Skiing, hang gliding and dog sledding - you will never get bored in the Podkarpackie in winter!
What to do in Podkarpackie in winter? Those into sports can go skiing and snowboarding in Ustrzyki Dolne - the winter capital of the Bieszczady Mountains. And there is no better recipe for physical fitness and rosy cheeks than cross-country skiing following the tracks of European bison in Muczne. Those fond of adrenaline rush will certainly enjoy snowgliding on the slopes of the sacred mountain of aviators in Bezmiechowa.
There are several ski resorts and around 30 ski lifts on the winter map of the Podkarpackie region. Ski slopes covered with artificial snow and groomed, equipment rentals and maintenance services, as well as ski and snowboard schools operate from the first days of winter. The main destination for skiing enthusiasts is the town of Ustrzyki Dolne, and the two ski resorts Gromadzyń and Laworta, both with slopes approved by FIS and with chairlifts. In Gromadzyń there are four-seater lifts and conveyor lifts for children. Many skiers prefer the slopes of Mount Kiczera in the Low Beskids, or Mount Zniesienie in Przemyśl where along their way down they can also admire the beautiful views of the old town. In Przemyśl visitors can also enjoy a toboggan run.
Gentle slopes wait in the vicinity of the luxury hotel in Arłamów. Welcoming and less crowded slopes with T-bar lifts are located in many places throughout the region, e.g. in Weremień, Kalnica and Bystre in the Bieszczady mountains, and in Chyrowa in the Low Beskids. In the Podkarpackie there are also ski jumping hills; the complex where members of the Polish national team made their first steps is located in Zagórz. In the vicinity, in the town of Sanok you can also have fun at the large skating rink.
Dozens of fabulous routes for cross-country skiing or ski-touring have been delineated in the forests of the Bieszczady and the Low Beskid mountains, in the Carpathian Foothills and the Southern Roztocze highland. This way you can get to the top of Mount Połonina Wetlińska, or follow the trail of Olympic champion Justyna Kowalczyk to Stuposiany, Wetlina or Ustrzyki Dolne. The unique winter-time attractions in the mountains include kulig rides, i.e., cavalcades of horse-pulled sleighs, which are a special Polish tradition.
There are also dog sled races which take place every year in Lutowiska, watched by many spectators. After the excitement of the day in the cold, all visitors like to stop by the local inns and restaurants to get warm by the fireplace and have a glass of mulled wine or tea with raspberry juice, or even to dance and sing in good company.
Find out for yourself what winter is like in the Podkarpackie region…