Polana Szymoszkowa Ski Area in Zakopane

Polana Szymoszkowa (poh-LAH-nah shih-mosh-KOH-vah) is a ski area on the south slope of Gubałówka hill in Zakopane, Poland's best-known mountain town, and it is famous for its views: from the slopes you look straight at the High Tatras and the Giewont peak. A covered six-seat chairlift serves the main run and a short chairlift the beginner area. Note: the slope has been closed for renovation since May 2026, and no 2026/27 season date has been announced.

Status in October 2026

Since May 6, 2026, the operator has banned access to the slope because of construction work; walkers are directed to the yellow hiking trail. The big chairlift runs as a scenic lift daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m. until October 18, 2026; the small lift is closed.

Lifts and runs

• Big lift (A): a detachable six-seat Doppelmayr chairlift with weather bubbles, 1,291 m long with 261 m of vertical, built in 2000, running to the top of Gubałówka.
• Small lift (B): a four-seater, 360 m, from 1997, running halfway up for beginners.
• Two runs, about 1.7 km in total, with snowmaking, floodlights and grooming. The main run starts red and turns blue lower down.

The area spans roughly 875–1,120 m.

A short history

Skiing on the meadow began in 1994. The small four-seat lift followed in 1997 and the big covered six-seater in 2000. The area is run by Dorado sp. z o.o., a company with an Austrian partner. The lower station sits next to the Mercure Kasprowy hotel, while the top station stands on the Gubałówka ridge, already in the neighboring municipality of Kościelisko. The slope also hosts races, such as the 12-hour charity slalom marathon held in January 2026.

Is it worth visiting?

When it is open, yes, especially if you are staying in Zakopane with kids or as an intermediate skier. There is a kids' park with a carpet lift, a ski and snowboard school, gear and clothing rental and a highland-style restaurant. In 2025/26 both runs operated daily from January 1, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. (with evening skiing), and 9 a.m.–4 p.m. from March 9.

Lift tickets (as of October 2026)

Szymoszkowa accepts the Tatry Super Ski pass, shared by 19 resorts in Poland and Slovakia. Winter prices for 2026/27 are not yet published; as a guide, a one-day pass cost 170 PLN (reduced 160 PLN) in 2025/26. Scenic rides until October 18, 2026: 30 PLN one way, 35 PLN round trip (reduced 25/30 PLN), children under 5 free.

How to get there

The lower station is at ul. Szymaszkowa 2, about 1.5 km from Krupówki, Zakopane's main street, and 2.8 km from the train and bus stations. Zakopane is about 105 km from Kraków and 114 km from Kraków Airport; Poprad–Tatry Airport in Slovakia is about 70 km away. You can also drive to the top station on Gubałówka. The operator mentions free parking.

Nearby

From the top station, a scenic ridge path leads along Gubałówka. In town: Krupówki, the Tatra Museum, the Wielka Krokiew ski jump and Aqua Park Zakopane.