zakopane typically runs from early December to early May. While the official 2025/26 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed, we’ll update this page as soon as they are announced. Please note that these dates can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Zakopane deals for the best ski offers available.
Zakopane snow history
Zakopane offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 25 cm and 27 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.8 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall stays constant with 27 cm but it occurs more frequently, averaging 4.2 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the fourth week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in Zakopane, with 33 cm of snow over 3.6 days. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 17 cm of snow over 2.4 days.
Karczma u Wnuka: this regional inn offers a true taste of local cuisine with a rustic atmosphere.
Restauracja Pod Gubałówką: Known for its local dishes and beautiful views of the mountains.
Bakowo Zohylina Wyźnio: a popular regional inn that serves authentic highland dishes, such as highlander mixed plates for groups.
Stek Chalupa: a great option for meat lovers, offering a variety of grilled meats and hearty Polish dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.
Villa Toscana: a delightful choice for those seeking Italian cuisine with a hint of Polish hospitality.
Drukarnia Smaku Cristina:: specializing in Polish cuisine, this restaurant is highly recommended, but reservations are advised due to its popularity.
Things to do in Zakopane
Thermal baths
Shopping
Tatra museum
Cultural tours
Horse-drawn sleigh rides
Husky sleigh rides
Snowmobile tours
Snowshoe walks
Cross-country skiing
Ice skating
Slide riding
Zakopane après-ski, and nightlife
Après ski bars
Cafe Tygodnik Podhalanski: a hidden gem offering stunning mountain views and a laid-back atmosphere.
Cafe Piano Zakopane: a cosy jazz bar on Krupówki Street that’s popular with locals.
Appendix Café Bar: a cosy spot with live music performances. Open every day from 15:00 to 03:00, it’s a great choice for those looking for a more intimate après-ski experience.
Legenda Nietoperza: known for its excellent selection of bottled beers from Polish microbreweries, this pub is a fantastic place for beer lovers.
Le Scandale in Hotel Aries: a modern venue with several sections, including an Aperitif Bar, Cocktail Room, and a Music Loft featuring live performances on weekends.
Morskie Oko: a popular disco club open every day from 21:00 to 04:00.
VAVAVOOM Music & Dance Club: a vibrant club offering extended hours on weekends, making it a great place for late-night dancing.
Restauracja Browar Watra: known for its in-house brews and hearty Polish food, this spot also offers a lively atmosphere for a fun night out with friends.
Europejska Café & Dancing Club: this venue doubles as a café during the day and a dance club by night.
