Cross-country skiing is growing in Poland, and the Bialskie Mountains are becoming its true mecca. And for good reason – 200 kilometres of groomed trails, including 60 on the Polish side, are impressive numbers.
Professionally prepared trails through the most picturesque corners of the region, gentle routes for beginners as well as demanding loops for experienced runners. This is what variety of routes makes this place unique. You can go for a short training in the area of Bielice or plan an ambitious, all-day trip crossing the Polish-Czech border.
No matter your skills or fitness, the Bialskie Mountains have exactly what you're looking for. See what you can expect when you go cross-country skiing in the Eastern Sudetes.
Cross-country skiing is an activity that will completely change your approach to winter. Unlike downhill skiing, you have full control over the intensity of your workout. You can enjoy a leisurely glide through the winter landscape or do an intense workout that engages as many as 90% muscles throughout your entire body. What's more, it is one of the healthiest forms of exercise - it does not burden the joints as much as running, and at the same time effectively supports the circulatory and respiratory systems.
The Bialskie Mountains are one of the best regions for cross-country skiing in Poland. The trail system here covers approximately 200 kilometers of groomed trails, including 60 kilometers on the Polish side, maintained by The Municipality of Stronie ŚląskieWhat makes this region stand out is the ability to cross the border freely. The trails connect seamlessly with the Czech trail network, giving you more options for planning your trips. The prepared trails lead through forests and mountain passes, and in winter you can often meet other cross-country skiers here, both from Poland and the Czech Republic.
The Bialskie Mountains (a mountain range in the Eastern Sudetes) are great for learning cross-country skiing. About 800 meters behind the last houses in Bielice (less than 30 minutes by car from the Za górami za lasami settlement) there is special training loop – the perfect place to take your first steps on cross-country skiing. On the gentle terrain, you will master the basic techniques without stress or rush. Once you have gained some confidence, we recommend the Bielice - Biała Lądecka Valley route. This is a great trail not only for riding, but also for admiring the landscape – there are beautiful views of the entire valley from here.
Once you get used to skiing, it is worth taking the Biała Lądecka Valley-Biały Spław route. A 13-kilometer trail leading through the Biały Spław stream valley, which has a lot to offer. You will find calm sections where you can polish your technique, but also more demanding sections for those who like a challenge. Importantly, the route can be shortened at any time, so you don't have to cover the entire 13 kilometers at once. You decide how much you want to ride on a given day.
If you are looking for a more serious challenge, be sure to check out The loop under Czernica. This is the longest route in the area – it is almost 22 kilometres long and leads through really interesting places. It is technically demanding, with solid climbs and fast descents, but the views of the entire mountain range reward every effort. This is definitely not a route for beginners, but if you already have a lot of experience on cross-country skis, you will find everything you are looking for in mountain skiing here.
A unique advantage of cross-country skiing in the Bialskie Mountains is the possibility of using the trails on the Czech side. At the height of Bielice you can join the Snowpark Paprsek trail system, which offers additional 80 kilometers of prepared trails. This is a great option for a full day trip, especially since you can relax in the atmospheric the Czech shelter Paprsek.
When looking for a place for a winter cross-country skiing trip, it is worth paying attention to Kamienica. The Settlement Beyond the Mountains Beyond the Forests is a great starting point – from here you can reach the slopes in Bielice in less than 30 minutes. After a day in the snow, you will return to a cozy cottage with access to a sauna with a tub to relax properly.
You can set off on routes not only from Bielice, because Osada is also close to Nowa Morawa, Nowy Gierałtów or Przełęcz Płoszczyna. From the latter, it is worth going to the Czech side – the routes from there lead to the charming Návrší Shelter in the Śnieżnik Massif. In total, you have at your disposal as many as 200 km of groomed trails in the Bialskie Mountains and the Golden Mountains (i.e. the Czech Rychlebské hory). There really is plenty to choose from!
Detailed descriptions of all routes can be found in the tab Cross-country skiing in the attractions section. And finally, something that anyone who has ever gone cross-country skiing in this part of the Sudetes will tell you: the Bialskie Mountains are a great place for cross-country skiers - away from the crowds, with beautiful views and trails for everyone. See you there!
