Dolnośląskie·Poland
Photo: Aneta Pawska · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Karkonosze are the most alpine mountains in northern Central Europe, a treeless ridge along the Czech border topped by Śnieżka at 1,603 m, with deep glacial cirques like Kocioł Łomniczki gouged out of the Polish side. The snow is often deep and the weather wild, which makes this a serious training ground for Polish ski tourers.
In season: Jan–Mar · Peak: Feb–Mar
Open ridge touring above the dwarf pine and steep descents down to the cirques, which are real avalanche terrain. Strong wind, ice and fog are common, and parts of the national park restrict skiing to marked routes.
The highest summit of the range on skins
Along the Czech border on the western end
The cirque below Śnieżka, avalanche terrain
Base in Karpacz or Szklarska Poręba. Check the park rules and the avalanche bulletin, tour the Szrenica ridge first, and go with a partner or a guide before tackling the cirques.
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