Poland

Mountains frame almost the entire length of Poland's south-eastern border with the Czech Republic and Slovakia and this is where the country's six main ski centres can be found.

Skiing and snowboarding in Poland is pretty established, but like many of its Baltic neighbours, infrastructure is what sets it aside from ski resorts in the Alps.

Of course not everybody wants to spend a week in a Meribel or St Anton, with its cloned timber work and gleaming copper-lined guttering. The Grzane Wino (that's vin chaud to the uninitiated) is just as hot in Poland, and the vodka's ... well ... a lot better. "Na zdrowie!"

The most alpine-like ski resort in Poland is Zakopane, in the very south of the country. The town is referred to as Poland's winter capital and with good reason - it's well equipped, with good tuition and a number of ski hire shops.

There's plenty of terrain for beginners and intermediates up to about 1,400 metres (4,593 feet). Experienced riders and thrill seekers can catch a cable car up to 2,600 meters (8,530 feet).

Other ski areas in Poland to note include the nearby Silesian Beskid, as well as a cluster of ski resorts in the Bieszczady Mountains to the south east including Polonina Wetlinska, Polonina Carynska, Mt Szeroki Wierch, Mts Wielka and Mala Rawka. Krakow's your nearest international airport here, but expect transfers upwards of two hours.

In the south west, you've got a choice between Zieleniec and the Massif of Mt Snieznik. These resorts are probably better served by Katowice Airport.

Cost

Food and accommodation in Poland is still great value. You can get a one-day adult lift pass for as little as 20 Zlotys (US$9).

Getting here

Your main airports for ski resorts in Poland are Krakow and Katowice. A good number of airlines fly direct from major European cities.