Krakow: Zakopane ski tour with Gubalowka & cheese tasting

Summary

Skiing in Zakopane, mountain views, and a taste of highlander life

You’ll wander Zakopane’s lively streets, ride up Gubalowka Mountain for sweeping Tatra views, ski forested slopes at Witów Ski (with gear included), and share local cheese and vodka with your guide. It’s a day full of laughter, mountain air, and small moments you’ll remember long after you leave Poland.

What’s the experience like?

“You have to try oscypek with cranberry,” our driver Marek insisted as we passed through Chocholow, his hands gesturing at the wooden houses like he’d built them himself. The morning was cold enough that my breath felt sharp, but the smell of wood smoke and something sweet — maybe pine? — drifted through the van window. I didn’t expect to feel so awake before 9am, but there’s something about seeing those old highlander cottages against all that snow. It’s like time slows down a bit out here.

We reached Zakopane just as Krupowki Street started filling up — locals in thick wool hats selling sheep cheese from little stalls, kids chasing each other past souvenir stands. Our guide Anna pointed out a tiny chapel tucked between shops (“built by my grandfather’s friend,” she said, which made it feel less like a tour and more like visiting someone’s hometown). The funicular up Gubalowka was packed but everyone seemed in good spirits; I tried to take a photo but honestly the view over the Tatra Mountains is too big for any phone screen. There was this moment at the top where everything went quiet except for boots crunching on snow and someone laughing behind me in Polish — I still think about that silence.

Afterwards we headed to Witów Ski for three hours on the slopes. I’m not exactly graceful on skis (Anna laughed when I nearly sat down putting them on), but it didn’t matter. The runs wind through forests dusted white, and every now and then you catch a glimpse of distant peaks between the trees. Beginners get help if they ask ahead — I probably should’ve done that, come to think of it. By lunchtime my legs were jelly but somehow that made the cottage cheese and flavored vodka taste even better. Marek toasted us in Polish; none of us got it quite right but nobody cared.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zakopane and Skiing in Witów

• Visit Zakopane town and Krupowki street
• Ride Gubalowka mountain cable car
• Ski for 3 hours in Witów Ski

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Krakow to Zakopane ski tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in Krakow for this tour.

How long do we spend skiing at Witów Ski?

You’ll have up to 3 hours of skiing time at Witów Ski during the trip.

Do I need to be an experienced skier?

No, both beginners and experienced skiers are welcome; let them know if you need instruction beforehand.

Is ski equipment rental part of the package?

Yes, ski equipment rental is included in your booking.

What else is included besides skiing?

The tour includes a ticket for Gubalowka Mountain funicular, cottage cheese and flavored vodka tasting, plus an English-speaking driver.

Will we have time to explore Zakopane town?

Yes, you’ll visit Krupowki Street in Zakopane with time to look around and shop for souvenirs.

Are there any health restrictions?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; moderate fitness is needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Krakow, entry tickets for Gubalowka Mountain’s funicular ride, three hours of skiing at Witów Ski with all equipment provided (and an instructor if you request one), plus a tasting of traditional cottage cheese and flavored vodka before heading back with your English-speaking driver.