Top 5 winter activities in Zakopane if you don't ski
Zakopane isn’t just for skiers. Poland’s winter capital offers incredible snow activities that don’t require any skiing skills. Whether you’re traveling with young kids, prefer different types of adventure, or simply want to experience authentic highlander culture, these five winter activities guarantee unforgettable memories.
From adrenaline-pumping dog sleds to romantic horse-drawn sleighs under starlit skies, here’s how to make the most of Zakopane’s winter without ever putting on skis.
1. Dog Sledding
Husky-powered sled rides through snowy forest trails. Drive yourself or ride as passenger while professional mushers guide the pack through pristine winter landscapes.
Where to go: Main locations around Ząb and Białka Tatrzańska, 20-40 minutes from Zakopane center. Several operators offer morning and afternoon tours through forest trails with varying difficulty levels.
Price: Starting from 280 PLN per person
Best for: Adventure seekers, animal lovers, families with older children
What you need to know:
- Book in advance as spots are limited daily
- Meet and interact with huskies before your ride
- Basic driving training provided if you choose to steer
- Kids usually welcome from age 5+ as passengers
- Dress extremely warm – wind chill is significant
- Tours typically last 30-60 minutes
- Most operators provide some protective gear
Season: December through March, snow conditions permitting
2. Snowmobiling
Powerful machines racing through mountain trails. Guided tours take you through forests, open terrain, and scenic viewpoints unreachable by other means.
Where to go: Tours operate around Zakopane, Gubałówka and Białka Tatrzańska. All tours are guided for both safety and environmental protection of the Tatra region.
Price: Starting from 280 PLN per person
Best for: Adrenaline junkies, adult adventures, couples seeking thrills
What you need to know:
- Valid driving license required for operators
- Minimum age 18 to drive, kids ride as passengers
- Full safety equipment provided
- Tours typically 30-60 minutes
- Morning tours often have better conditions
- No prior experience necessary – training provided
- Weather dependent – tours may be cancelled
- All tours follow designated routes for environmental protection
Planning Your Zakopane Trip?
Getting to Zakopane from Krakow Airport is straightforward with direct transfers. Door-to-door service means no hassle with bus stations or train connections – your winter adventure starts the moment you land.
Izzy Taxi provides reliable airport transfers with fixed prices and flight monitoring. Book via WhatsApp for quick confirmation and start planning your winter activities.
3. Traditional Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
Authentic highlander experience featuring horses pulling wooden sleighs through snowy valleys. Wrapped in sheepskin blankets with bells jingling and mountain views surrounding you.
Where are they organized:
- Gubałówka
- Chochołowska Valley
- Kościeliska Valley
- Around Zakopane town
Price: Starting from 150 PLN per person
Best for: Romantic couples, families, anyone wanting authentic highlander culture
What you need to know:
- Evening torchlit rides create the most magical atmosphere
- Many packages include bonfire and traditional hot food
- Duration varies: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Bundle up thoroughly – even under blankets, it’s cold
- Popular during Christmas and New Year – book ahead
- Perfect combination with afternoon thermal baths visit
4. Snowtubing
Giant inflatable tubes plus steep snowy slopes equals instant fun. Like waterslides but on snow – zero skills required, just sit, hold on, and enjoy the ride down.
Where to go:
- Snowtubing Gigant Zakopane
- Kościelisko Arena
- Snowtubing Kamikaze Gubałówka
- Kotelnica Białczańska Ski Resort
Price: Starting from 15 PLN per ride
Best for: Families with young kids, groups of friends, first-timers, anyone wanting guaranteed fun
What you need to know:
- Easiest winter activity – literally anyone can do it
- Conveyor belt lifts bring you back uphill (no climbing!)
- Safety equipment and tubes provided
- Age limit typically 3+ years
- Weekends extremely busy – weekday mornings quieter
- Many locations offer combo tickets with thermal baths
Budget tip: Most affordable hourly activity in Zakopane
5. Ice Skating
Outdoor ice rinks with Tatra Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Glide across ice surrounded by snowy peaks and twinkling evening lights.
Where to go:
- Krupówki Street – main public rink in town center
- Hotel rinks – several hotels open to day visitors
- Indoor sports centers – year-round skating
Price: Starting from 15 PLN per hour, plus ~10 PLN skate rental
Best for: Everyone – families, couples, beginners, experienced skaters
What you need to know:
- Evening sessions most atmospheric with lights
- Peak times crowded: evenings and weekends
- Gloves mandatory for safety
- Skating lessons available
- Hot chocolate and mulled wine available rinkside
- Most affordable winter activity overall
Quick Planning Tips
Book activities in advance: Peak season (Christmas through February) sells out fast. Dog sledding and snowmobiling book up days ahead during school holidays.
Dress properly for Polish winter:
- Thermal underwear as base layer
- Waterproof outer layers
- Quality insulated gloves essential
- Regular city winter gear often insufficient
Don’t overpack your schedule: Spread activities across your stay. Balance high-energy adventures with relaxation time at thermal baths or exploring Krupówki Street.
Consider transport logistics: Many activities operate outside town center. Public buses run infrequently in winter. Private transfers eliminate stress and maximize activity time.
Check weather forecasts: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Build flexibility into your plans for potential cancellations.
Start Your Winter Adventure
Zakopane offers incredible winter experiences beyond skiing slopes. From the thrill of dog sledding through forests to peaceful evening sleigh rides under stars, these five activities showcase the best of Polish mountain winter.
Ready to experience it yourself? Your adventure begins with getting there. Direct transfers from Krakow Airport to Zakopane take approximately 2 hours, delivering you straight to your accommodation without bus station hassles or train connections.
Contact Izzy Taxi via WhatsApp for reliable airport transfers with fixed prices and flight monitoring. Simple booking process, no forms to fill out, quick confirmation.
Your winter adventure in Zakopane awaits.
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