Czantoria Chairlift

The Czantoria Chairlift in Ustroń (pronounced roughly "chan-TOR-yah" and "OOS-tron") is a year-round chairlift that carries you in 8–10 minutes up to the Stokłosica meadow (851 m / 2,792 ft) on the slopes of Wielka Czantoria in the Silesian Beskids. It is the easiest way into the mountains for families, older visitors and cyclists: from the top station, the summit observation tower on the Polish-Czech border is about a 30-minute walk. A summer toboggan run and a "mountain beach" with free deck chairs wait at the top.

Where it is

Ustroń is a spa town in southern Poland's Silesian Beskids, about 80 km (50 miles) south of Katowice – roughly an hour and a quarter by car – and around two hours from Kraków. Regional trains stop at Ustroń Polana station, close to the lower station.

The ride

The first chairlift up Czantoria opened in 1967. Today's detachable Doppelmayr lift with four-seat chairs is 1,640 m (just over a mile) long and climbs 462 m (1,516 ft). The chairs slow down at the platforms, which makes boarding easy for kids and seniors. The lift also carries wheelchairs, bikes (on special hooks) and dogs – dogs ride free.

Things to do at the top

• Relax on the Stokłosica meadow with free deck chairs and views over Ustroń and the Vistula valley.
• Ride the summer toboggan run, about 710 m long; tickets are sold only at the upper station.
• Climb the observation tower on the summit of Wielka Czantoria (995 m / 3,264 ft): a 29 m steel tower with 118 steps, standing just inside the Czech Republic. On clear days you can see the Tatra Mountains.
• Hike through the Czantoria nature reserve on the red Main Beskid Trail toward Soszów and Stożek, or bike down toward the Czech village of Nýdek.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026 (prices in Polish złoty):

• Hours: daily, Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Maintenance period: from October 26 to December 4, 2026 the lift runs only on Oct 28, Oct 31–Nov 1, Nov 7–11, Nov 21–22 and Nov 28–29; daily service resumes December 5.
• Round trip: 47 PLN (reduced 42 PLN); one way 37 PLN (34 PLN); ride with a bike 40 PLN; family packages 120–190 PLN.
• Observation tower: separate fee; open until October 25, 2026, weather permitting. Cards are accepted (charged in Czech koruna), as is cash in PLN or CZK.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes – it is one of the most popular day trips in the Silesian Beskids and works for almost every fitness level. Allow 2–3 hours for the ride, the walk to the summit and the tower. Bring a jacket, as the top is noticeably cooler than the valley.

Getting there and parking

The lower station is at 3 Maja 130 in Ustroń. There are around 700 parking spaces; parking is open 24/7 and costs 20 PLN per car, paid on entry.