Ski Lifts in Korbielów

Korbielów (say "kor-BYEH-loof") is a small village in Poland's Żywiec Beskids whose ski area climbs the northeastern flanks of Pilsko (1,557 m / 5,108 ft). Pilsko is the highest ski mountain in Poland outside the Tatras. The mountain straddles the Slovak border, and the upper runs feel properly alpine: long descents from high mountain meadows, limited grooming and plenty of natural snow. It suits skiers who prefer character over polish.

Where it is and how to get there

Korbielów sits in southern Poland, about 25 km (16 mi) south of the brewery town of Żywiec, on the road to the Slovak border crossing at Oravská Polhora. Allow about 2 hours by car from Kraków or from Katowice Airport. The main base is the Pilsko-Jontek hotel complex at Jerzego Sitki 8, with parking, a pool and a restaurant. A second base with a ticket office sits at the Kamienna–Solisko chairlift (Narciarska 1).

The ski area

The operator of the Pilsko-Jontek complex lists about 10 km (6 mi) of runs. The main lifts are:

• the Jontek–Buczynka four-seat chairlift (about 1.5 km),
• the Kamienna–Solisko four-seat chairlift (700 m),
• the two-seat Polana Strugi–Hala Szczawiny chairlift (about 1.56 km),
• T-bars up to Hala Miziowa and toward the Pilsko summit, plus short beginner lifts.

The signature run is no. 5 from Pilsko to Hala Szczawiny: about 3.4 km (2.1 mi) with 700 m of vertical. The lower slopes below Solisko have snowmaking and floodlights. The upper runs depend on natural snow and weather, and wind or fog can close the top lifts.

A short history

Silesian industrial companies built the first T-bars here around 1990. A chairlift from Polana Strugi followed in 2007, the Kamienna–Solisko quad before the 2013/14 season and the Jontek–Buczynka quad in January 2021. Development on Pilsko has long been controversial with conservationists, because the summit borders a nature reserve.

Who it suits

Families and beginners can stay on the lower slopes, where Pilsko Ski Academy runs lessons and a ski kindergarten. Rental and service are available at Pilsko Ski&Bike. Strong skiers come for the long runs from Hala Miziowa and the summit area. If you want guaranteed groomed corduroy and modern lifts everywhere, Szczyrk is a better match.

Lift passes and opening hours

As of October 2026, prices and the opening date for winter 2026/27 have not been published. Passes are sold at the ticket offices and online through eSkipass, and a new contactless card costs PLN 10–20. Prices are in Polish złoty (PLN); check pilsko.org before your trip.

Summer and nearby

In summer, and on selected days in May, the Polana Strugi chairlift carries hikers – the ride takes about 15 minutes. From Hala Szczawiny a trail leads to the PTTK mountain hut on Hala Miziowa and on to the Pilsko summit, with views toward the Tatras and Babia Góra. Nearby, Żywiec has a brewery museum and a lakeside setting worth a stop.