With the upcoming winter, many parents are wondering how to spend active time with their children, where to go during the holiday break or school vacations? One of the more exciting and emotionally fulfilling ideas is to go skiing.
Skiing trips are not just about relaxation but also a challenge. Such a vacation requires good organization and physical preparation. Patience and understanding towards young skiing enthusiasts are crucial because the beginnings are not easy. Despite potential challenges, organizing this extraordinary adventure is worthwhile; the memories are priceless.
The joy lies not only in the act of skiing, conquering successive slopes, but a key element of the winter adventure is the opportunity to be together, away from the bustle of the city and daily affairs. Engaging in sports together is not just an opportunity to develop skiing skills but an excellent way to build relationships. Spending time on the slopes with the youngest ones allows us to share the emotions associated with skiing, teaches cooperation, mutual support, and overcoming challenges. Additionally, such activity promotes a healthy lifestyle, develops motor coordination, teaches responsibility, safety, and builds resistance to seasonal illnesses.
Where to ski with children in the capital?
Residents of central Poland, such as Warsaw, dreaming of a quick skiing getaway, can take advantage of ski slope offerings closest to the capital. Due to geological conditions, these slopes are not very high, making them ideal for those taking their first steps in this discipline or simply looking to have a good time.
Szczęśliwice Hill, although not a monumental mountain in the traditional sense, is a charming place for skiing enthusiasts. The "Szczęśliwice" Year-Round Ski Slope in the western part of the Ochota district is the only such center in the city. You can reach the top in a few minutes by a platter lift or chairlift.
Where to go skiing with children: Parchatka, Góra Kamieńska, and Bałtów
About 130 km from Warsaw, between Puławy and Kazimierz Dolny, lies Parchatka. The 420-meter-long slope is a popular destination for winter enthusiasts from the entire Mazowieckie Voivodeship. There are three easy skiing routes prepared, always snow-covered, groomed, and illuminated. Next to the slope, there are catering facilities, equipment rental, and a ski school.
Góra Kamieńska is the highest elevation in central Poland, artificially created as external spoil from the "Bełchatów" lignite mine. Built on Góra Kamieńska, the year-round recreational-sports complex is one of the region's biggest tourist attractions. The forested mountain attracts skiing enthusiasts. Located on the northern slope, the skiing trail with a four-person chairlift is 760 meters long and up to 150 meters wide. The illuminated, snow-covered, and groomed slope encourages excitement, and mountain rescue workers ensure skiers' and snowboarders' safety.
Approximately 200 km from Warsaw, near Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, lies a slope named Szwajcaria Bałtowska. Close by, there are equipment rentals, technical services, restaurants, parking, and accommodations. Five routes totaling 2.5 km are available. Some of them require greater skills, which will delight experienced skiers. Two modern platter lifts run along the slope. For children, there's the so-called "donkey meadow," a gentle slope designed for learning.
Wisła Klepki and Cieńków for the youngest
Situated in the picturesque Beskidy Mountains, Wisła is one of the country's most important skiing centers, offering trails suitable for both children and adults. The slopes are groomed, artificially snow-covered if needed, and illuminated at night. Ski schools operate on-site. Those less confident in their skills or the youngest ones can benefit from professional advice and instructors' help.
Cieńków, an 8-kilometer mountain ridge branching off the Barania Góra range, houses the Adam Małysz ski jump on its northern slope. On the other side, on the Niżni Cieńków slope, there is a popular skiing station with several trails totaling 6 km. It is a favorite spot for skiers, appreciated for its beautiful views, communion with nature, and excellent infrastructure. The chairlift is 1 km long, and platter lifts on the lower and upper clearings help quickly reach the slope. Additionally, you can dine well and rent skiing equipment. Night skiing events are often organized during the holiday period, enriching the stay and creating unforgettable memories of the winter adventure.
The Klepki skiing center, located in Wisła Malinka, on the southern slope of the massive Czupel in the Barania Góra range, is also close to the Małysz ski jump. It offers skiers trails totaling about 1.5 km. Klepki have a well-developed infrastructure, providing suitable trails for experienced skiers as well as those practicing proper turns and balance. To maintain good conditions, the trails are groomed, artificially snow-covered if necessary, and illuminated at night. Those less confident in their skills or children can benefit from professional advice and instructors. Beautiful landscapes and a friendly atmosphere attract many visitors every year.
Children's ski schools operate in Cieńków and Klepki. You can confidently entrust your child to capable hands. After a week spent on the slopes, you'll undoubtedly be surprised by their newfound skills.
High mountains
Białka Tatrzańska is famous for breathtaking landscapes that attract tourists year-round. However, it's during winter that the town reveals its magical face, becoming one of the most visited resorts. Surrounded by mountains, picturesque views, and a wide range of winter activities make it an ideal place for mountain holidays with children. A large number of lifts, trails adapted to children's abilities, professional ski schools, group and individual lessons, as well as special courses, are available throughout the season.
If you enjoy well-prepared but challenging trails and unique views of the Tatra panorama, Zakopane can be an excellent choice. Especially for families with slightly older children who can ski. Well-prepared slopes offer a real challenge for those seeking strong sensations. After a day on the trails, Krupówki, the main street of the town and the heart of social life, tempts with shops offering regional products and restaurants serving highland dishes.
Summary
Considering the choice of a place for learning skiing, many factors must be taken into account. If this is your first skiing trip together, it's best to stay in Poland. It's worth looking for a ski slope nearby. Wisła, Szczyrk, or Ustroń are excellent options. The mountains here are not very demanding, and most skiing centers offer winter schools for children.