I was born and raised in Zakopane, but I've been living abroad for the last 20 years. This winter, I returned home for the holidays and spent a fantastic day skiing at Stacja Narciarska Ski Suche (make sure it's Ski Suche – there's another spot called Suche Ski that's completely different; I got confused at first too! They're just a quick 2-3 minute drive apart, but totally separate places).
What a wonderful alternative to the crowded chaos in central Zakopane! Ski Suche is blissfully quieter, with far fewer people and virtually no queues at the lifts – you zip up quickly on the modern 4-seater chairlift and spend way more time enjoying the descents instead of waiting around. The slopes are smartly divided: gentle areas with a magic carpet and short T-bar for beginners and kids (perfect for building confidence), longer flowing intermediate runs, and a steeper red section that's a bit icier for faster, more advanced skiers seeking that thrill.
One ski pass covers everything, including the handy middle T-bar if you want shorter loops without going all the way down – super efficient for maximizing your runs! The views of the Tatras are stunning, and the slopes are well-groomed with daily ratraking and snowmaking.
The on-site restaurant and karczma are highlights – cozy with big panoramic windows overlooking the action. If you're not skiing (or taking a break), grab a seat by the glass and watch family or friends on the slopes while savoring hearty regional dishes like warming kwaśnica soup, grilled oscypek cheese with cranberry sauce, fluffy pierogi, smoked meats, or fresh grilled sausages from the grill bar. I love their clever self-service style for many hot dishes: you pick up a tray, serve yourself exactly the portions you want from the delicious spread of traditional Polish and Podhale specialties, and pay by weight at the till – it's a brilliant, fair way that lets you try a bit of everything without overeating or wasting, and you only pay for what you take. Everything tastes fresh and homemade, with generous options to refuel. Pair it with mulled wine, hot herbal tea, or something stronger to chase away the chill – reasonably priced and perfect after a run.
In a region full of overcrowded spots, Ski Suche feels like a peaceful, family-friendly escape with that authentic Podhale charm. Highly recommend it for a relaxed, enjoyable day on the snow – whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or chasing speed!