Szczyrk, Poland
Let’s start with Szczyrk Mountain Resort, the largest ski resort in Poland, located in the picturesque Silesian Beskids. Over 23 km of ski runs of varying difficulty have been put into use so that everyone can find something for themselves. Of course, the already iconic black diamond “Bieńkula” ski run, leading from Hala Skrzyczeńska to Czyrna, brings the greatest excitement. Some of the ski runs are illuminated, so you can plan your evening skiing. Enthusiasts of winter madness can avail of ski lifts: chairs, ski tows, and a gondola.
The resort features a ski service facility, equipment rentals (at the lower station of Szczyrk Gondola and in the car park in Czyrna), and next to skis and snowboards, you can also rent touring skis or splitboards here. Children can take advantage of the ski school’s offer, and there are training lessons for adults as well. An interesting option is ski touring training trips with instructors. If you like empty slopes, choose the Fresh Track with breakfast included. Are you going on a skiing trip with a young child? Ski Baby Room guarantees professional care for children from the age of 3. Szczyrk also has numerous hiking trails, such as the one on the Gondola-Małe Skrzyczne trail (3.5 km). It is also situated close to Wisła city or Szyszka Park, where both children and adults will have a good time.
Bansko, Bulgaria
Bansko Ski Area is the most popular ski resort in Bulgaria and definitely one of the best facilities of this type in Eastern Europe. Skiers can enjoy not only good-quality snow cover and over 65 km of trails, but the ticket prices are very affordable, too. Bansko consists of several ski centers: Chalin Valog, Shiligarnika, and Banderishka Poliana, which are connected by trails of varying difficulty (downhill runs and cross-country trails). The longest one is the one from the top of Todorka to the valley (16 km), while experienced skiers will surely be happy to try the black Tomba run.
The resort also provides conditions for evening skiing. Ulen Ski and Snowboard School operates in Bansko, and there is a snow park for freestyle enthusiasts. The resort is fully equipped and the city center is only 1.5 km away from it. It should be added that the Bansko Ski Area is located in the Pirin National Park, inscribed on the World Heritage list of UNESCO. The beautiful landscape and excellent conditions for skiing attract tourists, and the resort’s season lasts even until May. After enjoying the snow madness, you can go to the village of Banya, where you can relax in the hot springs.
Poiana Brasov, Romania
The medieval city of Brasov is not only a great place to visit, but also a starting point for skiing. Poiana Brasov is a ski resort offering over 25 km of ski runs, spread over a dozen slopes. As a curiosity, it is worth adding that the first ski competition in Romania took place in the resort in 1909. Currently, both beginners and experienced ski and snowboard fans will have a great time here, but it should be emphasized that many trails are of medium difficulty (some provide conditions for night skiing).
One of the most popular trails for experienced skiers is Lupului. The center has a well-developed infrastructure. There are ski schools, rentals, hotels, and restaurants. People who like a different kind of activity in snowy scenery can go to the ice rink or go sledging. In your free time, it is also worth visiting the surrounding area, including Dracula’s Castle or the Rasnov Fortress.
Bjelašnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bjelašnica is the highest mountain in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its peak rises at a height of 2067 m above sea level. It was here that some of the skiing events of the Alpine Skiing at the 1984 Winter Olympics took place. Could there be a better recommendation to visit the slopes? Despite the beautiful history, this place is not overrun with tourism. The Bjelašnica mountain offers several pistes with a total length of 14 km. And although most of them are intended for intermediate skiers, the designated flat areas will also satisfy beginners.
Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding – do not be afraid of the conditions on the slopes. Winter in this place guarantees good snow cover, if necessary, snow cannons are turned on. Equipment rental is available on site, and the trails are illuminated and prepared for evening skiing. In your free time, visit Sarajevo, located just 25 km from the resort.
Krvavec, Slovenia
Krvavec in Cerklje na Gorenjskem is one of the largest ski resorts in Slovenia. There is 30 km of trails that both beginners and advanced enthusiasts of winter madness can avail of. It features a ski school, equipment rental, and a ski service facility. Parking lots are free of charge. Krvavec Resort is in a picturesque location surrounded by forest. Separate areas for children and amateurs ensure safety for users. Adrenaline enthusiasts can take advantage of the snow park offer, while the Manner park has been prepared for children and is equipped with, for instance, small jumps.
Krvavec is an ideal, uncrowded place for skiing or snowboarding, but it is worth adding that there is also a cross-country skiing trail on the slope. Evening sledging and pontoon rides are also popular attractions of the resort. You can choose to stay in one of the nearby hotels and the city center is only 4 km away from the slopes and only 25 km away from Ljubljana.
