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Speed and the wonderful grace of skiing

Speed and the wonderful grace of skiing

Date: 2017-01-20
I remember the first day my daddy took me to the slopes with my brand new pair of snow skis that I found under the Christmas tree on that fine, crisp winter morning. Oh what excitement! My first ski slope was situated in front of our holiday home and it was a mild and gentle gradient, perfect for my virgin ride. This slope also had a fence at the very bottom, which proved a lifesaver when after a couple of brave rides I believed I was the next world champion slalom skier, the fence prevented me from landing in our neighbour s pond.

It was then that I just fell in love with the idea of being on a beautiful snowy mountain and flying around the terrain on skis. In retrospect, I think I felt the sport offered a higher sense of freedom than any other sport I'd experienced. Early on skiing became my sport because of the sense of freedom I got from it - I could do it completely on my own terms.

I have very fond memories of skiing. My father was a really great skier, having mastered the sport in the army. There is a beautiful photo of my father skiing without a shirt on a ski slope just to the south of our holiday home.

When I was a kid we did not need to go to the ski capital, Zakopane, or any formal ski resort, each ski slope represented a whole lot of fun for hours on end.

It was such an exciting time for me when I introduced my husband and my children to the sport and saw them loving it as much as my family loved it when I was a small child.

What is there not to love For one skiing takes you to beautiful locations. You get to wear funky Martian clothing. And you burn thousands of calories while sliding down slippery slopes.

And skiing is like riding a bicycle, as I found out getting back to the sport after twenty years.

Poland is Europe s most authentic ski destination and is so affordable for the average South African traveller. Zakopane, the ski capital, offers endless fun for all levels of skiers.

The slopes are always well groomed and unchallenging, with friendly, English-speaking instructors on hand. There are challenging slopes for snowboarders like the terrain parks at Witow, Bialka Tatrzanska and Gubalowka, which were stocked with enough jumps and features to keep you busy and exhilarated. There are also steeper slopes, at Kasprowy Wierch, which is worth a try if you are an experienced skier.

Unless you want out-and-out luxury, Zakopane rivals any resort in Europe for off-the-hill charm. It s impossible not to be taken by the region s unique traditional dress, folk music and cuisine. Like everything else in Zakopane, eating out is an absolute bargain, and we took full advantage of the low bar prices too; thanks to those pay-as-you-go lift passes, there was no need to feel guilty about the late start the next morning.

I know a lot of you reading this will think I am biased, being Polish, however it is everything but, (or maybe just a little), having travelled extensively in Europe and having hosted European friends on a number of occasions, my story is confirmed. Poland is one of the most affordable and most beautiful places to visit for your winter wonderland vacation, whether you are skiing or just wanting to enjoy a cold and beautiful white winter escape, think Poland.

If sliding down a frozen mountainside is not your idea of bliss, then Poland has so much more to offer you. With the rich historical background of Poland, there is an endless number of Castles, Cathedrals, Churches and fascinating historical installations you can visit. The mountainous areas are almost always covered in a blanket of white snow during the winter season and the countryside is exceptionally beautiful in the summer.

If it is sophisticated European lifestyle you are looking for, Poland has boundless options for you. From full on orchestras to string quartets, piano recitals of Frederic Chopin and Ignacy Jan Paderewski to Opera recitals, Ballet and an endless list of events.

Make Poland your next European destination, you re sure to fall in love.