Schussing away...
Both young and old family members can ski, ride on sleds or take a ride in a horse- or a dog-drawn carriage. Ski resorts in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia provide visitors with a wide choice of additional services and infrastructure, such as skiing schools for children and adults, and ski equipment hire and repairs. Most resorts also have artificial snow-making capabilities and offer night skiing.
The best way to get around the region is, of course, by car, as the resorts and border points are plentiful. The prices can vary greatly, however, with Slovakia being traditionally regarded as the cheapest location of the three.
Poland
Karkonosze
The Karkonosze, located in southwestern Poland, are the highest range of the Sudeten mountains. Most of the range lies on the Czech side, but with two skiing resorts in Poland and three in the Czech republic, one certainly cannot complain about lack of variety. The five resorts, Szklarska Poręba, Karpacz, Spindleruv Mlyn, Pec pod Snezkou and Harrachov, offer excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions.
Karpacz/Karkonosze
Karpacz boasts the only FIS approved half-pipe in the entire region as well as an excellent choice of paths and ski lifts to satisfy even the most demanding skiers and snowboarders. The two most popular slopes, Kopa (1350 meters) and Złotówka (1282 meters) offer 5.5 km downhill paths altogether. The nearby resort of Jakuszyce specializes in cross-country skiing, hosts the annual Bieg Piastów cross-country marathon and offers over 100 km of cross-country trails.
www.kopa.com.pl
Korbielów/Beskid Żywiecki
Located 20 km from Żywiec, the town of Korbielów lies at the foot of Pilsko mountain, which at 1557 meters is the second highest skiing mountain in Poland. With 28 km of excellent ski trails, including an advanced 4.5 km trail and cross-country facilities, Pilsko is a destination for the entire family. Thanks to its height and a unique microclimate, the snow on the runs lasts well into the spring.
www.gat.pl
Zakopane
Zakopane is undeniably the winter capital of Poland. During the ski season this means high hotel room prices and long ski lift queues. Unfortunately, Zakopane ski lifts have different owners, which translates into different prices and skiing conditions. But the wait and expenses are greatly rectified with the breathtaking views of the Tatry mountains and some of the most challenging runs in the country. So take your pick and ski away!
Kasprowy Wierch/Tatry
At 1987 meters this is the highest ski run in Poland but due to its high location it is often prone to sudden weather changes such as fogs and icy slopes. There are two ski runs -one into Hala Gąsienicowa and the other into Hala Goryczkowa. Two chairlifts lead back to the top and one cable car line all the way up from Zakopane-be sure to reserve a ticket well ahead of time. Most hotel receptions will be happy to do that for you. Snow on Kasprowy Wierch lasts well into the season-sometimes you can ski even in May!
www.pkl.pl
www.zakopane.pl
Nosal/Tatry
This rather unimpressive mountain is actually home to an FIS approved advanced ski run, so less experienced skiers are advised to stay on the less challenging runs. The pricing policy is very customer friendly and there are excellent beginner facilities at the foot of the mountain.
www.nosal.pl
Czech Republic
Most of the winter resorts of the Czech Republic are located in national parks or protected landscape areas. Visitors choose either the best-known and most visited Krkonose (Karkonosze) with an excellent infrastructure and equipment, or some less popular ski centers located in the remote corners of Sumava, Orlické hory, Jizerské hory, Jeseníky or Beskydy.
Pec pod Snezkou /Krkonose
Pec pod Snezkou is a popular winter sports resort situated at the foot of the highest peak of the Czech Republic, Snezka. The total number of 17 ski lifts and well-prepared pistes of different degrees of difficulty create outstanding conditions for beginners and advanced skiers. The day card also allows visitors to ski in the evenings on the illuminated runs. This ski resort has guarded ski storage, a ski and snowboarding school, ski rental facilities and a guarded car park. There is also a free of charge bus transport.
www.pecpodsnezkou.cz
Harrachov/Krkonose
Famous for its K-180 ski jump, Harrachov also offers excellent downhill and cross-country facilities. But apart from ski jumping for the select few, Harrachov offers excellent ski runs and well-kept slopes for the entire family.
The town is also renowned for its glass-making traditions and the local glass-making museum is well worth the visit. The nearest border crossing to Poland is 3 km away from the city.
The resort has 10 lifts, 10 km of slopes with varying degrees of difficulty and approximately 80 km of cross-country tracks. 6 ski schools for children and adults make sure everyone leaves skiing like a pro.
http://www.harrachov.cz
Slovakia
The highest peak of the Slovak Tatry range is Gerlach at 2655 m, making the Alpine conditions of the High Tatras an ideal place for a winter holiday. The Low Tatras are an almost 100 km mountain arch in the East-West direction, with the central part forming a small paradise for skiers.
Strbske Pleso/High Tatras
One of the highest resorts in the High Tatras, with well-prepared ski runs. There are three lifts and one chairlift available and ski runs range from advanced to light and medium difficult. Cross-country paths lead along the Tatranska magistrala. There is a free shuttle bus that brings the skiers from the central car park to the lifts.
http://www.tanap.sk/strbskepleso.html
Jasna/Low Tatras
Probably the best skiing resort in Slovakia, with 28 km of downhill runs, including 9 km with artificial snow facilities, five cable cars and 11 ski lifts. The town is located at the foot of Chopok mountain and is host to regular international competitions such as World and European FIS Cup and the World and European downhill Championships. Also worth visiting is the nearby town of Liptovsky Mikulas with its newly opened aquapark Tatralandia.
http://www.tatry.net/jasna/
Austria
With the Alps covering most of the small nation, finding a good place to ski is not exactly a challenge. There is an abundance of resorts whose popularity has been rising throughout the years and whose infrastructure and skiing conditions have tourists returning again and again. With 800 ski resorts in 71 winter regions, and guaranteed snow, Austria is truly a skiers paradise.
Bad Kleinkirchheim/Nockberge
The vast expanse of the Nockberg region is more than enough to overwhelm any skier. With 26 lifts, over 95 km of ski pistes, Carinthia's long slopes and guaranteed snow there is very little to complain about. With 500 snow guns, covering a potential 95% of all slopes guests can really focus on what they came here for-high quality skiing. One major attraction is the "Carinthia-Franz Klammer Slope," totalling 3,150 m in length, and with a height variation of 842 m. The slope provides the opportunity to hold various ski contests-slalom, giant slalom, women's and men's downhill, as well as the super G. With gradients of up to 70% and selective transversal stretches, the World Cup ski slope "Carinthia-Franz Klammer" is one of the most challenging racing slopes in the World Cup circuit. Of course, there is plenty to do for the less experienced skiers and after an exhausting day on the slopes, what can be better than an afternoon in one of the region's thermal spas.
Number of lifts: 53
Kilometers of pistes: 170
Major villages: Bad Kleinkirchheim
www.badkleinkirchheim.at
Arlberg/Lech
The Arlberg region, famous for its many prestigious skiing resorts, spans over the provinces of Vorarlberg and Tirol and comprises the resorts of St. Anton, St. Christoph, Zürs and Lech. It has been continuously ranked as one of Europe's top skiing regions, with some of the most dependable snow conditions. Whatever your expectations of a winter sports holiday, from easy-going family runs to deep-snow slopes, from challenging steep gradients or ski tours to the Alpine peaks, it's all there.
Lifts: 84
Kilometres of pistes: 260
Main resorts: St. Anton am Arlberg, St. Christoph am Arlberg, Stuben am Arlberg, Lech am Arlberg, Zürs am Arlberg
www.stantonamarlberg.com
www.lech-zuers.at
Zell am See/Kaprun European Sports Region
This is a legend among skiers-the Zell am See-Kaprun Skiing Region has international acclaim and a truly international clientele. Skiing continues all year round at the Kitzsteinhorn glacier skiing area. The town of Zell am See itself provides direct access to the Schmittenhöhe skiing area, with the ski pass being valid for both areas. There are more than 200 km of cross-country skiing trails, over 100 km of winter walking paths, a full range of snowboarding, skating, ice surfing and tobogganing facilities, and if there is enough energy you can try to face up to the finest apres ski in the country.
Lifts: 60
Kilometres of pistes: 130
Main resorts: Zell am See, Kaprun
www.salzburgsuperskicard.com
www.europa-sport-region.com
Of course there is always plenty more to do than just skiing and snowboarding, so if the traditional methods of getting down a steep slope have started to bore you, look no further than our recommendation of other ways to have fun in the snow.
Carving
The name is in fact quite self-explanatory, it describes a way in which one gets down a hills by "cutting" the corners. The new carving skis are substantially wider at the front and back than in the middle, allowing the skis to virtually take corners by themselves. According to experts carving combines the best of skiing and snowboarding: the elegance and agility of the board with the reassurance and relaxation of having two skis to stand on.
Ski Jöring
Yet another way of getting around. Ski jöring is a sport in which you have yourself pulled across the ice by a horse or a motorbike. Think of it as water skiing on snow. Although the views are said to be amazing, the main thing really is to stay on your skis.
Snowsailing
This technique is very popular with children's ski courses, and although it is hard to tell by the look of it, it actually helps many to gain their confidence on the slope. Thin sails attached to the arms and knees use the air resistance to slow down and control the skier's speed, so not really an extreme sport.
Switzerland
Switzerland boasts over 200 skiing resorts, making it one of the obvious choices for the skiing connoisseurs. The winter season begins here with the first weeks of December and typically ends after Easter. And just to quote some numbers, there are 13 mountain railways, 50 cable lifts, nearly 600 gondola lifts and 1200 chairlifts operating during the winter season.
Andermatt
Andermatt, Hospental and Realp in the region of St. Gotthard create an enormous Alpine ski arena with 166 km of ski runs for both advanced and less experienced skiers alike. Gemsstock hosts one of the very first Alpine runs created especially for carvers and the 3,000 m Paradeberg near Andermatt, a stage for various events, concerts and happenings, has long been a well-kept "secret" amongst snowboarders. Cross-country skiers have 20 km of well-prepared runs between Andermatt and Realp. And if you prefer something less tiring-try a winter hike or go sledging on the Nätschen.
Lifts: 34
Kilometers of pistes: 166
Main resorts: Andermatt, Hospental, Realp
www.andermatt.ch
Cow fights/Valais region
While Spaniards were the nation to invent the bullfights, the Swiss gave the world cow fights, which truth be told are far from a corrida. This bloodless spectacle is one of the major tourist attractions of the Valais canton, where a particularly feisty breed of cows graze on the Alpine pastures. The local cow fights exploit the natural tendency of the Ehringer cows to compete for social dominance. In order to establish the hierarchy in the bovine society where only one cow can be queen, the opponents lock horns in what often proves to be a thrilling spectacle. Of course techniques vary from one competitor to another, but it is generally assumed that the winner will succeed in pushing her competitor off the rink.
The fights draw an annual 50,000 spectators for whom there is a special newspaper and a weekly radio program. The fights continue throughout the season, with the grand finale taking place in the autumn.
www.valaistourism.ch
(only French and German language information)
The best way to get around the region is, of course, by car, as the resorts and border points are plentiful. The prices can vary greatly, however, with Slovakia being traditionally regarded as the cheapest location of the three.
Poland
Karkonosze
The Karkonosze, located in southwestern Poland, are the highest range of the Sudeten mountains. Most of the range lies on the Czech side, but with two skiing resorts in Poland and three in the Czech republic, one certainly cannot complain about lack of variety. The five resorts, Szklarska Poręba, Karpacz, Spindleruv Mlyn, Pec pod Snezkou and Harrachov, offer excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions.
Karpacz/Karkonosze
Karpacz boasts the only FIS approved half-pipe in the entire region as well as an excellent choice of paths and ski lifts to satisfy even the most demanding skiers and snowboarders. The two most popular slopes, Kopa (1350 meters) and Złotówka (1282 meters) offer 5.5 km downhill paths altogether. The nearby resort of Jakuszyce specializes in cross-country skiing, hosts the annual Bieg Piastów cross-country marathon and offers over 100 km of cross-country trails.
www.kopa.com.pl
Korbielów/Beskid Żywiecki
Located 20 km from Żywiec, the town of Korbielów lies at the foot of Pilsko mountain, which at 1557 meters is the second highest skiing mountain in Poland. With 28 km of excellent ski trails, including an advanced 4.5 km trail and cross-country facilities, Pilsko is a destination for the entire family. Thanks to its height and a unique microclimate, the snow on the runs lasts well into the spring.
www.gat.pl
Zakopane
Zakopane is undeniably the winter capital of Poland. During the ski season this means high hotel room prices and long ski lift queues. Unfortunately, Zakopane ski lifts have different owners, which translates into different prices and skiing conditions. But the wait and expenses are greatly rectified with the breathtaking views of the Tatry mountains and some of the most challenging runs in the country. So take your pick and ski away!
Kasprowy Wierch/Tatry
At 1987 meters this is the highest ski run in Poland but due to its high location it is often prone to sudden weather changes such as fogs and icy slopes. There are two ski runs -one into Hala Gąsienicowa and the other into Hala Goryczkowa. Two chairlifts lead back to the top and one cable car line all the way up from Zakopane-be sure to reserve a ticket well ahead of time. Most hotel receptions will be happy to do that for you. Snow on Kasprowy Wierch lasts well into the season-sometimes you can ski even in May!
www.pkl.pl
www.zakopane.pl
Nosal/Tatry
This rather unimpressive mountain is actually home to an FIS approved advanced ski run, so less experienced skiers are advised to stay on the less challenging runs. The pricing policy is very customer friendly and there are excellent beginner facilities at the foot of the mountain.
www.nosal.pl
Czech Republic
Most of the winter resorts of the Czech Republic are located in national parks or protected landscape areas. Visitors choose either the best-known and most visited Krkonose (Karkonosze) with an excellent infrastructure and equipment, or some less popular ski centers located in the remote corners of Sumava, Orlické hory, Jizerské hory, Jeseníky or Beskydy.
Pec pod Snezkou /Krkonose
Pec pod Snezkou is a popular winter sports resort situated at the foot of the highest peak of the Czech Republic, Snezka. The total number of 17 ski lifts and well-prepared pistes of different degrees of difficulty create outstanding conditions for beginners and advanced skiers. The day card also allows visitors to ski in the evenings on the illuminated runs. This ski resort has guarded ski storage, a ski and snowboarding school, ski rental facilities and a guarded car park. There is also a free of charge bus transport.
www.pecpodsnezkou.cz
Harrachov/Krkonose
Famous for its K-180 ski jump, Harrachov also offers excellent downhill and cross-country facilities. But apart from ski jumping for the select few, Harrachov offers excellent ski runs and well-kept slopes for the entire family.
The town is also renowned for its glass-making traditions and the local glass-making museum is well worth the visit. The nearest border crossing to Poland is 3 km away from the city.
The resort has 10 lifts, 10 km of slopes with varying degrees of difficulty and approximately 80 km of cross-country tracks. 6 ski schools for children and adults make sure everyone leaves skiing like a pro.
http://www.harrachov.cz
Slovakia
The highest peak of the Slovak Tatry range is Gerlach at 2655 m, making the Alpine conditions of the High Tatras an ideal place for a winter holiday. The Low Tatras are an almost 100 km mountain arch in the East-West direction, with the central part forming a small paradise for skiers.
Strbske Pleso/High Tatras
One of the highest resorts in the High Tatras, with well-prepared ski runs. There are three lifts and one chairlift available and ski runs range from advanced to light and medium difficult. Cross-country paths lead along the Tatranska magistrala. There is a free shuttle bus that brings the skiers from the central car park to the lifts.
http://www.tanap.sk/strbskepleso.html
Jasna/Low Tatras
Probably the best skiing resort in Slovakia, with 28 km of downhill runs, including 9 km with artificial snow facilities, five cable cars and 11 ski lifts. The town is located at the foot of Chopok mountain and is host to regular international competitions such as World and European FIS Cup and the World and European downhill Championships. Also worth visiting is the nearby town of Liptovsky Mikulas with its newly opened aquapark Tatralandia.
http://www.tatry.net/jasna/
Austria
With the Alps covering most of the small nation, finding a good place to ski is not exactly a challenge. There is an abundance of resorts whose popularity has been rising throughout the years and whose infrastructure and skiing conditions have tourists returning again and again. With 800 ski resorts in 71 winter regions, and guaranteed snow, Austria is truly a skiers paradise.
Bad Kleinkirchheim/Nockberge
The vast expanse of the Nockberg region is more than enough to overwhelm any skier. With 26 lifts, over 95 km of ski pistes, Carinthia's long slopes and guaranteed snow there is very little to complain about. With 500 snow guns, covering a potential 95% of all slopes guests can really focus on what they came here for-high quality skiing. One major attraction is the "Carinthia-Franz Klammer Slope," totalling 3,150 m in length, and with a height variation of 842 m. The slope provides the opportunity to hold various ski contests-slalom, giant slalom, women's and men's downhill, as well as the super G. With gradients of up to 70% and selective transversal stretches, the World Cup ski slope "Carinthia-Franz Klammer" is one of the most challenging racing slopes in the World Cup circuit. Of course, there is plenty to do for the less experienced skiers and after an exhausting day on the slopes, what can be better than an afternoon in one of the region's thermal spas.
Number of lifts: 53
Kilometers of pistes: 170
Major villages: Bad Kleinkirchheim
www.badkleinkirchheim.at
Arlberg/Lech
The Arlberg region, famous for its many prestigious skiing resorts, spans over the provinces of Vorarlberg and Tirol and comprises the resorts of St. Anton, St. Christoph, Zürs and Lech. It has been continuously ranked as one of Europe's top skiing regions, with some of the most dependable snow conditions. Whatever your expectations of a winter sports holiday, from easy-going family runs to deep-snow slopes, from challenging steep gradients or ski tours to the Alpine peaks, it's all there.
Lifts: 84
Kilometres of pistes: 260
Main resorts: St. Anton am Arlberg, St. Christoph am Arlberg, Stuben am Arlberg, Lech am Arlberg, Zürs am Arlberg
www.stantonamarlberg.com
www.lech-zuers.at
Zell am See/Kaprun European Sports Region
This is a legend among skiers-the Zell am See-Kaprun Skiing Region has international acclaim and a truly international clientele. Skiing continues all year round at the Kitzsteinhorn glacier skiing area. The town of Zell am See itself provides direct access to the Schmittenhöhe skiing area, with the ski pass being valid for both areas. There are more than 200 km of cross-country skiing trails, over 100 km of winter walking paths, a full range of snowboarding, skating, ice surfing and tobogganing facilities, and if there is enough energy you can try to face up to the finest apres ski in the country.
Lifts: 60
Kilometres of pistes: 130
Main resorts: Zell am See, Kaprun
www.salzburgsuperskicard.com
www.europa-sport-region.com
Of course there is always plenty more to do than just skiing and snowboarding, so if the traditional methods of getting down a steep slope have started to bore you, look no further than our recommendation of other ways to have fun in the snow.
Carving
The name is in fact quite self-explanatory, it describes a way in which one gets down a hills by "cutting" the corners. The new carving skis are substantially wider at the front and back than in the middle, allowing the skis to virtually take corners by themselves. According to experts carving combines the best of skiing and snowboarding: the elegance and agility of the board with the reassurance and relaxation of having two skis to stand on.
Ski Jöring
Yet another way of getting around. Ski jöring is a sport in which you have yourself pulled across the ice by a horse or a motorbike. Think of it as water skiing on snow. Although the views are said to be amazing, the main thing really is to stay on your skis.
Snowsailing
This technique is very popular with children's ski courses, and although it is hard to tell by the look of it, it actually helps many to gain their confidence on the slope. Thin sails attached to the arms and knees use the air resistance to slow down and control the skier's speed, so not really an extreme sport.
Switzerland
Switzerland boasts over 200 skiing resorts, making it one of the obvious choices for the skiing connoisseurs. The winter season begins here with the first weeks of December and typically ends after Easter. And just to quote some numbers, there are 13 mountain railways, 50 cable lifts, nearly 600 gondola lifts and 1200 chairlifts operating during the winter season.
Andermatt
Andermatt, Hospental and Realp in the region of St. Gotthard create an enormous Alpine ski arena with 166 km of ski runs for both advanced and less experienced skiers alike. Gemsstock hosts one of the very first Alpine runs created especially for carvers and the 3,000 m Paradeberg near Andermatt, a stage for various events, concerts and happenings, has long been a well-kept "secret" amongst snowboarders. Cross-country skiers have 20 km of well-prepared runs between Andermatt and Realp. And if you prefer something less tiring-try a winter hike or go sledging on the Nätschen.
Lifts: 34
Kilometers of pistes: 166
Main resorts: Andermatt, Hospental, Realp
www.andermatt.ch
Cow fights/Valais region
While Spaniards were the nation to invent the bullfights, the Swiss gave the world cow fights, which truth be told are far from a corrida. This bloodless spectacle is one of the major tourist attractions of the Valais canton, where a particularly feisty breed of cows graze on the Alpine pastures. The local cow fights exploit the natural tendency of the Ehringer cows to compete for social dominance. In order to establish the hierarchy in the bovine society where only one cow can be queen, the opponents lock horns in what often proves to be a thrilling spectacle. Of course techniques vary from one competitor to another, but it is generally assumed that the winner will succeed in pushing her competitor off the rink.
The fights draw an annual 50,000 spectators for whom there is a special newspaper and a weekly radio program. The fights continue throughout the season, with the grand finale taking place in the autumn.
www.valaistourism.ch
(only French and German language information)
