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27 Things To Do in Zakopane, Poland in the Winter
14th June 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.
Last Minute Ski Holidays From Ireland & Northern Ireland (Lodging, Prices & More)
Looking for a last-minute trip to the slopes as soon as next week? You’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite last-minute ski holidays from Ireland and Northern Ireland.
These eco-chalet options are cozy, and provide a full package experience of accommodation, ski equipment, ski training, and personalized catering. So all you need to do is book and enjoy a European ski trip with friends, family, or colleagues.
1. Bansko, Bulgaria - Snomads Chalets (Best Ski Chalet Bulgaria 2023)
Bansko always comes to mind when it comes to cheap ski holidays. It’s considered to be one of the best ski resorts in Eastern Europe, often referred to as the “budget Alps”. However, this doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting if you find the right accommodation, pistes and adventure.
The town of Bansko is located about 100km or around a 2-hour drive from the capital Sofia, which makes it a relatively short ski transfer from the airport. This also allows you to explore this historic and vibrant city as well as skiing if that’s something that interests you.
Due to the country’s general affordability, it’s a fountain of last-minute deals, high-quality locally sourced food, and exhilarating skiing and snowboarding.
Bansko attracts millions of tourists and remains popular in the summer for its hiking routes and stunning views. Check out our definitive Bansko skiing guide to learn more about this winter paradise.
Skiing in Bansko
Bulgaria’s “Winter Ski Capital”, Bansko, is nestled in the foothills of the Pirin Mountains and offers access to the country’s most diverse range of slopes and pure, thick snow for the entirety of the winter season. This UNESCO-protected resort is a modern ski area with plenty of options to experience traditional Bulgarian culture.
Bansko welcomes skiers of all levels, as the wide range of pistes provides comfort for newbies and a challenge for the pros out there, so groups of varying experience levels can enjoy Bansko together. In total, there are 18 ski slopes – six blue, two orange (for beginners), eleven red, and two black pistes.
Therefore, Bansko caters primarily to intermediate and beginner skiers. To scratch the pros’ itch, however, there are seemingly unlimited off-piste options.
Best Bansko Accommodation - Snomads’ Catered Ski Chalets
When it comes to package ski holidays from Ireland and Northern Ireland, Snomads eco-chalets are the perfect choice.
The Snomads team specializes in creating flexible itineraries for large groups of friends, colleagues, and families, even with children. An authentic and cozy experience for Irish visitors.
But if you’re organizing last-minute holidays from Belfast, Dublin, or anywhere else, you want to simply pack a suitcase and fly out. We get it.
That’s why the chalets come with a fully stocked ski and snowboard rental shop, packed with ski and snowboard equipment for all sizes. So apart from some winter clothing, all you really need to grab is some slippers and swimwear for the outdoor chalet hot tub.
Check out the all-inclusive catered chalets below with other extras like table tennis, board games, gaming consoles, fast wi-fi, and more.
Flights from Ireland and Northern Ireland
By far the cheapest and shortest flights to Bulgaria are from Dublin. However, there are options from Cork, Belfast, and other major airport cities. Most of the time flights will require a single transfer.
Price
Here’s a breakdown of expenses per person for a week’s stay:
Bansko travel: ~ From £100/116€ return flights
Chalet stay. Adult: From £279/325€ (7 days)
Ski pass. Adult: £240/280€ (6 days)
Equipment rental: £70/82€ (6 days)
Lunch: £15/18€ (per day)
Total average: £779/907€
2. Vaujany, France - Ski Peak Chalets
Oh, France… For many, the country is the obvious choice for skiing in Europe. The Alps come as an obvious destination for ski holidays from Ireland and Northern Ireland, despite its relative cost.
Vaujany is the most expensive choice on this list, but its unspoiled and the jaw-dropping snowy backdrop more than makes up for it. It’s a wonderful resort for families, but its nightlife isn’t as prominent, and neither is the shopping scene.
So if you’re looking for ski-heavy, all-inclusive ski holidays from Ireland or Northern Ireland, Vaujany can provide the vibe.
Skiing in Vaujany
The ski area in Vaujany is vast. Expert skiers can enjoy the infamous 16km Sarenne black run, along with incredibly satisfying off-piste terrain around Alpe d’Huez. You can often find yourself skiing in complete solitude on challenging terrain if that’s your cup of tea.
Beginners welcome. Vaujany has its own ski area called Montfrais, where green and blue pistes offer a great starting point for new skiers and boarders.
In total, the ski area consists of 248km – 42 green runs, 37 blue runs, 39 red runs, and 17 black runs. Pic Blanc stands at 3300m, but lifts can take you to multiple points, to match your skill level and energy levels.
Best Accommodation in Vaujany - Ski Peak’s Ski Chalets
Vaujany’s original ski company has been around since the conception of the resort itself. Ski Peak offers a range of accommodation options from chalets to more modern apartments and has somehow managed to find the sweet spot between coziness and luxury.
The chalets are comfortable and purposefully built to offer breathtaking views and a perfect retreat after a long day on the slopes. Their staff shares a deep love for Vaujany and is committed to making your stay an unforgettable one.
The chalets are self-catered but are easily the best way to get access to the most exquisite cuisine in the area through their close partnership with The Chalet Chef – Marcus Cull.
Chalet Dibona
Sleeps 3-6/From 1090€ per week
Where tranquility meets the majesty of the mountains, your perfect Alpine escape begins here.
Chalet Rostaing
Sleeps 6-16/From 2500€ per week
Discover the serenity of Chalet Rostaing, your gateway to Alpine bliss.
Chalet Saskia
Sleeps 10-25/From 8449€ per week
Welcome to Chalet Saskia, where luxury meets the beauty of the Alps for an unforgettable mountain retreat.
Chalet Lucette
Sleeps 4-11/From 1899€ per week
Experience the charm of Chalet Lucette, your cozy Alpine haven for a memorable mountain getaway.
Flights from Ireland and Northern Ireland
You can fly to Grenoble, which is the closest major city to Vaujany. Transfer required. From there, you can arrange transport directly to Vaujany by bus, rental car, or airport transfer.
Price
Here’s a breakdown of expenses per person for a week’s stay:
Vaujany travel: ~From £189/220€ return flights
Chalet or Apartment stay. Adult: £996/1160€ (7 days)
Ski pass. Adult: £266/310€ (6 days)
Equipment rental: £150/175€ (6 days)
Lunch. Adult: £30/35€ (per day)
Total average: £1782/2075€
3. Zakopane, Poland - Snomads Eco Chalets
Spoiler alert- It’s time for a real hidden treasure. Zakopane has been on the rise for last-minute ski holidays, but it’s still an underrated gem that has so much to offer on a winter holiday.
This fairy-tale-looking town is situated in the far south of Poland and literally means “buried” in Polish since it lies at the roots of the Tatra mountains and usually gets a large amount of natural snowfall in the town. The beautiful climate, rich Podhale culture, unique architecture, and the fascinating repertoire of local thermal bath houses. Therefore, Zakopane doubles as a top-notch skiing destination and relaxation resort.
Check out our ultimate Zakopane skiing guide to learn more.
Skiing in Zakopane
Not only has Zakopane hosted numerous skiing world cups, but it was the first place outside the Alps to host the Alpine World Ski Championships. The resort holds its reputation by maintaining a fantastic range of slopes.
The many family-friendly slopes are perfect for beginners, while advanced practitioners can slip on down a former FIS-accredited three-mile-long descent from Kasprowy Wierch. Of course, there are also plenty of cross-country skiing options and the biggest ski jumping hill in Poland only a 10-minute walk from our chalet accommodation.
In terms of ski deals and opportunities, Zakopane is a gift that keeps on giving.
Best Zakopane Accommodation - Snomads Eco Chalets
Zakopane is the ideal destination for all-inclusive ski holidays from Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and any other airport cities. If you want to get skiing as early as next week, finding the right holiday provider that can take care of every aspect of your ski holiday is crucial.
The Snomads eco-chalets offer all-inclusive snowboarding holidays and ski retreats while:
- Making you feel at home in a traditional and cozy eco chalet;
- Taking care of equipment, ski lessons, and transport;
- Assisting with pre-booking lift passes;
- Providing personalized catering
- Excursions include traditional horse sleigh evenings, skidoo tours, and skitour/splitboard day trips.
One of the great advantages of Zakopane is its affordability, compared to the Alps. Individual adults can enjoy a full week’s stay in a stunning ski chalet for as little as £249/290€, making this one of the absolute best options for holidays from Dublin, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.
Flights from Ireland and Northern Ireland
The fastest way to get to Zakopane is by flying to Poprad (TAT) Airport in Slovakia, which is just 33km from the ski resort. Alternatively, you can fly to Krakow, Poland, and catch a bus, train, private transfer, or simply rent a car. Check out our guide of the best ways to get to Zakopane here.
In any case, the ticket prices are easily the cheapest among the other destinations on this list.
Price
Here’s a breakdown of expenses per person for a week’s stay:
Zakopane travel : ~ From £75/87€ return flights
Chalet or Apartment stay. Adult: From £249/290€ (7 days)
Ski pass. Adult: £140/163€ (6 days)
Equipment rental: £100/117€(6 days)
Lunch: £10/12€ (per day)
Total average: £624/727€
How to choose your ski holiday destination
Organizing last-minute ski holidays from Ireland or Northern Ireland should be an easy and painless experience – just make a reservation and jump on the slopes.
This is why this article emphasizes finding the right accommodation. Ski chalets are usually adapted to the needs of skiers new and old with valuable local knowledge – from providing the means to ski effortlessly to providing a comfortable home from home.
If you have any questions on how to approach planning your trip, feel free to contact us at hello@snomads.co.uk
In this article:
We love Bansko, 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.