Slide into Adventure: Discover the Coolest Ski Destinations from Poland to Kazakhstan

Skiers know that nothing beats hitting a fresh slope under a crisp, blue sky – throw a new-to-you destination into the mix and you have the makings of a very special winter holiday. From Poland to Georgia and Azerbaijan to Czechia, here's how to bring some renewed sparkle to your next trip.

Discover pristine pistes in Azerbaijan

For added winter fun, Park Chalet, Shahdag, Autograph Collection sits opposite an outdoor ice-skating rink (Photo: Marriott International)

Come for the delights of Baku’s Old Town and gleaming modern cityscape; stay for a few days in Azerbaijan’s first and biggest ski resort. A three-hour drive from the Azeri capital is Shahdag Resort, whose 18 miles of pistes reach up to 2500 metres. You’ll be amidst the Caucasus Mountains, with fabulous views of the mighty 4500-metre Shahdag peak. Everyone from novice to expert skiers can enjoy this nearly untouched terrain, over a season usually running from December to late March or early April. You can get active without donning skis, too: you could ride a snowmobile, a 4x4 or even a Segway, or zoom along a zipline at 16 miles per hour.

Stay at the Pik Palace, Shahdag, Autograph Collection and you’ll be right by the slopes. Not only that, but you’ll have glorious views from the heated outdoor pool and the spa. On cold days, there's nothing better than indulging in a cake and hot chocolate in the Chocolate Café.

Its sister hotel is just as handy for the slopes. Located opposite an outdoor skating rink, the Park Chalet, Shahdag, Autograph Collection's children’s club and indoor pool make it a favourite among families.

Ski along the Silk Road in Kazakhstan

Take a skiing trip to Kazakhstan's Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains and you'll feel you've been let in on a secret (Photo: Getty Images)

Central Asia’s biggest ski resort is only about 20 minutes away from Almaty, one of the most enchanting stops on the old Silk Road. Deep in the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains near the Kazakh border with Kyrgyzstan is Shymbulak, whose slopes soar up to 3000 metres and come with superb views. Although there are slopes for a range of experience levels, it’s intermediates who will get the most out of the runs winding past pine trees. Hire a guide to show you around the challenging off-piste areas, or if you’re into freestyling, head to the snow park to practice your flips. There’s even night skiing available, perfect if you haven’t had your fill during the day. Expect the season to run from late November or early December to April.

With The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty as your base, you can easily access the resort in the comfort of a taxi. At the hotel itself, you’ll be knocked out by sublime views of the peaks from the 27^th-floor Sky Bar and Lounge and the 30^th-floor Vista Restaurant. After a day on the slopes, soothe your muscles in the indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and spa – all with those mountain views.

Combine Czechia and Germany in one trip

In Czechia, skiers have the best of both worlds: 30 miles of pistes between the country's largest ski resort and Germany's Fichtelberg (Photo: Marriott International)

Hit two countries in one go at Czechia’s largest ski resort, Klínovec, which is connected to Fichtelberg across the German border. Between the two you’ve got 30 miles of pistes, about half of which are geared towards beginners, and a ski season usually stretching from December to March. It’s 75 miles from Prague – about an hour and a half's drive – where you can stay at the centrally located Courtyard Prague City near the buzzing studenty area of Žižkov. Fill up on hearty Czech cuisine at the hotel’s Farmers’ Market Bar & Grill to refuel after a day on the slopes.

For airport convenience, stay at Courtyard Prague Airport, which is handily located between terminals 1 and 2. There's a train link between the airport and Karlovy Vary, from where Klínovec is only about half an hour's drive away.

The handsome city of Pilsen is about 62 miles from Klínovec, and as the home of Pilsner, it makes an ideal base for beer fans. Stay at Courtyard Pilsen for easy access to the Old Town and lovely city views from the top-floor fitness centre.

East of here await the ski resorts of Moravia, including family-friendly Ski Arena Karlov and its eight miles of slopes. It’s not just the kids who will love the ski cross track and snow park, and there are also 50 miles of groomed cross-country trails. Just two hours' drive south of here, you can enjoy Old Town views in the city of Brno from the modern, conveniently located Courtyard Brno, which serves up international cuisine at The Yard Lounge & Dining. 

Power through Georgia’s perfect snow

Georgia's biggest resort, Gudauri, lies just two hours' drive north of the country's fascinating capital, Tbilisi (Photo: Marriott International)

Wedged between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, Georgia offers high-altitude adventures at its ski resorts in the Caucasus Mountains. The country’s biggest resort, Gudauri, is about a two-hour drive north of the fascinating capital, Tbilisi, which is packed with history and excellent cuisine. From December to April, you can ski and snowboard on Gudauri's 46 miles of trails in the Greater Caucasus. Take the cable car to Kobi Gorge to go off-piste and plunge into a huge expanse of powdery freeride terrain at altitudes that reach nearly 3500 metres. Or for one of Gudauri's biggest thrills, go heliskiing in pristine powder on Mount Kazbegi, a dormant volcano that sits at 5000 metres.

Book a room at Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace and you’ll have Old Tbilisi within easy reach, not to mention beautiful mountain vistas. Relax in the spa and the indoor pool before sampling delicious Georgian cuisine at the ATI Rooftop Restaurant on the 10^th floor. Georgia is one of the world’s oldest wine regions, so be sure to sip some of the country’s finest in Vino Vogue wine shop and tapas bar.

Combine cultural Krakow with skiing Poland's peaks

You can combine a visit to Poland's beautiful city of Krakow with a thrilling trip into the Beskid Slaski mountain range (Photo: Getty Images)

Krakow, Poland’s former cultural capital, is a beauty. It's also just two hours' drive northeast of Silesia’s Beskid Slaski mountain range, home to Szczyrk Mountain Resort – the largest ski resort in Poland. Between Szczyrk and its linked neighbor Beskid Sport Arena, you have 25 miles of mostly easy-going pistes that will appeal to skiers and snowboarders who like a bit of gentle cruising, plus a few black runs for intermediates and experts to tackle. Open from December to March, the resort reaches an altitude of over 1000 metres and also features night skiing.

Head south from Krakow instead and you'll find smaller resorts in the Tatras Mountains near the Slovakian border, namely those surrounding the town of Zakopane. The highest is Kasprowy Wierch; at 2000 metres, it often has snow until early May. It’s a classic spot to get a taste of Polish après-ski, with plenty of lively bars.

In a wonderful location overlooking the Vistula River by Wawel Royal Castle, Sheraton Grand Krakow is an elegant base with a rooftop terrace and a relaxing Sheraton Health Club with an indoor pool. Alternatively, you could try its near neighbor, Stradom House Autograph Collection, which has both the sophisticated Hedwig’s bar and an inviting spa.

Published: October 07, 2024