Zakopane: Snowmobile tour with guide & bonfire meal

Summary

Snowmobile adventure in Zakopane with local guide and lunch

You’ll ride snowmobiles through snowy Zakopane forests with a local guide, pause for a bonfire lunch in the mountains, and take in views of the Tatras from hidden glades. With gear provided and training included, it’s an adventure full of laughter and little surprises you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I almost forgot my driver’s license — had to jog back to the hotel for it, which meant we arrived at the Snowdoo base in Zakopane a bit flustered and out of breath. Our guide, Piotr, just grinned and handed me a helmet anyway, saying everyone gets nervous their first time. The air smelled sharp, like pine needles and cold metal, and I could hear someone laughing in Polish behind the garage doors. I’d never been on a snowmobile before, so when Piotr started explaining the controls (in that patient way locals have when they know you’re about to do something clumsy), I tried not to look as lost as I felt.

The first few minutes were honestly chaos — I kept jerking the throttle too hard and spraying snow everywhere. My friend riding behind me was yelling “slower!” but her voice got swallowed up by the engine and all that white silence. We followed Piotr along these narrow forest paths near Gubałówka; sometimes the trees pressed in so close you could smell damp bark under your gloves. There was this one open glade where everything went quiet except for our engines humming low — you could see the Tatra Mountains stretching out blue-grey against the sky. It’s weird how peaceful it felt after all that noise.

About halfway through, we stopped for a bonfire lunch. Someone handed around mugs of hot tea that tasted faintly smoky (or maybe that was just my gloves). Piotr roasted sausages over the fire while telling stories about winters here — apparently last year someone tried to ride their snowmobile up a ski slope “for fun” (he rolled his eyes). The food wasn’t fancy but after an hour gripping handlebars in freezing wind, it tasted like the best thing ever. I still think about that warmth on my face from the fire, even now.

On the way back, my hands were numb but I didn’t care much anymore — you sort of get used to it, or maybe you just stop noticing because you’re watching sunlight flicker through branches or trying not to tip over on a downhill bit. If there hadn’t been enough snow they said we’d have switched to quads instead, but honestly I’m glad we got lucky. The whole thing felt both wild and safe at once, if that makes sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowmobile Adventure in Tatra Mountains

• Meet guide at Snowdoo base
• Receive snowmobile assignment
• Snowmobile tour through forest paths and slopes
• Enjoy views of Tatra Mountains
• Optional quad ride if no snow

Top questions

Do I need a driving license for this Zakopane snowmobile tour?

Yes, each person driving must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving license (B) or international equivalent.

Is this snowmobile tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners are welcome—training is provided before heading out with your guide.

What happens if there isn’t enough snow?

If there’s not enough snow in Zakopane, 4x4 quads will be used instead of snowmobiles; otherwise, the program stays the same.

Is lunch included during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included—typically served around a bonfire during your break in the mountains.

How long does this Zakopane snowmobile tour last?

The guided tour lasts approximately 3 hours including stops.

Are helmets provided on this tour?

Yes, helmets are included as part of your gear for safety.

Can two people share one snowmobile?

You can choose between single or double-seated snowmobiles when booking.

Where do we meet our guide for this activity?

You’ll meet your guide at the Snowdoo base in Zakopane before starting your adventure.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your local guide at Snowdoo base in Zakopane where you’ll get fitted with helmets and assigned either a single or double-seater snowmobile. Training is provided before setting off into the Tatra Mountains. Lunch by a bonfire is included along with fuel for your ride—just remember to bring your driving license before heading out into all that fresh mountain air.