Where to go in Poland in winter? For skiing - the Tatras, Podhale, the Silesian Beskids and the Karkonosze. For peace and quiet - Masuria, the Suwałki region, Białowieża Forest or the Bieszczady. For a relaxing break - the thermal baths of Podhale or Uniejów. One question makes the choice easier: how long are you willing to drive, and do you need reliable snow?
Below you will find the best places to visit in Poland in winter, grouped by the purpose of your trip, real distances and driving times from Warsaw and Kraków, and the rules worth knowing before a winter road trip in Poland.
Winter in Poland - quick destination guide
| What you are looking for | Destinations | How many days |
|---|---|---|
| Skiing and reliable snow | Zakopane, Białka Tatrzańska, Szczyrk, Karpacz, Zieleniec | 3-7 days |
| Cross-country skiing | Jakuszyce (Szklarska Poręba), Kampinos Forest | 1-4 days |
| Thermal baths and rest | Podhale, Uniejów | weekend |
| Quiet and nature | Bieszczady, Białowieża Forest, Suwałki region | 3-5 days |
| The sea without crowds | Tricity, Hel, the western coast | weekend |
| Cities and Christmas markets | Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk | 1-2 days |
Does it snow in Poland?
In the mountains - usually yes; in the lowlands - less and less often. According to IMGW-PIB, the Polish national meteorological institute, Zakopane usually records the deepest snow cover among the synoptic stations in its city network, while in the winter of 2019/20 most stations had no snow at all or only occasionally (IMGW-PIB, Obraz zimy w Polsce 1995-2025, in Polish).
Regional differences are large. IMGW-PIB compares Suwałki, known as Poland's cold pole, with Świnoujście on the Baltic coast: in the early 1950s the average number of days with snow cover was about 105 and 55 respectively, and in 2021 it was 70 and 25 days (IMGW-PIB, Jedna Polska, dwa oblicza zimy, in Polish). If snow is the point of your trip, choose the mountains or the north-east, and check the ski resort webcams before you set off.
When to go: Polish winter school holidays 2027
Mountain resorts are busiest during the Polish school winter holidays (ferie). The Ministry of Education has split the 2027 holidays into three periods by region (gov.pl, in Polish):
| Dates | Regions (voivodeships) |
|---|---|
| 18-31 January 2027 | Podkarpackie, Podlaskie, Lower Silesian, Łódź, Silesian, Opole |
| 1-14 February 2027 | Masovian, Pomeranian, Świętokrzyskie, Lublin |
| 15-28 February 2027 | Lubusz, Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Warmian-Masurian, Greater Poland, West Pomeranian, Lesser Poland |
If your dates are flexible, avoid the holidays of the regions closest to your destination. In the second half of January many visitors from Lower Silesia and Silesia head to the Karkonosze and the Silesian Beskids, and in the second half of February many families from Lesser Poland go to the Tatras. Outside the holidays it is quieter, but in early December and in March snow is less reliable.
Where to go skiing in Poland
The Tatras and Podhale: Zakopane, Białka Tatrzańska, Bukowina
Zakopane combines skiing with a town break: Kasprowy Wierch for advanced skiers, smaller slopes for beginners and Krupówki street in the evening. Families often choose Białka Tatrzańska and Bukowina Tatrzańska, with wide slopes and thermal baths nearby. Many resorts in Podhale, Spisz and the Pieniny share the Tatry Super Ski pass - according to the operator, one ski pass covers 19 ski stations and 118 runs.
The Zakopianka road from Kraków often gets jammed on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. If you can, leave Kraków before 7 am or plan to arrive on a Sunday.
The Beskids: Szczyrk and Wisła
Szczyrk is now one of the best-developed resorts in the country, and Wisła works well for family trips and cross-country skiing. From Kraków it takes about 2 hours to get here, and even less from Silesia, so the Silesian Beskids can be crowded on holiday weekends.
Krynica-Zdrój and the Pieniny
Krynica-Zdrój combines skiing on Jaworzyna Krynicka with a spa-town atmosphere: mineral water pump rooms, a promenade and forest walks. The Pieniny and the Szczawnica area are usually quieter than Zakopane in winter. They are a good choice if some people in your group do not ski and prefer walking.
The Karkonosze and the Sudetes: Karpacz, Szklarska Poręba, Zieleniec
For western Poland these are the closest mountains with ski lifts. Karpacz and Szklarska Poręba have slopes for every level and plenty of accommodation, while Zieleniec near Duszniki-Zdrój is known for good snow conditions and evening skiing. From Warsaw, however, it is more than 470 km, so for a short weekend a closer destination makes more sense.
Cross-country skiing instead of downhill
Cross-country skiing is cheaper, calmer and accessible even to people who have never skied. The best-known place is Jakuszyce in Szklarska Poręba - the cross-country centre of the Izera Mountains and home of the Bieg Piastów, one of the largest cross-country ski races in the world. The trails are groomed and there are equipment rentals on site.
If you are based in Warsaw, you do not have to go to the mountains to try cross-country skiing. When snow falls, the trails of Kampinos Forest are a short drive away. For more short trip ideas, see our guide to day trips from Warsaw by car.
A winter weekend in Poland: thermal baths and relaxation
Thermal baths are a good plan for a winter without guaranteed snow. In Podhale you will find, among others, Termy Chochołowskie, Termy Bania in Białka Tatrzańska and Termy Gorący Potok in Szaflary - you can combine them with skiing on the same day. In central Poland the closest option is Termy Uniejów, good for a weekend without a long drive. Before you go, check opening hours and capacity limits during the school holidays, as outdoor pools can be full at peak times.
Masuria, the Baltic and the Suwałki region - winter in silence
Out of season, Masuria and the coast are quiet and accommodation is usually cheaper than in summer. On frozen Masurian lakes there are sometimes conditions for ice sailing and skating, but only go onto the ice where local services or an organiser confirm it is safe.
On the coast, the Tricity works best in winter: a walk on the Sopot pier, Gdańsk's Old Town and hotel spas. Winter swimming clubs meet on the Hel Peninsula and the western coast - a good idea if you want to try cold-water swimming in a group. The Suwałki region offers the most wintry atmosphere in the lowlands: frosty mornings, Lake Wigry and empty roads.
The Bieszczady and Białowieża Forest - nature without crowds
In winter the Bieszczady mean short ski lifts, ski touring, guided hikes and very few people. The last kilometres to Ustrzyki Górne or Wetlina run along winding local roads, so expect slower driving than your navigation suggests. Białowieża Forest is easier logistically: good roads, the European Bison Show Reserve and walks through snowy woods, just over 3 hours' drive from Warsaw.
Cities and Christmas markets
If you prefer winter in a city, Kraków, Wrocław and Gdańsk with their December markets are a good choice. We cover festive destinations separately in our article on where to go for Christmas in Poland.
How long does it take by car? Driving from Warsaw and Kraków
The times below come from Google Maps (fastest route, checked on 23 October 2026 during the day). In winter, on Fridays and during school holidays, allow extra time - snow and traffic on the last kilometres can add up to an hour.
| Destination | From Warsaw | From Kraków |
|---|---|---|
| Zakopane | 417 km, approx. 5 h 30 min | 106 km, approx. 2 h 15 min |
| Białka Tatrzańska | 411 km, approx. 5 h | 101 km, approx. 2 h |
| Szczyrk | 375 km, approx. 4 h 10 min | 126 km, approx. 2 h |
| Karpacz | 477 km, approx. 5 h 15 min | 382 km, approx. 4 h 30 min |
| Szklarska Poręba | 483 km, approx. 5 h 25 min | - |
| Ustrzyki Górne | 490 km, approx. 5 h 45 min | 335 km, approx. 4 h 25 min |
| Mikołajki | 250 km, approx. 3 h | - |
| Białowieża | 258 km, approx. 3 h 20 min | - |
The route from Kraków west to the Karkonosze uses the A4 motorway with tolled sections - see our guide to toll roads in Poland.
Winter driving in Poland: before you go
- Winter tyres in Poland are not mandatory, but for a mountain trip they are practically essential. Snow chains are needed where the C-18 sign is posted, and only on a snow-covered road.
- Driving to the Czech Republic or Austria: winter tyres are mandatory there in season. Dates, markings and fines are covered in our guide to winter tyre rules in the Czech Republic and Austria.
- Before the trip: a full tank or charged battery, winter screenwash, an ice scraper, warm clothes in the cabin and plenty of spare time.
A car for your winter trip with BLS
If you do not want to take your own car to the mountains, or you are flying into Poland, you can pick up a car in Warsaw, Kraków, Rzeszów, Lublin or Radom. In the winter season BLS cars have winter tyres, and the seasonal tyre change is included in the rate. When booking, tell us the number of passengers, the luggage and your planned route - for a family ski trip an estate car or an SUV with a large boot is usually the better choice.
See available cars: car rental in Warsaw or car hire in Kraków - the closest starting point for the Tatras and the Beskids.
FAQ
Where in Poland is there the most snow in winter?
The most reliable snow is in the mountains, especially the Tatras and the Karkonosze. According to IMGW-PIB, Zakopane usually records the deepest snow cover among the city synoptic stations. In the lowlands, the north-east, for example Suwałki, has the most days with snow.
Where to go in winter with children?
Białka Tatrzańska and Bukowina Tatrzańska (wide slopes and thermal baths nearby), Wisła and Karpacz work well. For a short trip, choose a destination no more than 2-3 hours' drive away.
Is the Polish seaside worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you are looking for peace, walks and spas. There is usually little snow on the Baltic, but accommodation is cheaper than in summer and the beaches are almost empty.
Do I need snow chains in the mountains?
Only on sections marked with the C-18 sign, or when the road is covered with snow and conditions require it. Driving with chains on cleared asphalt is not allowed.
What car should I rent for a mountain trip?
What matters most is boot space for skis and luggage, winter tyres and comfort on a long drive. Before booking, compare boot capacity and gearbox type on the model page.