Travel.LovePoland December 2020

Cross-Country Ski Trails in Zakopane and the
Surrounding Area
Cross-country trail at the Krupowa Plain, in the very center of
Zakopane: This trail is in the vicinity of Krupówki and has
numerous twists that make up about 5km of an easy route,
ideal for beginners.Biały Potok (White Stream): This is a
picturesque, 5km cross-country trail (not always open) that is a
bit difficult, due to a few quite steep descents (beginners can
unbuckle their skis before the descent and go down on foot
next to the marked trail). The route begins and ends at ul.
Piłsudskiego just below the entrance to the Wielka Krokiew ski
jump.Ski- running route of the Central Sports Centre: This trail
is marked out in the area of the sports stadium and under the
jumps, along Bronka Czecha street. It is the perfect training for
more advanced runners. Note: Using the route is payable and
priority should be given to training athletes. It is best to ask the
caretakers of the facility in advance what times training takes
place on the route and come for a run when the athletes are
not there.Cross-country trail in Kościelisko: Kościelisko Chotarz
is THE BEST, well-prepared trail. It is 10km long, very varied,
and has a beautiful view of Giewont. The trail was created by a
group of ski enthusiasts from Kościelisko. Well done! Crosscountry
trail on Siwa Polana: This trail is a picturesque route
marked out around the mouth of the Chochołowska Valley, at
the glade called Siwa Polana (photo in the header) and on the
White Stream (Biały Potok) Clearing. Unfortunately, it was not
prepared last season, but if there is enough snow, you can go
for a cross-country walk to the Chochołowska Valley and go up
as far as the shelter. There are cross-country trails at the ski
centres Kotelnica in Białka Tatrzańska and in Jurgów.
Practical Rules and Recommendations
Ski tourism can only be practiced when the snow cover protects
the vegetation and soil from the effects of skiing.
The principle of right-of-way for pedestrians applies on hiking
trails open to ski tourism.
Tourist paths: Myślenickie Turnie, Kasprowy Wierch, and the
Gąsienicowa Valley (Dolina Sucha Stawiańska) Liliowe are
accessible only to the ascent because they are located near ski
runs, which can be easily used for skiing down.
It should also be remembered that from December 1st to May
15th, the following sections of routes are closed to tourists, and
therefore also to skiing:
Pass of Przełęcz w Grzybowcu- Wyżnia Kondracka
Tomanowa Valley – Chuda Przełączka Pass
The Valley of Five – Polish Ponds – Świstówka Roztocka –
Morskie Oko
Right-hand traffic applies on tourist routes. This is especially
true for the valleys where there is a lot of tourist traffic.
Before going to the Tatra Mountains in winter, you should
always check the current level of avalanche risk and read the
recommendations for hiking for a given level of risk. You should
also check the TPN tourist information. Wandering on the Tatra
trails in winter requires appropriate knowledge, the use of
equipment and accessories that enable movement in such
conditions, as well as the ability to assess the risk of an
avalanche in the field. You can also always use the services of
an authorised guide.
During the operation of the chairlift in the Goryczkowa Valley,
access to the lower station of the chairlift is made available for
pedestrians and skiers on the section between Gonciska –
Wyżnia Goryczkowa Plain.
During the operation of the chairlift in Dolina Gąsienicowa, the
winter variant of the tourist trail is available for pedestrians
and ski tourers on the section between the lower station of the
chairlift in the Sucha Stawiańska Valley (the Gąsienicowy
Cauldron) and Sucha Przełęcz.
On the ski and hiking trails available for ski tourism, the right of
ascent traffic applies.
Above the upper edge of the forest, ski tourism may deviate
from the course of summer trails, but only when walking along
the trail would endanger safety, mainly due to the risk of
avalanches.
Some of the ski trails are unidirectional and one must move in a
certain direction. The applicable regulations prohibit ascending
the slope, which is to be used only for the descent. Moving in
the opposite direction poses a danger to both the descender
and the person climbing up the slope.
You must use skis while on a ski trail.
86 TRAVEL.LOVEPOLAND