Poland - Winter Wonderland

"You're going where " and closely followed by "You are going to do what "

"Really "

"Yes, really. Poland is a great ski destination. Let me tell you why."

Poland is so beautiful! And I am not just saying it because I'm Polish, everyone that has come to visit us and who has been there will tell you the same thing.

Sure its not your obvious choice for a European ski destination, and people there are still quite hard to communicate with - not many speak English - but if you are the adventurous type, Poland is the place to go, not only if you an avid skier. It's also great as a culinary and cultural destination and for us poor South African travellers, it is probably the most affordable European destination.

There is a lot of information on the Internet concerning Poland and travel options to this country. Over the next few weeks Tomas and I will give you a few hints and tips concerning this unusual travel destination and if you are an adventurous traveller Poland should be on top of your list for travel in 2017.

It took us sixteen and a half hours to get to Krakow from Durban and we paid R14 000 for a ticket in peak season. You can travel for far less off-season and there is usually snow in the Tatra Mountains until late March - the ski season starts around November but you have to check ski adviser as the seasons have changed somewhat.

If you are going to Poland for the first time, Krakow should be on top of your list for cultural destinations to visit when you venture out this far east in Europe. Krakow is not only rich in history and monuments, it is also a city that has its own secrets, a city full of legends and places, that for centuries have been surrounded by a unique aura.

Krakow is in the Southern Region of Poland, it is the second largest city and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland. There are more historical buildings in one area than maybe any other city in the world.

There are so many things to do in Kraków, but most people come for the cultural and the historical experiences. We always stop here and do some essential shopping, Kraków is Poland's fashion capital. There are people travelling from all over the world mixing with locals, who are only too happy to show off the best about their city and so the atmosphere is amazing.

But if you want to skiyou have to head out to the South, to Zakopane.

Zakopane is a town located in the extreme south of Poland, near the border with Slovakia. It lies in the valley between the Tatra Mountains and Gubawówka Hill. Zakopane is located 85 km south of Kraków, and you can get there by train or bus. Or like us you can just rent a car, which makes getting around the different ski slopes so much easier and more adventurous.

The population of Zakopane is about 28 000 people. This town has an elevation of 800 -1000 meters above sea level. The town is cantered at the junction of Krupówki and Kosciuszko Streets.Zakopane is the centre of Góral culture (mountain folk) and is known informally as "the winter capital of Poland".It is a popular destination for mountaineering, skiing and qualified tourism.

In the winter, thousands arrive in Zakopane to ski and shop, especially around Christmas and in February.The best snow conditions are between January and late April though sometimes Kasprowy Wierch is open for skiing into early May. The most popular spots are Kasprowy Wierch, Nosal and Gubawówka Hill. The Polish Ski Resort of Zakopanehas direct access to 16 individual pistes, served by 20 ski lifts. There are thousands of places to stay, from Hotels to guesthouses and every need you may have as a tourist is catered for and then some.

Zakopane has long been and will probably long remain the ski Mecca for both Polish and foreign skiers.

Once you are there, you will understand why Zakopane owns the title of "the winter capital of Poland". Besides being one of the largest winter sports resorts in the country, it is also beautifully locatedin the southern part of Podhale region, at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, where you can admire the majestic views of the mountains.

Ok that's enough for one week. Next week a little bit more about the culture and the beauty of this totally undiscovered destination.