Jaworzyna Krynicka Ski Area

Jaworzyna Krynicka (say "yah-vo-ZHI-nah kri-NITS-kah") is the largest ski area in the Sądecki Beskids. It rises above Krynica-Zdrój, one of Poland's best-known spa towns, to a summit of 1,114 m (3,655 ft). A year-round gondola runs to the top, and the operator lists 14 runs totaling almost 15 km (9 mi), four of them FIS-homologated. Combined with spa-town charm, it makes a good winter break from Kraków.

Where it is and how to get there

Krynica-Zdrój is in southern Poland near the Slovak border, roughly 2.5–3 hours by car from Kraków via Nowy Sącz. The ski station sits a few kilometers outside town in the Czarny Potok valley. The gondola base, ticket offices, shops and the Hotel Jaworzyna Krynicka are at Czarny Potok 75.

A short history

Austrian company Girak built the gondola, which opened in 1997 and runs year-round. Since 2013 the operating company has been majority-owned by Polskie Koleje Linowe (PKL), the group that also runs the Kasprowy Wierch cable car in the Tatras. The station has hosted Snowboard World Cup races.

The skiing

In winter the lift system includes:

• a six-seat gondola to the summit,
• five chairlifts,
• four T-bars,
• beginner zones for kids at the top and at the base.

The signature run is No. 1, summit to base – 2,600 m (1.6 mi). There is also the "Pucharowa" run (2A), a skicross course, a short slalom slope and gentle learning areas. The operator stresses the alpine feel of the wide, scenic runs. Night skiing is offered – in 2025/26 there was an evening pass for 6–9 pm.

On site you will find the licensed Jaworzyna Ski&Snowboard school, two rental shops with more than 1,000 pairs of skis, a Wintersteiger tuning service, a test center and ski storage.

Lift passes and prices

As of October 2026, the 2026/27 price list has not been published. For orientation only, in 2025/26 a one-day pass cost PLN 195 at the ticket machines in high season (PLN 190 online, PLN 165 reduced) and PLN 145 in low season. Buying online at least 7 days ahead was cheaper. For small kids there was a low-cost "Żółwik" pass with one gondola ride and unlimited use of the beginner lift. Note that hourly passes are valid only within set windows (for example, the 4-hour pass between 9 am and 4 pm). Prices are in Polish złoty (PLN).

A new gondola from town

On September 22, 2026, the PKL group started preparatory work on Krynica Express. The new gondola, over 2 km long, will link central Krynica-Zdrój with the ski station in about 8 minutes, using 35 eight-seat Bartholet cabins. No opening date has been announced.

Summer and nearby

In summer the gondola carries sightseers to the View360 viewing platform, the Kraina Rysia kids' rope park and marked hiking and bike trails, with e-bike rental at the base. Down in Krynica-Zdrój, stroll the spa promenade, taste the mineral waters in the pump room and ride the funicular up Góra Parkowa.