Update: winter season
Are you planning a winter stay in Krakow but don't want to give up skiing or snowboarding? That's a great plan. The capital of Lesser Poland is an excellent base for ski slopes within easy reach. Within a radius of a few minutes to about two hours by car, you will find both intimate resorts for a quick getaway and large stations with full infrastructure.
This guide is not just a list of places on the map – it's a collection of tried and tested locations, including those we at the Tyzenhauz team personally choose for our private trips.
Who is this guide for? For people who want to combine sightseeing in Krakow, good cuisine, and comfortable accommodation with winter skiing, without the need to move to the mountains.
Available apartments for your winter trip to Krakow can be found here.
Skiing near Krakow. Why does it make sense?
Krakow in winter has its unique atmosphere, but for many, the true complement to the stay is outdoor activities. A huge advantage of the city is its location. You can quickly get to ski slopes in Lesser Poland, return to your apartment in the city center in the evening, and enjoy the city's charms the next day.
This solution is especially convenient if:
you don't want to change accommodation multiple times
you are traveling with family
you plan a short city break with some skiing
you want a flexible plan without weather pressure
From the host's perspective: Where does the Tyzenhauz team ski?
As Krakow residents and fans of winter sports, we have our favorite places. They are not always the biggest and most advertised resorts. Here are our subjective heartfelt recommendations that work best when we want to ski ourselves:
1. For a quick trip after work: Siepraw and Myślenice
When we only have a few hours, we choose Siepraw Ski or Sport Arena Myślenice. These are our favorites because of their proximity. In Siepraw, learning is great (gentle slopes), and Myślenice offer a hint of more serious skiing just a stone's throw from the city.
2. Scenic skiing: Czarna Góra – Grapa Ski (Litwinka)
This is our discovery for those who dislike crowds but love views. Grapa Ski (Litwinka) in Czarna Góra offers a beautiful panorama of the Tatras. The slope is wide, sunny, and often less crowded than neighboring large resorts.
3. Bukowina Tatrzańska: Turnia, Zwyrtlik and UFO
Instead of standing in queues at the most popular places, in Bukowina Tatrzańska, we choose specific lifts on Wierch Olczanski: Turnia, Zwyrtlik, and UFO. This is a great alternative – these slopes are very pleasant, well-prepared, and have that distinctive highlander atmosphere we seek in the Podhale region.
4. Classic: Białka Tatrzańska – Kotelnica
Of course, you cannot miss Kotelnica Białczańska. It is the largest ski resort in Podhale with amazing infrastructure. Ideal for a full day of intense skiing, although it's best to get there early to avoid the biggest crowds.
Nearest ski slopes around Krakow
Apart from our personal favorites, Lesser Poland (and surroundings) offers many other great options. Here is a complete list of ski slopes divided by distance from Krakow:
Podstolice Ski
One of the closest options for those staying in Krakow. It is a small resort, perfect for a quick afternoon trip or learning to ski.
Distance from Krakow: approx. 18 km
Runs: 3 runs, including intermediate and more difficult
Amenities: instructors, tavern, artificial snow
For whom: beginners and intermediate
Siepraw Ski
Very popular slope near Krakow, especially among families with children and learners.
Distance from Krakow: approx. 26 km
Runs: one main run, 5 lifts, including a conveyor belt
Amenities: ski school, rental, service
For whom: children, beginners, quick trip without long travel
Myślenice. Three ski stations in one region
The Myślenice area is one of the best places for skiing near Krakow. Within a short distance, you will find three different resorts.
Szklana Góra Ski in Harbutowice
A gentle slope with beautiful views, very good for relaxed skiing and learning.
Distance from Krakow: approx. 40 km
Runs: 950 m + a mini run for children
Amenities: chair lift, t-bar, rental, bar
For whom: beginners, families, recreational skiing
Sport Arena Myślenice
A more developed resort, with runs of various difficulty levels.
Distance from Krakow: approx. 20 km
Runs: over 2 km in total, including FIS homologated run
Amenities: ski school, service, rental, restaurants
For whom: beginners and advanced
Ski slopes a bit farther but still within reach of Krakow
Kasina Ski & Bike
A well-known resort with good infrastructure and runs for more demanding skiers.
Distance from Krakow: approx. 50 km
Runs: 4 runs, including very difficult
Amenities: night skiing, snowmaking, rental
For whom: intermediate and advanced
Krynica Zdrój. Jaworzyna Krynicka
One of the most popular ski stations in Lesser Poland.
Distance from Krakow: approx. 140 km
Runs: 10 runs, longest 2.6 km
Amenities: full facilities, night skiing
For whom: people looking for longer runs and full-day skiing
Kluszkowce. Czorsztyn Ski
Great location in the Pieniny Mountains with views of the Tatras and Czorsztyn Lake.
Distance from Krakow: approx. 110 km
Runs: 9 runs, mostly medium difficulty
Amenities: snowmaking, lighting
For whom: recreational skiing, full-day trips
Kasprowy Wierch
An option for very experienced skiers.
Distance from Krakow: approx. 120 km
Runs: natural, difficult, FIS homologated
For whom: advanced, fans of classic high-mountain skiing
Skiing from Krakow and accommodation in the city. How to plan it?
More and more people choose to stay in Krakow and commute daily to the slopes. This is a convenient, flexible solution that allows you to enjoy the city without rushing.
An apartment in Krakow gives you:
freedom to plan your day depending on the weather
comfort after a full day on the slope
access to restaurants, cafes, and city attractions
possibility to combine skiing with a city break
independence thanks to self check-in
privacy and peace
From our apartments, you can easily plan both a quick trip to a slope near Krakow and a full-day trip to the Tatras or Beskids. At Tyzenhauz, we love skiing and are happy to suggest the best slopes according to your plans and length of stay.
A ski trip from Krakow is really a good idea
Lesser Poland offers some of the most diverse ski slopes in Poland. From intimate runs right near Krakow, through Myślenice, to the Tatras and Pieniny. If you plan your stay well, you can combine winter skiing with rest in the city and comfortable accommodation.
At Tyzenhauz, we love skiing and are happy to suggest the best slopes for your plans, skills, and current weather conditions.
If you are planning a winter stay in Krakow and want to include skiing, snowboarding, or lessons – plan it with us. Booking an apartment directly through our website can get you up to a 15% discount.
Available apartments for your winter trip to Krakow can be found here.
See you in Krakow and on the slopes!
