Cross-country skiing in Suwalszczyzna

Photo: Pawel Wojtyczka · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 pl)

~3 days

Why go

Suwalszczyzna is the pole of cold of lowland Poland, with the most reliable snow outside the mountains. Groomed tracks run through the forests of Wigry National Park, and the open glacial hills of the Suwałki Landscape Park make some of the most scenic cross-country skiing in the country.

When

In season: Jan–Mar · Peak: Feb

Who it’s for

Skill

Beginner–Intermediate

Effort

Moderate

Suitable from

8+ · Kid+

Crowds

Empty

Cost

What to expect

Gentle forest loops and rolling open hills, with a longer circuit round Lake Hańcza for stronger skiers. Snow varies from winter to winter, so check conditions before travelling.

Routes

What the difficulty bands mean

easy: Accessible with basic fitness; no technical skills or exposure.
moderate: Sustained effort or some exposure; comfort on the terrain expected.

Wigry National Park tracks
easy
Groomed trails through forest and along the frozen lake
Suwałki Landscape Park moraine loops
moderate
Open glacial hills, the most scenic skiing in Poland
Lake Hańcza circuit
moderate
Round the deepest lake in the country on snow

How to start

Base in Suwałki, Stary Folwark or Smolniki. Start on the groomed tracks in Wigry National Park, then ski the moraine loops of the landscape park on a clear day.