Winter holidays in the mountains - ideas for a unique getaway | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Karpacz sits at the foot of Sniezka in the Giant Mountains and offers skiing, snowtubing, and a toy museum
• Zakopane, the winter capital of Poland, has slopes on Kasprowy Wierch (1,987 m) and Gubalowka
• Bieszczady is ideal for families seeking nature, with a bison enclosure and quiet mountain scenery
• Szczyrk in the Beskid Slaski mountains offers gentler slopes well suited to beginners and families
• Skis and snowboards in a protective bag travel free as hand luggage on PKP Intercity and POLREGIO
• Direct trains to Zakopane run from Warsaw and Krakow; other resorts require a short onward connection

Beautiful winter weather in the mountains turns the landscape into a fairytale and the crystalline air even invites you to get active. Do you dream of skiing down perfectly groomed slopes? Or do you prefer strolling with your children along snowy trails and sampling delicacies in atmospheric inns? The mountains have something to offer for everyone! It's also a great opportunity to discover lesser-known corners and try something new. Ready for a winter adventure? Head to the mountains and create memories for years to come!

Where to go in the mountains in winter with the kids, with your other half or solo? Let's start with... the mode of transport itself. Take the train for the holidays - it's a comfortable, ecological and economical way to travel. The railways reach many popular resorts, offering comfortable conditions and the chance to admire the picturesque views outside your window. With attractive ticket prices and convenient connections, it makes the train a great alternative to a trip by car - eliminating the problem of traffic jams and parking costs. And now it's time to check out where the best places to go in the mountains for the winter holidays to have a great time every day!

Where to go in the mountains in winter with or without children? Situated at the foot of Sněžka in the Giant Mountains, Karpacz is an ideal place for a winter holiday full of attractions. What does the region have to offer? First and foremost, ski slopes of varying difficulty, allowing both beginners and advanced skiers to indulge in the white madness. One popular destination is the Karpacz Ski Arena in particular - a complex providing excellent conditions for winter sports. Tobogganing enthusiasts can take advantage of prepared tobogganing hills and snowtubing tracks, such as the Sledge Mountain at 13 Myśliwska Street or the "Turtle" complex at 7 Szkolna Street. Snowmobiles are also available for thrill-seekers.

Are you planning a mountain holiday with your children and are you a hiking fan? In Karpacz, you will find hiking trails leading through charming corners. Take a walk to the Wang Temple, a unique wooden church dating back to the 12th century and brought straight from Norway, and after an eventful day, relax in local restaurants serving regional specialities such as kwaśnica or blueberry dumplings.

The mountains with children in winter is a fantastic idea. Also because you can visit the City Toy Museum in Karpacz - a real treat for the little ones and adults alike. There is an extraordinary collection of dolls, plush toys and other models from different eras. It is worth spending some time here especially on those days when the weather is not conducive to fun on the slopes. Karpacz also has a Fairy Tale Park - children can spend time here in the interactive themed zones. If you want to combine your winter holidays in the mountains with a good dose of relaxation, a great choice would be the aquapark in the Gołębiewski Hotel, offering pools, saunas and jacuzzi, ideal after a day full of winter activities. It's a place that guarantees fun and relaxation for the whole family!

How to get to Karpacz?

You don't have to drive your own car - there are many winter equipment rental shops on site, and cosy inns tempt with aromatic mulled wine. A much more convenient option would be to travel by train - simply book tickets for the whole family to Szklarska Poręba or Jelenia Góra on the PolishTrains website, and there change to a local bus, which will reach your destination in just 20 minutes. However, if you prefer to travel by car, the E67 road leads to Karpacz. You can get there from, among other places, the A2 motorway, which makes access just as comfortable.

Where to go on holidays with children in the mountains? Zakopane, not without reason called the winter capital of Poland, attracts tourists with its unique climate and wealth of attractions. Winter sports enthusiasts can take advantage of numerous ski slopes, such as Kasprowy Wierch, Gubałówka, Nosal Ski Complex, which offer slopes of varying difficulty. For those who prefer quieter forms of recreation, walks through the snowy valleys of the Tatra National Park, where you can admire the picturesque scenery and breathe in the crystal-clear air, are ideal.

After an active day, it is worth visiting Krupówki - a lively pedestrian zone full of regional stalls and restaurants serving highlander delicacies with oscypek and cranberry at the forefront. In the evening, you will have an unforgettable experience taking part in a traditional sleigh ride with torches, ending with a bonfire and live music. One thing is certain: the mountains with children in winter will certainly not be boring!

During the winter holidays in Zakopane, it is worth visiting the Stanisław Witkiewicz Museum of Zakopane Style, which introduces the unique architecture and art of the region. For history buffs, an interesting stop will be the Cemetery of the Deserved on Pęksowy Brzyzek, where important figures connected with the region are buried. Don't forget to take a walk to the famous Jaszczurówka Chapel, which impresses with the beauty of its Zakopane style and picturesque location. The best thing is that you can get here easily, economically and ecologically - by train. The train station at 35 Chramcówki Street is about 1.5 km from Krupówki, which means you can reach the heart of Zakopane in just a few minutes on foot.

Where to go in the mountains in winter? To the Bieszczady! It is always a magical place, but at this time of year - especially. It offers a huge number of attractions for families with children - especially those who want to admire the beauty of wild nature and like interesting forms of spending time, far from sitting in front of the TV. One of the main attractions here is the Solina Lagoon, where you can go for a long walk. An ice rink is located by the Skalny Spa Hotel, and animal lovers can visit the bison show enclosure in Muczny.

Another attraction that is sure to delight the youngest is the Bieszczady Forest Railway. In winter, special rides through snowy areas are organised - an unforgettable experience for the whole family. If you are planning winter holidays in the mountains with your children, be sure to plan a sleigh ride as well - many local agritourism farms offer such rides ending with a bonfire and sausage roasting together. In winter, mild hiking trails are also available, e.g. the route to Połonina Wetlińska with the famous Pooh's Hut.

How to get to the Bieszczady by train? The nearest railway stations are Sanok and Zagórz - they are excellent starting points for further travel. Sanok can be reached, among others, by PKP Intercity, Polregio or Lesser Poland Railways trains, using connections from larger cities (e.g. Cracow, Rzeszow, Warsaw). From the stations in Sanok and Zagórz, it is easy to change to local buses, which run to Bieszczady towns (such as Cisna, Ustrzyki Górne, Wetlina).

Where to go in the mountains with children in winter? Szczyrk is certainly worth considering. It is one of the most popular ski resorts in Poland, providing excellent conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. The Szczyrk Mountain Resort has modern lifts and slopes of varying difficulty, so it is suitable for beginners and experienced skiers and snowboarders. Here, too, the youngest can take their first steps on the slopes under the guidance of qualified instructors. Not a fan of downhill skiing? We have another suggestion: the cross-country trails in Kubalonka. And after a day on the snow, relax in one of the numerous regional inns serving traditional highlander cuisine.

Szczyrk is not only about skiing. The town offers many other attractions, including, for example, the possibility of taking a hike along the picturesque trails of the Silesian Beskid, which impress with their fabulous views. The sanctuary of St James the Apostle, located on the main road in Szczyrk, on Kolorowa Street, is also worth putting on your "must see" list. It is the town's oldest and most valuable monument - it dates back to 1800, is entirely built of wood and belongs to the Wooden Architecture Route of the Silesian Voivodeship.

Szczyrk cannot be reached directly by train, but rail travel is still a convenient solution. The nearest train stations are Wilkowice Bystra and Łodygowice, which are on the route of trains running from Katowice to Zywiec and Zwardon. You can also consider taking a train to Bielsko-Biała, where the Silesian Railways, Polregio and PKP Intercity trains stop. Later, you just need to go to the PKS bus station and take the bus of Komunikacja Beskidzka (line no. 120), which will take you directly to Szczyrk. This fast and convenient connection means that even without a car you can comfortably reach this popular mountain resort! If you want to relax without worrying about traffic jams and fuel prices, it is worth opting for this travel option.

Where to go in the mountains in winter? The mountains, of course - they provide a wealth of attractions that will delight both adrenaline junkies and those looking for peace and relaxation or... looking for treats. There is something for everyone, regardless of age or interests. Here are some suggestions that are "classics" when it comes to winter holidays in the mountains.

White madness, skiing and snowboarding

Nothing is more exciting in winter than skiing on perfectly groomed slopes! The mountains are a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. Whether it is the Krkonoše Mountains or the Tatra Mountains, the infrastructure is tailored to suit different needs - from wide, gentle slopes for beginners to challenging ones for experienced skiers. What is more, perfectly prepared ski lifts, the availability of instructors and numerous equipment rentals make it possible for everyone to try their hand at snow. Fresh air, speed and adrenaline - a guarantee of great fun! This is why winter holidays in the mountains are invariably so popular.

Sledging - lots of fun for young and old

Sledging is a fun activity which makes children laugh and reminds adults of carefree childhood moments. Family holidays in the mountains 2026 are not only for advanced slopes. In Poland, you can find plenty of slopes where you can go with toboggans, an apple or any other accessory. During your winter holiday in the mountains, it is worth rediscovering this tried-and-tested source of fun!

Pirouettes vs. racing - skates for everyone

Do you prefer to do pirouettes or time trials? In either case, ice-skating is an activity that all fans of active leisure will enjoy. In spite of appearances, ice rinks in popular mountain resorts such as Zakopane have their own equipment rental facilities - anyone can try their hand at ice skating without having to carry their equipment halfway across Poland.

Sleigh ride: a retro experience

Romantic, atmospheric, unforgettable - the sleigh ride is a winter attraction that never goes out of fashion. Charming horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy forests, with the sound of bells and the glow of torches, transport us to another, definitely better, time. And after the sleigh ride? A bonfire, a warm drink, sausages and lots of laughter! You will remember this family holiday in the mountains 2026 for a long time - we can guarantee it.

You can never have too many walks!

Mountain hiking in winter has its own unique charm. Snow-covered trees, fresh air and the silence interrupted only by the crunch of snow underfoot - nothing is more soothing. Both easy walking routes and slightly more demanding trails allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature during the holidays. Remember, however, that for some trails, warm clothes and a thermos of tea are not enough - every time you head out on the trails (especially if you are spending your holidays in the mountains with children!), check the current warnings about weather conditions, avalanche risks, closed trails, recommended equipment (e.g. crampons), etc.

Delicious food - the culmination of an active holiday

After a day full of winter activities, nothing tastes better than regional delicacies! A family holiday in the mountains is also a culinary feast - warming mulled wine and oscypek cheese with cranberry, traditional kvaśnica, filling dumplings or, for example, Krkonoše kyselo (soup made from bread starter). Local inns and taverns invite you to relax by the fire - here you can recharge your energy for the next winter's adventures!

A holiday in the mountains 2026 is not just about relaxation, but also about having a unique experience - from admiring breathtaking views to savouring local delicacies. Take note of the tips we've shared in this article and start planning your trip right away - for example, by using the PolishTrains website, which will allow you to book and buy tickets online for any train connection. Now you know where to go in the mountains in winter with your children to make sure everyone comes back with lots of fantastic memories, and you know where to go alone to indulge in the snow. Now all that's left to do is... book your train ticket on PolishTrains!

What is the best way to get to the Polish mountains for the winter holidays?

The best way to get to the mountains in winter is by train. The PKP route network covers all the most popular destinations, including Zakopane, Szklarska Poręba, Wisła. You can conveniently plan your trip without having to drive in difficult winter conditions. The train guarantees a comfortable journey, a chance to relax and enjoy the mountain scenery from behind the window. An additional plus? Modern trains offer comfortable seats, Wi-Fi access and a dining car, making the journey part of your winter adventure, not just the beginning!

What is worth taking with you on your mountain holiday?

In addition to warm clothing, suitable trekking boots with a membrane, gloves and crampons or crampons (if you need them), it is a good idea to bring a thermos for hot drinks, a travel first aid kit and, of course, identity documents. A book or audio book will certainly come in handy on the train - especially if you are going on a long journey. It's worth remembering that you can carry your ski equipment and luggage comfortably on PKP trains, and the spacious shelves and suitcase spaces make it easier to organise your journey. If you're travelling with children, keep them occupied during the journey - travel board games or their favourite cartoons on a tablet.

Where are the most interesting attractions for family holidays in the mountains?

Families with children will find plenty of winter attractions in the Polish mountains - both sporty and recreational. In Zakopane, Gubałówka, ice rinks and thermal baths await, in Krynica-Zdrój - a gondola lift to Jaworzyna, toboggan runs and cosy cafes. In Szklarska Poręba and Wisła, you can spend time on the slopes, walking trails and family ski resorts. Thanks to such a wide network of PKP train connections, which you can discover in the search engine of our PolishTrains service, you will reach all these places without any problems - without stress, traffic jams and worries about car parks.