Zakopane

Where? We hear you ask. Zakopane is a hidden winter wonderland in the south of Poland, located at the foot of the truly amazing Tatra mountain range. Just 108km south of Krakow, Zakopane is a world-class winter destination offering high quality winter sports facilities at half the price found in other winter resorts in Europe.

Zakopane is Poland’s largest ski resort. Although relatively unknown around the world of skiing and snowboarding, Zakopane is definitely on the way up. It is an ideal destination for beginners to intermediate skiers and snowboarders and is slowly attracting more and more visitors from across Europe ~ unbeatable prices, a lively traditional town and good snow conditions ~ why not join them?

Markets in Zakopane, with the Tatra Mountains in the background

Great Value! 

Besides great opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, Zakopane is one of the few remaining ski resorts that can offer such exceptional prices. The Polish Zloty still offers unbelievable value for money. The price of a large beer, whether in town or on the mountain, is around 8 Zloty (£1.50) (The average price in French ski resorts is £4.50) Food is also very reasonable ~ a full 3-course meal in a central restaurant, available at 35 Zloty (£7).

Town Centre

The views around Zakopaneare beautiful; the surrounding Tatra Mountain Range provides a stunning backdrop to the picturesque main street running through the heart of the town. In winter the centre of Zakopane, Krupowki is at its best, snow filled streets, the smell of warm food, festive lights all around and a buzz that you simply do not find anywhere else. There is nothing that you cannot find along the Krupowki, a variety of great restaurants and bars, shops to keep you busy all day, street entertainers even during the coldest days of winter, and a local market where you will find the perfect souvenir. White Side Holidays also guarantee that all accommodation will be within a 10 minute walk of the town centre. 

A crisp winter morning in Zakopane centre

Health and Spa

Even the most hardened skiers and snowboarders will admit that sometimes there is nothing better at the end of a hard day out on the ski slopes than just soaking in a Jacuzzi, relaxing with a massage or beauty treatment and revitalising yourself for the next day. Zakopane can offer all of these options and more, with a variety of hotels and specialist treatment spots dotted all around the town, you will be sure to find something to help you relax. Here are the links to a couple of our favourite spots in Zakopane for unwinding after a hard day’s skiing, including the 5* Hotel Litwor, where guests of White Side Holidays can enjoy a 10% discount on all treatments! Just ask us for a White Side Holidays spa voucher when you get here.

Après Ski Activities

Zakopane is a great ski and snowboard resort for people looking for that little bit extra. We will advise you once you arrive of the best times and places to do various après ski activities, but the list of options has something for everyone. Here are just a few of the great après ski activities and venues available in and around Zakopane.

  • Husky Dog SleddingSki-Doo Trips in Zakopane
  • Ski-Doo Trips
  • Ice Skating
  • Night Skiing
  • Ten Pin Bowling
  • Spa and Massage
  • Pool Halls
  • Aqua Park
  • World Cup Ski Jump
  • Torch-lit Sleigh Rides
  • Hot Springs
  • Paintballing

Nath at the World Cup Ski Jump in Zakopane