There’s much more to winter holidays in Poland than just skiing, although Poland is a very fine skiing location. Skiing not your thing? Try bison tracking, go on a sleigh ride, or relax in a winter spa!

A popular tourist town all year long, Zakopane is a prime spot for spectacular selfies. Located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, its streets and rooftops are especially picturesque when covered in snow. Zakopane is not all sightseeing either; it’s the perfect city for winter sports enthusiasts. The spectacular winter competitions of the Ski Jumping World Cup take place there, and there are many exceptional ski slopes and hiking trails to try out. To add some culture to an otherwise athletic holiday, travellers can find out more about Witkacy, a controversial and colourful artist associated with the city. Definitely one of my and mu husband’s favorite places to visit in Poland!

If you make it to Zakopane, it’s worth dropping by the charming hills of Bukowina Tatrzańska. This village is famous for its magnificent view of the Tatra Mountains and for its thermal waters. Bukowina also hosts the Highlander Carnival, a must-see event presenting the folklore of the Tatra mountains every February. There’s a number of ski lifts in Bukowina Tatrzańska, and a neighbouring village, Białka Tatrzańska, is one of the best skiing resorts in Poland.

If you don’t feel like travelling too far away from the capital, Spała makes an excellent weekend getaway. Located only 100km from Warsaw, the city’s local Olympic Sports Centre is equipped with fabulous facilities, including an in-door swimming pool and a cryo chamber. Outdoorsy tourists can also go on a sleigh ride, go cross-country skiing or even try winter paintball.

The town of Giżycko is such a popular yachting resort that it is sometimes called the sailing capital of Poland. Its status is linked to the fact that Giżycko lies between two large lakes that have navigable connections to other surrounding bodies of water. In winter, the lakes often become frozen solid with thick since the city is located in one of the coldest areas of north-eastern Poland. As a result, Giżycko is also a popular iceboating destination (take a look here)

There’s nothing quite like going bison tracking in the winter. Searching for these majestic animals in the snow-covered wilderness is a very thrilling experience, and there’s no better bison haven in   Europe than Białowieża Forest. The last remaining primeval forest in Europe is home to about 500 specimens of European bison. Designated guides take tourists on wildlife tours all year round. The village of Białowieża lies deep in the forest and has great accommodation for those wishing to stay there overnight. (check it out).

Well…I wish I was in Poland now…but in the meantime I’m enjoying this wonderful fresh snow in New Hampshire with my family:)