Top 6 Best Zakopane Thermal Baths and Hot Springs to Visit on Your Ski Holiday
28th February 2024
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What’s better than relaxing in a hot pool of mineral water after a long day of skiing? Nothing, really.
This is why you should learn skiing in Zakopane
| Short Guide
Zakopane skiing is the BEST for new skiers. This is why.
Traditional ski wisdom dictates that the Swiss, French, Italian and Austrian Alps offer some of the best skiing conditions in the world. While that may be true for pros who can take full advantage of the resorts, it doesn’t really hold up for beginners.
Beginners bear the full costs of ski passes, but can only enjoy the easy green and intermediate blue slopes. Add the price of renting equipment and ski lessons, and your first Alpine skiing holiday will cost you a small fortune without giving you much bang for your buck.
But there’s an affordable and easy solution – Zakopane skiing. Here’s why we believe the winter capital of Poland should be on your radar as a beginner.
What makes a good ski resort for beginners?
A good beginner ski resort should provide skiers with a mix of gentle ski slopes, affordable prices, great ski schools, and a lively atmosphere to make learning a fun experience.
Gentle slopes
The easiest slopes are marked as green, while the more intermediate ones are marked blue. Beginner ski resorts usually have a wide selection of green and blue slopes for novice skiers to practice and build up their confidence.
Affordable prices
Prices are another important aspect for beginners. Learning to ski can be a painful and humbling experience as you challenge your body in new ways. On day one you fall every few meters, you lose your balance and get wobbly, you fail to turn, and on top of it all, groups of children fly past you on the slopes adding insult to injury. The big question is how much you want to spend on this experience.
Great ski schools
Great ski schools can significantly ease your learning curve. A friendly instructor who’s been around can be the difference between persevering and learning or storming off in anger to the nearest bar, swearing you’ll never ski again while getting passed by more kids in perfect formations.
Our team can tailor a ski class for your needs, and provide equipment and transport to one of the best ski schools in Zakopane.
Fun atmosphere
Lastly, skiing is about having fun. Finding a ski resort with a lively and welcoming atmosphere can make the learning experience more enjoyable. Great beginner resorts have a lively apres ski scene and offer many amenities off the slopes.
Is it wise to learn to ski in the Alps?
In our book, the Alps check all the marks except the one on price. When you take into account accommodation, food, drinks, rentals, and ski passes, it becomes pricey to be a beginner in the Alps. While they are great for advanced skiers, beginners can learn equally well for as low as half the price in other resorts in Eastern Europe, such as Zakopane – the Ski Capital of Poland. However, if the price isn’t an issue and you don’t mind overpaying, then the Alps aren’t a bad choice.
What makes Zakopane skiing good for beginners?
Zakopane is an ideal ski resort for beginner skiers for several reasons. First, the resort has gentle terrain with easy, wide slopes suitable for novice skiers. Additionally, there are several Zakopane skiing schools with experienced instructors who specialize in teaching beginners.
These ski schools offer private and group lessons, making it easier for beginners to learn and improve their skills. The ski packages, lift tickets, and rentals are also much more affordable than in the Alps. This makes it an excellent budget-friendly option for beginner skiers who may not be sure if they want to commit to skiing long-term.
As far as fun is concerned, Zakopane has a busy nightlife and a variety of extra activities off the slopes, including a thermal spa, an ice maze, and many more amenities. To find out more you can read our Ultimate Guide to Zakopane.
Lastly, Zakopane is located in a stunning mountainous area with a breathtaking view of the Tatras, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy nature. With its combination of gentle terrain, affordable prices, experienced ski schools, fun amenities, and beautiful surrounding areas, Zakopane is an excellent choice for beginner skiers.
What are the best slopes in Zakopane for beginners?
Nosal Ski Center
Nosal Ski Center is a top-rated ski area located directly next to the Snomads Stardust chalets. The resort is particularly popular among beginner skiers due to its gentle slopes and excellent ski school program. The ski center has 6 floodlight runs, the majority of them are beginner-friendly green and blue runs. The slopes are well-groomed and regularly maintained, ensuring a comfortable and safe learning environment for beginners.
For beginner skiers, Nosal Ski Center offers a variety of ski lessons through its well-regarded ski school program. The Zakopane skiing school has experienced instructors who specialize in teaching beginners, and they offer private and group lessons for all ages. The ski school program also includes special packages for skiing beginners that include rentals, lift tickets, and lessons.
Male Ciche Area
Male Ciche is a ski resort in southern Poland that is popular among beginner skiers. The resort is particularly known for its easy, gentle slopes that are perfect for novice skiers. The Male Ciche area also has well-regarded ski schools that offer private and group lessons for all ages.
In addition to skiing, Male Ciche also offers a range of other winter activities, such as snowshoeing and sleigh rides, making it an attractive destination for families and groups. The resort has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and visitors can enjoy the stunning natural surroundings and scenic views of the Tatra National Park.
Szymoszkowa
Szymoszkowa Ski Area is a popular ski resort in Zakopane, Poland, that is well-suited for beginner skiers. This ski resort has a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great destination for those who are new to skiing or want to enjoy a relaxing winter vacation.
One of the unique features of Szymoszkowa Ski Area is its location, as it is situated on the southern slopes of Gubalowka Hill, providing skiers with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Tatra Mountains. The resort also has a charming alpine-style village feel, complete with cozy restaurants and cafes where visitors can take a break and enjoy the local cuisine.
In terms of skiing, Szymoszkowa Ski Area has a variety of gentle, easy slopes that are ideal for beginner skiers. These runs are well groomed and maintained, offering a comfortable and safe learning environment for those who are new to skiing. The resort has a ski school with experienced instructors who specialize in teaching beginners, providing private and group lessons for all ages.
Bukowina
Bukowina Learner Resort, situated at an altitude of approximately 1000m, is nestled in Lesser Poland Voivodeship and just a short drive from our cozy ski chalets. We believe it’s the ultimate location to hone your skiing and snowboarding skills as a beginner. With 2 km of slopes serviced by 5 ski lifts, you’ll have ample opportunities to practice. As the only chalet company in Zakopane that has an exclusive partnership with the highly reputable ski school at Bukowina Ski Center, Snomads offers personalized instruction and plenty of skiing time on less crowded slopes. To top it all off, you can indulge in a delicious traditional Tatra lunch at one of the region’s finest taverns, conveniently located at the summit.
What are the best ski schools in Zakopane?
Zakopane is home to several excellent ski schools that offer instruction and support for skiers of all levels, including beginners. Some of the best Zakopane skiing schools include the Nosal Ski School, Go Ski Zakopane, and Szymoszkowa Ski School. All of these schools have experienced instructors who specialize in teaching beginners and offer private and group lessons in English, German and Russian.
Lastly, Snomads guests enjoy preferential treatment with our exclusive boot camp for beginners designed to teach you everything you need to know to start skiing comfortably on your own as soon as possible.
Zakopane is one of the easiest and most fun places to learn to ski in Europe
What are the prices of ski lessons in Zakopane?
Prices for ski lessons vary from around 100 to 200 PLN per hour which is about £20 to £40. The discrepancy depends if the lessons are private or for groups and whether they are for adults or kids. For example, a ski kindergarten costs about £30 for 3 hours, whereas a private lesson for an adult is closer to £40 per hour.
However, guests of Snomads enjoy preferential prices for our 9-hour 3-day boot camp that teaches you everything you need to know to comfortably ski on your own. See our Zakopane ski lesson prices.
How many hours of ski lessons does a beginner need?
Beginner skiers are generally recommended to take between 3 and 5 days of ski lessons, with each lesson lasting between 2 and 3 hours. The number of lessons a beginner needs can vary depending on their age, physical fitness, coordination, and prior experience. During these lessons, beginners learn the basics of skiing, such as how to use equipment, balance and control speed on the slopes, and make turns and stop safely.
Can children learn how to ski in Zakopane?
Zakopane is an excellent destination for families with children who want to learn how to ski. There are several ski resorts and ski schools in Zakopane that offer lessons and programs specifically designed for children. Additionally, these lessons are taught by experienced instructors who specialize in working with children, providing personalized instruction to help them learn and progress quickly.
Moreover, many ski resorts in Zakopane also offer other activities and amenities for children, such as children’s ski areas, snow tubing, and sledding. These activities can help children build confidence and have fun while learning to ski. As a result, Zakopane provides a fun and safe environment for children to learn and enjoy skiing. Overall, families with children looking to learn how to ski will find Zakopane to be a great destination with a range of family-friendly amenities and programs.
How many days should I spend skiing in Zakopane?
It all depends on your preferences, schedule, and budget, but if you wish to fully experience everything that Zakopane has to offer you’d need more than a week to soak in the local culture, and cuisine, conquer all of Zakopane’s slopes and the amenities off the piste.
Recap - Skiing in Zakopane
Zakopane is a great destination for beginner skiers as it offers gentle slopes, affordable prices, great ski schools, and a fun atmosphere. Nosal Ski Center, Male Ciche, and Szymoszkowa are some of the best ski areas in Zakopane for beginner skiers. Zakopane also has several excellent ski schools, such as the Nosal Ski School, Go Ski Zakopane, and Szymoszkowa Ski School, that offer private and group lessons for all ages.
Beginner skiers are recommended to take between 3 and 5 days of ski lessons, with each lesson lasting between 2 and 3 hours. Children can also learn how to ski in Zakopane, with several ski schools and activities designed specifically for children.
After a while, Zakopane is still a prime destination for advanced skiers, with options for cross-country skiing and ski jumping, and of course the 2000m tall Kasprowy Wierch. Not to mention a large variety of thermal baths in the vicinity, including the one in Bialka Tatrzanska.
Overall, Zakopane is a perfect destination for beginner skiers looking for an affordable and enjoyable skiing experience.
In this article:
We love Zakopane, and we want you to love it too.
Our award-winning eco chalets are designed to make you feel right at home. Trained staff will take care of all your needs from the moment you arrive so you can enjoy a fully catered, care-free ski trip.
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