The most popular ski runs are on Nosal and Kasprowy Wierch mountains, since they have lifts. If you take a bus from the center of Zakopane to the village of Kużnice (just a few minutes away), it is possible to travel by vintage gondola to the top of Kasprowy Wierch and ski the 5-7 km (depending which run you choose) back to the village, or to one of the surrounding valleys – either Goryczkowa or Gąsienicowa – where you can catch the lift back up again. The slope down Nosal is very short yet very steep, so should really only be attempted by advanced skiers.

If you are a dedicated hiker, then the Tatras are for you – with a few points to bear in mind. This is an alpine range, and therefore should be approached with respect and preparation. It is absolutely necessary to buy a map (the excellent ‘Tatra National Park’ map is in English and is widely available). It has all the paths marked and colour coded and it gives all possible relevant information in terms of estimated hiking time, altitude and places to stop and rest.

If hurling yourself down the side of a mountain or trudging through the snow are really not your thing, then rest assured that Zakopane offers something for you too. Classical music lovers will appreciate that one of the greatest Polish composers – Karol Szymanowski – made his home in Zakopane, and his house is now a museum (called Willa Atma, it is located at the end of ul. Kasprusie). Another famous son of the town is Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz, a Polish dramatist, poet, novelist, painter, photographer, art theorist and philosopher. Witkiewicz is also famous for his architecture and it was he who developed Zakopane’s distinctive architectural style of traditional wooden buildings, built low to the ground and with steep, dominant roofs. Check out the Church of St. Clement (on ul. Kościeliska) for a classic example of his work and for its stained-glass beauty and rustic interior.

There are those who prefer to enjoy a mountain view from a reclined position – firmly at the foot of the mountains and post-massage. Luckily, both snow bunnies and spa bunnies can find something to relax and refresh them in Podkarpackie. With numerous mineral water springs, the region has luxurious health reports and spas as well as first-rate medical centers. Especially recommended are the towns of Horyniec-Zdrój, Iwonicz-Zdrój, Polańczyk–Zdrój and Rymanów–Zdrój (go to www.wrota.podkarpackie.pl and click on ‘tourism’ and then ‘spas’ for more information about each town). Depending on one’s needs, kids and one parent can be sent off to plunge down the hills, while the other parent heads off for a massage. Note that many of the resorts really do deal with very serious illness and chronic conditions, and not all offer ‘lighter’ beauty treatments, so do some homework before booking into a health spa.

So whether you prefer an active winter holiday, outside in the snow, or a quiet time spent by the fire or getting a foot rub, the Podkarpackie region has something to satisfy everyone – regardless of age, skiing ability or need for pampered luxury.

Do następnego razu… (Till next time…)