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.
Let's dive into everything Zakopane has to offer!
Zakopane, Poland - overview
- Where is Zakopane?
- Zakopane the resort
- Zakopane ski area
- Skiing in Zakopane
- Zakopane ski season dates
- Zakopane snow history
- Restaurants in Zakopane
- Things to do in Zakopane
- Zakopane apres ski, and nightlife
- Zakopane town map
- Practical information
Where is Zakopane?
Zakopane is located in the extreme south of Poland, near the border with Slovakia, nestled in a valley between the Tatra Mountains and Gubałówka Hill, approximately 85 km south of Kraków.
For a detailed view of Zakopane's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.
Nearest airport
- Kraków John Paul II International Airport (112 km)
Transfer time
- Kraków John Paul II International Airport (1hr 40)
Zakopane the resort
- Resort elevation: 833 m
- 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
Watch Zakopane on YouTube .
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Zakopane ski area
- Summit elevation: 1,987 m
- Kilometres of pistes: 16 km
- Vertical drop: 987 m
- Ski lifts: 22
Zakopane's ski area is spread across multiple sectors, each with its own character and appeal:
- Kasprowy Wierch: Located 3 km 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 metres, 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 2024/25 ski season for Zakopane mountains is expected to start on December 4th, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Zakopane next winter, be sure to explore our Zakopane ski 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.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|
| December | 25 cm | 3.5 days |
| January | 27 cm | 4.1 days |
| February | 27 cm | 4.2 days |
| March | 20 cm | 3.7 days |
| April | 17 cm | 2.4 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
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Restaurants in Zakopane
Mountain restaurants
- Karczma u Wnuka: As the oldest restaurant in Zakopane, this regional inn offers a true taste of local cuisine with a rustic atmosphere. Located at Kościeliska 8, it’s a must-visit for those looking to experience the town’s traditional flavours.
- Restauracja Pod Gubałówką: Known for its local dishes and beautiful views of the mountains, this spot is perfect for enjoying hearty meals in a cosy setting.
Village restaurants
- Bakowo Zohylina Wyźnio: A popular regional inn that serves authentic highland dishes, such as highlander mixed plates for groups. Its cosy wooden interiors at Piłsudskiego 28a make it a favourite among visitors.
- 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. The restaurant’s warm and inviting vibe makes it a top pick for pizza and pasta lovers.
- Drukarnia Smaku Cristina:: Specializing in Polish cuisine, this restaurant is highly recommended, but reservations are advised due to its popularity. Located at Plac Niepodległości 7, it’s known for its refined local dishes.
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 apres 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. It offers a warm, inviting vibe, perfect for unwinding with live music.
- Appendix Café Bar: A cosy spot on Krupówki Street 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. Open from 17:00 to midnight, it offers a quiet but authentic setting for a relaxed evening.
Nightclubs
- 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. Located at Zaruskiego Street, it’s a top choice for those wanting a lively night out.
- Morskie Oko: A popular disco club on Krupówki Street, open every day from 21:00 to 04:00. It’s a fun spot to dance the night away with a lively crowd.
- VAVAVOOM Music & Dance Club: A vibrant club located on Kościuszki Street, 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: Situated on Krupówki Street, this venue doubles as a café during the day and a dance club by night, offering a versatile environment for evening entertainment.
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Zakopane town map
Download Zakopane villaget map here
- Tourist office: Zakopane T.O
- Tourist office phone: +0048 18 20 12 211
- T.O address: Chramcówki 35 street 34-500 Zakopane
- For visa & passport travel advice, visit here
