Although the mountains delight in every season, it is winter, when covered in white snow, that reveals their unique charm and attracts tourists seeking beautiful views and unforgettable experiences. However, if you plan to hike mountain trails during your break, remember that winter mountains are particularly demanding—especially if it is your first time in such conditions. Find out how to prepare for a winter visit to the Polish mountains and which routes are suitable for less experienced hikers.
How to prepare for your first winter mountain trip?
Polish mountains offer relatively easy routes for winter trips, but every excursion requires proper physical preparation. If you are a beginner planning a mountain holiday, make sure to work on your fitness before leaving. It is important to build overall endurance as well as leg and upper-body strength.
Slippery surfaces and deep snow, typical of this season, require far more strength and coordination than in summer. To make winter outings as enjoyable as possible, start regular training before your holiday—long walks, running and gym exercises will help you better prepare for the challenges of winter mountain trails for beginners.
Also see: Winter holiday dates 2025—when are the school holidays this year?
Where to go for your first winter mountain trip?
When planning a winter hike, match the destination to your abilities. For starters, choose the easiest trail—for example, one through a valley or forest, where conditions are generally more predictable. We advise beginners against winter trips to Rysy, Orla Perć, the Bieszczady mountain meadows or the high parts of the Karkonosze. If you are wondering where to go in the mountains in winter, you can also enjoy equally wonderful views and a safe hike in the Beskids, the lower parts of the Tatras and Sudetes, or the Pieniny, which are usually less crowded in winter.
Planning a winter mountain route for beginners
When preparing for winter hikes, remember that days are much shorter than in summer. Even if you have extensive experience with full-day summer hikes on demanding routes, keep in mind that night falls much faster in the mountains in winter. Moreover, moving—especially through deep snow—is much slower than over packed ground or rocks, so allow more time for the same route in winter than in summer.
Also remember that mountain weather can be unpredictable—in both summer and winter, when even a beautiful sunny day can ultimately bring a snowstorm reducing visibility to a minimum. Whether you are heading to the Sudetes, Beskids or Tatras in winter, always be ready for a sudden change in weather and choose shorter routes that allow you to descend or turn back quickly if necessary.
Where to check weather forecast and mountain conditions?
Winter hikes on mountain trails offer amazing views and fantastic experiences. However, to enjoy safe winter trekking, always check the latest weather forecast and mountain conditions before setting out. Nationwide weather portals are not precise enough in this case, so visit the TOPR website before your trip (if you are going to the Tatras in winter) or GOPR (for other mountain regions).
There you will find current, reliable information, including avalanche risk reports. If rescuers advise against going into the mountains, take their warnings seriously, even if you are not heading into the High Tatras. Avalanche risk can also occur in the Sudetes, Pieniny and Żywiec Beskids. During your trip, observe your surroundings and, where possible, check the latest information—as we have already noted, weather can change suddenly in the mountains in winter.
Essential winter hiking gear for beginners
Walking on snow-covered trails is strenuous, so it is important to bring suitable provisions. Energy bars, chocolate, nuts and bananas are good choices and sources of energy. You can also pack dried beef, kabanos sausages and bread. A hot meal is another great idea—a flask of soup works well on the trail.
Regular hydration is important during physical exertion—even if you are not thirsty. Low temperatures may make you feel you do not need to drink, but this can lead to dehydration. To prevent it, regularly take a few sips of water or an isotonic drink. It is also a good idea to carry a flask of hot tea or coffee, preferably sweetened, providing both fluids and an extra energy boost.
What else should you bring? The key items in your winter gear are:
- trekking poles—you can use the same poles as in summer, but fit them with winter baskets. These have a larger diameter and stop the poles sinking into the snow;
- gaiters—covers worn over boots and trousers to prevent snow entering your footwear;
- hiking crampons—lightweight, compact, compatible with any hiking boots and easy to put on. Use them whenever your boots start slipping on the surface;
- multifunctional scarf—not only useful as headwear; cover your neck or face;
- headlamp—makes it easier to move around at dusk or during a hike that runs long;
- gloves—ideally take two pairs, such as a thin and a thick pair;
- an extra pair of socks—just in case, especially if you do not have gaiters;
- sunglasses—protect your eyes from harmful sunlight reflected off the snow;
- first-aid kit—besides standard supplies, add an NRC foil blanket and hand warmers.
To stay comfortable on the trail, pay attention to your clothing. In the mountains, dress in layers to avoid both overheating and getting cold. The following will provide thermal comfort in all conditions:
- thermal underwear—wicks moisture from the skin and transfers it to the next layers;
- mid layer—a sweatshirt, fleece or sweater that effectively wicks moisture;
- outer layer—trekking jackets and trousers or breathable membrane clothing to protect you from precipitation, wind and low temperatures.
Which mountains suit winter beginners? Sample routes
Dreaming of the Tatras in winter but are you a beginner? You do not have to give up on a mountain trip! With proper preparation, Rusinowa Polana can be a good destination, reached by a trail from Wierch Poroniec. The popular trail to Rusinowa Polana also starts in the Filipka Valley or at Palenica Białczańska. From Rusinowa Polana, you can also hike to Gęsia Szyja. The summit offers beautiful views of the Tatras, but the ascent is physically demanding—nearly 300 metres of elevation gain over 1.3 km.
Hala Gąsienicowa is another excellent choice for beginners. It is a true Tatras landmark, where many trails to the peaks of the Western and High Tatras meet. Reach Hala Gąsienicowa via the yellow trail from Kuźnice through the Jaworzynka Valley or the blue trail through Boczań. An easy, safe route also leads there through the Sucha Woda Valley from Brzeziny via Psią Trawka, running mostly through forest.
Dolina pod Reglami is also a good option for beginners—a 6-kilometre walk along an almost flat path amid beautiful, majestic spruce trees, perfect for warming up and making your winter trail debut. The route runs at the foot of the Western Tatras, from Księżówka by the roundabout in Kuźnice to the Chochołowska Valley.
Many other trails also start here, including routes to the reglowe valleys—Strążyska, ku Dziurze, Białego, za Bramką and Lejowa—which cut into the lower mountain range and are ideal for starting a winter adventure. Other routes lead to valleys beginning on the main ridge, including Kościeliska and Małej Łąki.
Another winter hiking idea for beginners is the Kościeliska Valley and Smreczyński Pond. Many worthwhile side trails branch off from the Kościeliska Valley, including Kraków Gorge, Mylna Cave and Mroźna Cave. In good weather, it is also worth visiting Morskie Oko, which offers one of the most beautiful views in the Tatras.
If you plan to visit the Tatras in winter, remember that, to protect nature, the following trails are closed from 1 December to 15 May:
- from Morskie Oko via Świstówka to Valley of Five Polish Lakes,
- to Czerwone Wierchy from Tomanowa Valley to Chuda Przełączka,
- to Giewont from the Grzybowiec Pass to Kondracka Wyżnia Pass.
Trails in various mountain areas may also be temporarily closed because of avalanche risk.
However, the Tatras are not the only suitable destination for beginners in winter! Consider the Beskid Sądecki, where you can explore the areas around Piwniczna-Zdrój and Krynica-Zdrój. Even less experienced hikers can manage many trails near these popular spa towns, while Krynica-Zdrój in winter also offers a wide range of attractions: ski lifts and resorts, cross-country ski trails, an ice rink and snowmobile rentals, as well as interesting historic sites and museums. It is therefore an excellent choice for a winter break—not only during school holidays, but also for a family Christmas in the mountains.
The Silesian Beskids are also a good choice for beginners starting winter trekking, with hikes to Skrzyczne, Klimczok and Szyndzielnia. In the Pieniny, a relatively easy route leads to Wysoki Wierch, among other destinations.
FAQs on your first winter mountain trip
Your first winter mountain trip brings plenty of excitement, but also questions—especially if you are new to trekking at this time of year. Below you will find answers to help you prepare sensibly for your trip.
Do you need to prepare for a winter mountain trip?
Yes—both physically and logistically. Winter trails require more strength and concentration than in summer: slippery surfaces, deep snow and lower temperatures make the same stretch simply more difficult. Work on your general fitness beforehand (walks, running and simple strengthening exercises), and plan your route, gear and accommodation so nothing is left to chance.
Where to plan your first winter mountain trip
For your first trip, choose gentler ranges and routes through valleys or forests—for example, in the Beskids, lower Tatras, Sudetes or Pieniny. The Beskid Sądecki, with Piwniczna-Zdrój and Krynica-Zdrój, is a good choice, offering many moderately difficult trails as well as spa attractions such as water pump rooms, museums and the Słotwiny viewing tower.
How should a beginner plan a mountain route?
Above all, choose shorter, well-marked trails that are easy to turn back from if needed. Assume you’ll move more slowly in winter than in summer, so the same loop will take longer. Before setting out, check the route, elevation profile and possible emergency descents. Always check GOPR or TOPR websites for the forecast, trail conditions and avalanche warnings. If in doubt, choose a shorter route or stay home.
Which mountain trails are best for beginners?
For your first winter hikes, choose gentler Tatra trails (e.g. Kościeliska Valley, the path below the reg, or routes to Rusinowa Glade and Gąsienicowa Meadow via the easiest variants), easier valleys in the Western Tatras, or lower ranges such as Beskid Sądecki and Pieniny. Near Krynica-Zdrój, good options include paths to Parkowa Mountain, gentler sections around the Czarny Potok Valley, and scenic trails around town—letting you enjoy a winter mountain atmosphere without tackling the most demanding climbs.
What to pack for a first winter hike?
Pack layers (thermal underwear, insulating layer, wind- and snowproof jacket and trousers), sturdy hiking boots, hat, gloves, spare socks, headlamp, basic first-aid kit, hiking crampons, trekking poles, gaiters, a thermos of hot drinks and high-energy snacks. Also bring sunglasses and an NRC emergency blanket. After a day on the trail, some relaxation helps, so pack a swimsuit too—Hotel Belmonte offers a wellness area with a pool, jacuzzi and saunas, where you can recover after a winter hike.