Kopa Chairlift (Karpacz)

The Kopa chairlift in Karpacz, known locally as "Zbyszek," is the easiest way to get from town up into the high Karkonosze, the Polish side of the Giant Mountains. In about eight minutes it lifts you to just below the summit of Kopa (1,377 m), leaving only a moderate walk to Śnieżka (SHNYESH-kah), the highest peak of the range. It runs year-round, serving hikers in summer and fall and skiers in winter, which makes it a natural first stop for anyone visiting Karpacz.

Where it is and how to get there

Karpacz is a mountain resort in Lower Silesia, southwest Poland, close to the Czech border. The nearest major city and airport is Wrocław, roughly two hours away by car; the regional hub is Jelenia Góra, about 20 km from Karpacz. Since June 2025, Koleje Dolnośląskie regional trains run again between Jelenia Góra and Karpacz after a 25-year break, though Karpacz station sits on the edge of town, almost 3 km in a straight line from the lift. The lower station is on Olimpijska Street, with a parking lot and a moving walkway up to the boarding area.

A short history

The first lift on this route was built in 1958–1959 and opened on January 1, 1960. For decades it carried passengers on single chairs. In 1995 it was named "Zbyszek" after its long-time manager, Zbigniew Pawłowski. The old line closed in 2017, and a new lift with four-seat chairs and two cabins for wheelchair users opened on April 26, 2018. According to the operator the line is 2,281 m long and climbs about 530 m.

What to do at the top

• Walk to Śnieżka: about 2.5 km, roughly an hour each way, via the Dom Śląski mountain hut. On a clear day you can see far into both Poland and the Czech Republic.
• Ride down or hike down: many visitors buy a round trip, others descend on foot via the Biały Jar valley.
• Watch the paragliders: Kopa is a licensed launch site.

The top station sits inside Karkonosze National Park, part of a cross-border UNESCO biosphere reserve. Weather changes fast up here; strong wind can stop the lift, so bring a windproof layer even in summer.

Hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

• October 2026: Sunday–Thursday 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Friday–Saturday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• November 2026: closed November 2–5 for inspections, open November 6–15, then closed from November 16 until mid-December for maintenance.
• Winter 2026/27: the ski season start date had not been announced; check karpaczskiarena.pl.
• Fares (adult, high season — weekends and holiday periods): up PLN 85, round trip PLN 95, down only PLN 65. On regular weekdays: PLN 75, 85 and 55. Children, families and seniors pay less; under-2s ride free. You can pay by card or cash at both stations.
• Uphill and round-trip tickets include the national park entry fee, so you do not need a separate park ticket that day.

Is it worth it?

Yes, if you want the Śnieżka summit without a long climb, or if you are traveling with children or limited time. Hikers who prefer to earn the view can walk up and ride down instead. Expect lines on sunny summer weekends.

Nearby

Combine the ride with Vang Stave Church, a 12th-century Norwegian wooden church rebuilt in Karpacz, the Samotnia mountain hut by the glacial lake Mały Staw, or the Toy Museum in the old railroad station.