Where can you go skiing with children in Małopolska? The best ski resorts and slopes for children in southern Poland

Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports, and it’s no wonder that it’s loved by so many adults and younger winter sports enthusiasts. If you ski yourself, it’s a good idea to instill this passion in your children as early as possible. This way, you’ll gain an additional option for spending time together and staying active during winter trips. It’s also worth mentioning that there are plenty of opportunities for this type of getaway right here in the country!

Ski lessons for kids – what should you keep in mind?

When planning a ski trip with the kids, the first thing you should do is thoroughly research and evaluate your chosen resort and what it has to offer. In Poland, you can find many great destinations with slopes of varying difficulty levels, as well as numerous amenities and attractions for the whole family.

Let’s also remember to pack properly for a winter trip and bring all the necessary clothes, items, and equipment. Safety and comfort on the slopes are essential for both experienced and beginner skiers. That’s why you should bring the following, among other things:

• ski suit;
• thermal clothing;
• warm gloves;
• a tall sports chimney;
• a thin cap to wear under a helmet;
• ski accessories, such as goggles, helmets, and poles;
• long, comfortable socks;
• winter boots.

Just in case, you might want to bring some snacks and a thermos of hot tea, even if you’re heading to a resort with restaurants.

If your children are just starting out on the slopes, it’s definitely worth enlisting the help of a professional instructor. A qualified and experienced instructor will skillfully guide beginner skiers through their first lessons.

The best family-friendly ski resorts and slopes for children – our recommendations in southern Poland

In the southern part of our country, you can find many attractive slopes as well as entire resorts that cater not only to experienced skiers but also to beginners and entire families.

Białka Tatrzańska

There is not just one, but several modern ski resorts here, each offering a wide and attractive range of activities. One resort worth noting is Bania Ski & Fun, which has something to offer not only to skiing enthusiasts but to everyone.

The resort features four modern slopes, varying in length and difficulty. Each is equipped with a conveyor belt, T-bar, or chairlift. The resort also houses the STOK Ski and Snowboard School. The school’s schedule includes classes for older and younger children starting at age 5.

The resort also offers a variety of interesting non-skiing activities and useful amenities. These include, among others:

• snow tubing track;
• inflatable toys;
• the slot machine and gaming area;
• children's movies;
• equipment rental and repair service;
• storage facility;
• parking;
• store;
• restaurants.

After a full day of winter fun, you need only walk a few dozen meters to find yourself in a completely different part of the resort: the thermal pools. It’s the perfect way to relax after an intense day of activities.

Wańkowa

This resort is one of the largest and most modern of its kind in the Podkarpacie region. At the same time, it remains significantly less crowded and less frequented than the most popular slopes in Małopolska. It’s the perfect place for those who appreciate a bit more space and tranquility on the slopes, as well as the picturesque landscapes of the Bieszczady Mountains.

The Bieszczad.ski Wańkowa ski resort offers its guests as many as seven different runs ranging in length from 250 to 1,550 meters. They differ not only in length but also in difficulty level, making them suitable for both experienced and novice skiers. Wańkowa also features a professional ski and snowboard school.

Getting around the resort is made easier—and more enjoyable—by a four-person chairlift, as well as T-bar lifts and moving walkways. The resort features an equipment rental and service shop, a store, and a restaurant.

Długa Polana in Nowy Targ

This intimate ski slope is the perfect choice for people from Lesser Poland or Silesia who are looking for a slightly more secluded and less crowded resort nearby. Długa Polana is located at the foot of the Gorce Mountains, within the city of Nowy Targ. 

Thanks to its unique location and climate, the weather conditions—especially snow conditions—are often ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort features three trails: blue, green, and red. Skiers can use two different lifts—a T-bar lift and a conveyor belt lift. 

This is the perfect place for both beginners and more experienced skiers and snowboarders. The trails vary in length and difficulty, so everyone can find the perfect run for them. All the slopes in Długa Polana are floodlit, allowing you to enjoy them even after dark. 

The resort features a food court, a playground, and a ski school. Długa Polana is a popular starting point for hikes to Turbacz, but also an ideal stop on a longer excursion route. From Nowy Targ, you can head to Rabka-Zdrój, among other destinations. This small town with a unique atmosphere offers visitors numerous attractions all year round. These include the vast and beautiful Zdrojowy Park with a café and a brine graduation tower, the Rabcio Puppet Theater, and one of the oldest amusement parks in the country—Rabkoland.

7 other places worth visiting with your child for a skiing trip in Lesser Poland

1. Kotelnica Białczańska, Białka Tatrzańska
   One of the largest and best-equipped ski resorts in Poland, offering ski schools, wide slopes, and numerous attractions for families with children.
2. Czorsztyn-Ski, Kluszkowce
   A family-friendly ski resort located on Lake Czorsztyńskie. It features slopes of varying difficulty levels, chairlifts and conveyor lifts, as well as a ski school.
3. Kasina Ski, Kasina Wielka
   A modern resort with excellent facilities for families. It offers a ski school, equipment rental, and beginner-friendly slopes.
4. Rusin-Ski, Bukowina Tatrzańska
   A great place for families with children, featuring wide, gentle slopes. The resort is well-equipped to cater to young skiers.
5. Słotwiny Arena, Krynica-Zdrój
   The perfect place to learn to ski in a relaxed atmosphere. Belt lifts, ski schools, and a variety of trails suited to different skill levels.
6. Suche Ski Resort, Suche near Poronin
   An intimate resort perfect for families. Short, safe slopes, easy access, and the availability of instructors make this a great place to take your first steps on skis.
7. Szymoszkowa Glade, Zakopane
   Popular with families thanks to its gentle slopes, ski school, and beautiful views of Giewont. Another attraction is the nearby thermal swimming area.

At what age can children start learning to ski?

Children can start their skiing adventure as early as 3–4 years old, provided they are physically and emotionally ready. At this age, the most important thing is to get them comfortable with skis, learn basic movements, and build positive associations with the sport. Learning should take place in a playful manner, ideally under the supervision of a qualified instructor who understands the specifics of working with young children.

How do you choose your child's first pair of skis?

When choosing your child's first pair of skis, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Ski length – they should reach roughly to the child’s armpits (about 70–90% of their height).
• Flexibility – your first pair of skis should be flexible to make it easier to maneuver and turn.
• Bindings – must be easy to release and properly adjusted to ensure safety in the event of a fall.
• Ski boots – they should be comfortable, well-fitting, and warm, but not too tight.
• Poles – aren't necessary when you first start learning; they're usually introduced once you've mastered the basic skills.

It’s worth keeping in mind that the best option when starting out is to rent equipment from a reputable rental company, which will allow you to choose the right gear without having to incur significant upfront costs.