SKI HOLIDAYS & CHALET HIRE IN ZAKOPANE, POLAND

Sitting on the mountainous border between Poland and Slovakia, Zakopane is the perfect base to explore the Tatra range of the Carpathian mountains. With top quality skiing and snowboarding for half the price of better known European ski resorts. The ski areas around Zakopane are made up of over 15 individual resorts covering over 100km of slopes, some independently owned and run. The vast majority are covered by a single Tatry Super Ski pass.

Our ski chalets are situated at the heart of the best skiing both Poland and Slovakia have to offer. The different ski areas vary massively with something for everyone, whatever your ability, it’s a bit like a ski pick and mix.

Beginners can learn at floodlight Nosal ski center which is situated directly opposite our Stardust chalets.

Improvers will love the empty, wide pistes and personal tuition at nearby Bukowina resort, there we can provide the best instructors to teach the skills you need to enjoy the mountain unaided. For the more adventurous and advanced riders, there’s great piste and free ride skiing at 1980m on Kasprowy Weirch only 5 minutes away.

Taking into account the ability of your group and the snow conditions we’ll work with you on arrival to tailor the weeks transport around your skiing needs, this is included in the price of your stay with us meaning one less thing to think about.

An exciting day trip to nearby Slovakia is also a possibility during your holiday.

For a more in-depth write-up, have a read of award winning travel writer, Sian Lewis stay with us.

You can read about the variety of skiing available in Zakopane here.

Zakopane's ski areas

LIFT PASSES, HIRE & LESSONS

The Tatry Super Ski Pass covers most areas in both Zakopane and Slovakia, over 87 different lifts in total.

As well as the Tatry Super Ski Pass there are a few areas that have their own individual passes. On arrival the team will discuss with you plans for the week based on abilities in your group, weather conditions and how much skiing you want to do. Suitable ski passes can then quickly and easily be booked online from the comfort of the chalet, ready for collection the following day. Just another advantage to staying with Snomads to provide a hassle-free holiday.

A refundable 10zƗ is added to all pass prices for the hands-free electronic card.

Please scroll right > to view the entire table.

2023/2024 PRICES

Adult

Child (Under 16)

& SENIOR (Over 65)

Child

(Under 5)

1 Day

160 zł

150 zł

10 *

2 Days

305 zł

285 zł

20 *

3 Days

440 zł

410 zł

30 *

4 Days

565 zł

525 zł

40 *

5 Days

685 zł

635 zł

50 *

6 Days

790 zł

730 zł

60 *

3 Days in 5 Day Period

455 zł

425 zł

30 *

5 Days in 7 Day Period

705 zł

655 zł

50 *

4 Hours

145 zł

135 zł

10 *

4 Hours (After 4pm)

140 zł

130 zł

10 *

*Pass issued when accompanied with an adult pass. The pass will have the same validity as the adult pass. Only one child pass per adult.

All passes are valid for consecutive days only, with exception of: 3 Days in 5 Day Period and; 5 Days in 7 Day Period.

If you’re in need of ski or snowboard hire when in resort, we’ve got you covered. With our rental shop partners we take away all the stress from getting fitted; no queuing, no hassle and you can even enjoy a drink whilst we sort everything for you.

If you need something more specialist, we work closely with some of the best companies in Zakopane to ensure all abilities and requirements are covered.

Fitting
On arrival, our team will get you fitted as soon as possible. For those arriving late at night, everything will be arranged first thing the following morning. Less time hanging around, more time on the mountain. During the week, if you have any queries, or fancy trying something more adventurous, our team will be happy to help. At the end of the week, just drop everything back to the chalet, nice and easy, but most importantly, hassle free. 

Servicing
Our team can also service any personal equipment in house if required, just ask when you arrive.

Please scroll right > to view the entire table.

ADULT

6 Days5 Days4 Days3 Days2 Days1 Day

Skis, boots, poles & helmet

540

450

360

270

180

90

Skis, boots & poles

390

325

260

195

130

65

Skis & poles

230

175

120

165

110

55

Snowboard, boots & helmet

570

475

380

285

190

95

Snowboard & boots

420

350

280

210

140

70

Snowboard

360

300

240

180

120

60

Helmet

150

125

100

75

50

25

CHILD6 Days5 Days4 Days3 Days2 Days1 Day

Skis, boots &poles

330

275

220

165

110

55

Skis & poles

270

225

180

135

90

45

Snowboard & boots

330

275

220

165

110

55

Snowboard

270

225

180

135

90

45

HelmetFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Child rates apply to those under 13 years.

Rental will be charged and needs to be paid in GBP (£).

Everyone can benefit from a lesson or two to build confidence on the slopes. Snomads are proud to be working with some of the best English speaking instructors in the region and have come up with 2 simple lesson deals for you to chose from.

If you have skied or snowboarded in the past and simply require a refresher then we have a one 3 hour lesson option.

Alternatively, if you’re completely new to skiing, we have the perfect progression package for you, 3 hours of lessons on 3 consecutive days.

The final ski day of our 3 day lesson package can be taught away from the learner slopes. This should give you the ability, confidence and freedom to ski unaided and most importantly, enjoy yourselves on the slopes.

If you want lessons we need to know about these prior to your arrival.

We can also arrange lessons for anyone coming to Zakopane so please get in touch.

PRIVATE GROUP LESSONS, 3 HOURS ON 1 DAY

2023/2024 PRICES

3 HOUR LESSON & TRAVEL On 1 Day


One-to-One

710 zł / £135


Group of 2 per person

450 zł / £85


Group of 3 per person

370 zł / £70


Group of 4+ per person

315 zł / £60


2023/2024 PRICES

3 HOUR LESSON & TRAVEL ON 1 DAY


One-to-One

710 zł / £135


Group of 2 per person

450 zł / £85


Group of 3 per person

370 zł / £70


Group of 4+ per person

315 zł / £60


AREAS FOR BEGINNERS

  • Directly opposite Snomads Chalet Stardust (SKI IN/OUT!)
  • Night skiing
  • Snow cannon coverage
  • Kindergarden
  • Perfect for first timers of any age
  • Range of slopes to develop skills and learn how to use T bars
  • Modern lift system
  • Excellent progression in slope difficulty
  • Childrens ski club/kindergarten
  • Range of restaurants and bars
  • North facing slopes

  • Modern chairlifts
  • Wide and long blue runs
  • Separate beginners area
  • Restaurants and bars all over slopes
  • Cross-country and walking trails in the surrounding forests

AREAS FOR INTERMEDIATES

  • Polands largest connected ski area
  • Night skiing
  • Polands biggest Burton Snow Park with jibs, boxes, jumps and features
  • Snow tubing available
  • Plethora of bars and restaurants all over the mountain
  • Geothermal waterpark and spa at bottom of piste
  • Multiple cross-country routes from 1000m to 5000m in length
  • Annual Red Bull Bandits Run cross-county race (open to anyone over 16)
  • Funicular train to top of mountain
  • Snow park with jumps and rails
  • Great views of Zakopane and the Tatras from the panoramic restaurant
  • Traditional bustling market at the bottom
  • Walks, tobogganing, snow tubing and snowmobiling
  • Snow cannon coverage
  • Kindergarden available
  • Geothermal spa at resort
  • Up to 1500m elevation
  • Late night skiing
  • Snow cannons and lighting
  • Separate beginner area with wide and quiet slopes
  • Main pistes perfect for intermediates with long and wide blue runs
  • Excellent restaurant and bar
  • Good for night skiing


  • Good for snowboarders
  • Night skiing
  • Great for improvers
  • Most difficult black run in Poland
  • Snow cannons and lighting
  • Relatively unknown with usually empty pistes
  • Great restaurants and bars

 

  • Chair lift and T-bars in use
  • 6 marked runs for beginners
  • 4 marked runs for intermediates
  • 1 FIS level slope for advanced
  • Great night skiing
  • Fantastic Tatra views from the top
  • Snow cannon coverage

AREAS FOR ADVANCED/ EXPERTS

  • Zakopane’s “Holy Mountain of Polish Skiers”, the best place for the most advanced skiers
  • Snow sure with skiing at over 1980m
  • Great freeride possibilities
  • Ski both side of the peak; Gasienicowa and Gorczkowa
  • 5 minutes from Chalet Stardust
  • Polands longest running gondola (recently upgraded)
  • Unlimited ski touring/split boarding options
  • Wide bowls, couloirs and tree runs
  • Rohace & Bachledka resorts:
  • 12 ski slopes in 3 connected valleys
  • Scenic tree top walk
  • Snow tubing and sleding
  • Longest gravity roller coaster in the Tatras
  • Official freeride zones
  • Snow cannon coverage
  • Unlimted ski touring/split boarding possibilities
  • Modern ski lifts throughout
  • Great variety of runs

Stardust 1 & 2

🇵🇱  Self-Catered or B&B Sleeps 8-13

Ski the Tatras In Zakopane, Poland With Our Eco Chalets

  • Option of low impact FLIGHT FREE travel with Snomads private overnight sleeper bus (from UK)
  • The Tatras are some of the highest and most snow sure mountains in Northern Europe
  • A super affordable, hidden gem of a resort
  • Two Snomads Chalets; Stardust 1 and Stardust 2
  • Ride two countries on one lift pass (Poland/Slovakia)
  • Ski touring and Splitboarding
  • Learner slope next to chalet
  • Night skiing
  • Thermal mineral spas and snow maze
  • Perfect for both beginner and advanced riders

Stardust 1 & Stardust 2

🇵🇱 / Self Catered or Bed & Breakfast / Sleeps 8-13

Ski the Tatras in Zakopane, Poland with our Eco chalets

  • Option of low impact FLIGHT FREE travel with Snomads private overnight sleeper bus (from UK)
  • The Tatras are some of the highest and most snow sure mountains in Northern Europe
  • A super affordable, hidden gem of a resort
  • Two Snomads Chalets; Stardust 1 and Stardust 2
  • Ride two countries on one lift pass (Poland/Slovakia)
  • Ski touring and Splitboarding
  • Learner slope next to chalets
  • Night skiing
  • Thermal mineral spas and snow maze
  • Perfect for both beginner and advanced riders

About zakopane town a town built on skiing

The Polish resort of Zakopane is a town full of history, charisma and charm, with ski jumping at its core. A long line of Olympic champions train here on their way to gold medals.

Zakopane is situated within the Carpathian mountains, a range longer than the Alps and second longest in Europe after only the Scandinavian mountains of Norway and Finland. The town is right on the border between Poland and Slovakia, in a towering part of the Capathians known as the Tatra mountain range where the highest peaks exceed 2,600 meters.

The Carpathians were formed some 50 million years ago, during the same geological upheavals that produced the Alps, and the surrounding ski areas offer the best variety of riding in Poland.

The unique and beautiful architecture of the town has to be seen to be believed. The fairytale style timber houses with their high pitched roofs are only found in this part of the world, a region of Goral culture of which Zakopane is the centre. No surprises then that the town is known and often referred to as “the Winter Capital of Poland”.

APRES & EATING OUT

The cuisine and drink in Poland is exquisite and perfectly suited for those winter days on the mountain. Zakopane town itself is jam-packed with traditional taverns serving delicacies, alongside its own local culture which is rich in its unique styles of food, speech, design, music and costume.

If you’re feeling energetic after dinner from one of the many restaurants, taverns or take-outs, there’s plenty of nightlife in town in the form of pubs, craft-beer bars and lively night clubs for the after hours.

NATURAL BEAUTY

The raw beauty of the nature around Zakopane is embodied by the rich wildlife of the Carpathians; this includes the largest European populations of brown bears, wolves, chamois, and lynx.

  • Hot thermal water park and spa
  • Guided walk or snowshoe to “Eye of the Sea” high mountain lake
  • Poland’s largest snow maze and ice sculpture park
  • Snomads horse sleigh adventure
  • Snowmobile, ski tour and splitboarding tours
  • Explore the historic town center and bustling covered market 
  • The opportunity to explore Krakow on your final night
  • Excursion to Auschwitz or Wieliczka Salt Mine

ZAKOPANE, POLAND FAQS

Below are the answers to some of the questions we’re often asked about our Zakopane Chalets.

If you don’t find the answer to your questions below please don’t hesitate to drop us an email hello@snomads.co.uk or give us a call, we’ll be happy to answer any other questions you may have. Once you’re in resort please remember that if you want to know something, or need something extra to make your stay more comfortable, you just have to ask the resort team.

Q – What is included in the holiday price?
All our chalet stays include:

  • Return transfers from Zakopane coach or train station
  • 7 nights accommodation, towels and bed linen
  • Use of the chalet kitchen
  • Buffet breakfast for B & B stays
  • Daily Shuttle to and from local ski areas
  • Chalet WiFi

The following items are not included but we can help arrange some of these:

  • Private airport transfers
  • Lift pass
  • Ski/snowboard equipment hire
  • Ski/snowboard lessons
  • Childcare
  • Insurance
  • Flights
  • Ski shuttles to Slovakia

Q – What payment methods do you accept?
(Visa, Mastercard, American Express) You can pay securely online, simply login to ‘MyBooking’ using the button at the top of our website. You will need your MyBooking login details provided to the lead guest.

You can also pay by bank transfer (BACS/Faster Payments). If you’re making a transfer from a non-UK account please ensure you pay both the beneficiary and payee charges.

Q – Is there a charge for using a credit card?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and AMEX. There is no charge for personal accounts.

Q – What deposit is needed to secure the holiday?
If you would like to book we require a non-refundable deposit of 30% to secure your stay.

Q – When do I have to pay for my holiday in full?
Your final balance is due at least 8 weeks before your arrival date. You will be sent a gentle reminder via email when the balance is due.
Full booking terms and conditions can be found here

Q – Can you hire ski clothing in resort? 
Our Chalets run a Retro Rental offering (think bright old-school onesies). Alternatively, it is possible to hire adult clothing through our Ski School partners.

Q – Can I hire a helmet? 
Childrens rental includes free helmet hire. For adults, helmets are also available for a small charge. 

Q – Can I pre-book ski/snowboard hire? 
It helps to speed things up if we know in advance who wants to ski and snowboard, so please complete this in MyBooking. Learn more & see prices

Q – Do the instructors speak English? 
Our Ski School partners all speak fluent English. 

Q – Which ski schools do you recommend? 
We have a partnership with a few independent schools local to the chalet, they cater for all levels and can travel to specific areas to teach you. Learn more & see prices 

Q – When should I book lessons? 
If you want lessons we need to know about these prior to arrival. Please use the link in MyBooking which will take you to our lesson order form. All lessons are booked on a first come first served basis.

Q – Can my children have lessons? 
Lessons are available for all children aged 5 and above, for both skiing and snowboarding.

Q – Can I pre-book lift passes?
No need, due to the nature of the resort, we plan a bespoke ski schedule for the week when you stay with Snomads in Poland. This will be based on the best snow conditions and the ability of your group. All lift passes are easy to book online or on your phone the day before and picked up at the booth on the day of skiing. Your hosts will help you with this in the chalet, and you’ll have plenty of time to make the first lifts.

Q – What are the child prices?
Our child discount is 15% off the adult price and applies to children under the age of 13 at the time of travel. Infants under the age of 3 stay for free. 

Q – Does my child need sunglasses?
Absolutely! Snow blindness or photokeratitis is a type of temporary eye damage caused by snow reflecting UV light. Even those too young to ski may need some form of protective eyewear. Goggles are also recommended for skiing, as they offer a more comfortable fit with a ski helmet and are better than sunglasses if it’s snowing!

Q – Are car seats provided in resort vehicles?
Baby seats are not available, but booster and child seats are available.

Q – How does the shuttle work? 
Our daily shuttle will drop you off at local pistes/lifts each morning and pick you up in the afternoon. It is not a 24-hour service. Times vary week to week but usually the latest morning shuttle is 09:30 and afternoon pick-ups are 16:00-17:00 Staff will explain more on your arrival. 

Q – What will the weather/snow conditions be like? 
We can never be too sure what the weather will be like but we do a regular snow dance! Zakopane and the surrounding ski areas are at high altitude and should the snow be a little sparse, snow cannon coverage of many areas ensures there will be plenty of piste to ski.

Q – Are there Hairdryers? 
We do not supply hairdryers in our properties. 

Q – Are there towels and bathrobes in the chalet? 
Yes, hand and bath towels are provided. Bathrobes are not available.

Q – Do I need to take my own toiletries?
We do not supply complimentary toiletries. Hand soap is provided. 

Q – Is there Wi-Fi in the chalet? 
Yes, Wi-Fi is available in all our chalets, the chalet team will provide you with the code on arrival. Please note whilst the signal is strong in common areas it can vary in the bedrooms. 

Q – What time can I check-in? 
Rooms will normally be ready by 3pm at the latest. However common areas will be available for you to use if you arrive before your room is ready. 

Q – What time do I need to check out? 
We ask all guests to vacate their rooms by 9:30am on their day of departure. Space for the storage of luggage will be available until your transfer arrives. 

Q – My departure is in the evening can I ski on my departure day? 
If you have a late transfer you are welcome to ski before it. Be aware though that the shuttle will not be available as staff will be busy getting the chalet ready for new arrivals, this also means there will be no shower facilities available for you to use. In addition, your transfer will not wait if you are late.

Q – What Polish Airport do I need?

Kraków International Airport

Q – What is the transfer time?
To Zakopane the journey is about 1.5 hours.

Q – Is there parking at the chalet if we drive out?
Yes, there is plenty of secure parking at chalet Stardust I & II

Q – How does the Snomads sleeper service work?
Our comfortable minibus will come and pick you up from your UK home on Friday evening, with 2 drivers operating in shifts, they will drive through the night and arrive in the resort on Saturday afternoon. Contact us for a quote.

Q – Are there any entry requirements?
As the UK is no longer in the European Union, British passport holders (and other non-EU passport holders) are treated as “third country nationals” with stipulations about passport issue and expiry dates. You will be denied entry and so need to renew your passport if either:

  • Your passport is 10 years old or more on the day you enter the EU country – count this from the ‘date of issue’ on your passport. The date of expiry is irrelevant. UK Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are only valid for 10 years but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early.
  • There is less than 3 months left on your passport after your return date.

Q – When do I provide all the names and travel information for my group?
Please provide the guest and travel arrangements of your group as soon as possible, without this information you may have a wait at the airport.

Q – Do you recommend anything else to bring?
Swimwear. There will be opportunities for an after-ski swim or bath in local geothermal mineral springs.

Slippers or indoor-only footwear. Snow, grit and salt from ski boots and outdoor shoes can damage our wood and tile floors. There is no underfloor heating so to keep your feet toasty bring something for indoors only.

Insurance. Obviously, it goes without saying that skiing can be a dangerous activity and we strongly encourage all guests to have travel insurance and check that this covers them for winter sports. We also recommend that in addition, you bring your EHIC/GHIC (European/Global Health Insurance Card).

Details and information on this page do not form part of our terms and conditions and we will not be bound by information which is provided on this page on a goodwill basis.

Kraków International, officially called John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport (after the city’s most famous former resident) is only around 2.5 hours from Zakopane. Our Poland stays do not include free airports transfers due to a variety of excellent and low cost alternative options available. We have listed below the most convenient of these:

AIRPORT TO ZAKOPANE BY DIRECT BUS
The lowest priced option. Flixbus run a service direct from Krakow airport to Zakopane which we recommend you pre-book online. Flixbus picks up directly outside the terminal, walk out the main exit under the footbridge and turn right, the stop will be ahead of you. Prices from 45PLN/£8 when booked in advance. Once you arrive in Zakopane we’ll be on hand to pick you up and shuttle you to your chalet.

AIRPORT TO KRAKÓW CENTRAL BUS STATION, THEN BUS TO ZAKOPANE
One of the most flexible and efficient ways of getting to the resort. To get from the airport to Kraków Central Bus Station we recommend using taxi app: Uber or Bolt, around 45 PLN/£8. Walk out the main exit of the terminal and cross the first road. Cross beneath the footbridge running above the road. Wait on the paved area between the first road and the second road, which is about halfway underneath the bridge above you. Cars enter the airport grounds from the left side of the airport terminal as you exit, so chances are, your driver will pull up on that side. 

From the central bus station, both Szwagropol and Majer Bus are popular buses on the Kraków-Zakopane route. Between them buses are available every hour or less, from 6 am to 9 pm. A one-way ticket for an adult costs around 19 PLN/£5 and you can pay with card or cash at the station prior to boarding. There is no need to prebook though we would recommend doing so. Once you arrive in Zakopane we’ll be on hand to pick you up and shuttle you to your chalet.

AIRPORT TO CHALET BY PRIVATE TRANSFER
No sharing with others, no waiting at the airport and a direct door-to-door service, with no additional stops en route. Or perfect for larger groups wanting to travel together.
Krakow Direct offer affordable private, modern, comfortable vehicles with friendly English speaking drivers. With prices starting from 500 PLN/£90 per car.
For private transfers the destination address for both our chalets is: Snomads Chalet Stardust, Balzera 23, 34-500 Zakopane.

As the UK is no longer in the European Union, British passport holders (and other non-EU passport holders) are treated as “third country nationals” with stipulations about passport issue and expiry dates. You will be denied entry to any EU country and so need to renew your passport if either:

  • Your passport is 10 years old or more on the day you enter the EU country – count this from the ‘date of issue’ on your passport. The date of expiry is irrelevant. UK Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are only valid for 10 years but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early.
  • There is less than 3 months left on your passport after your return date.

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