Spytkowice: Skiing, History and Views

The Beskid Ski Area has four slopes of easy and intermediate difficulty, as well as a separate practice slope for young beginners. Depending on natural snow conditions, cross-country trails are 2 to 5 kilometers long. Local history is represented by a memorial stone on Gronik, a battle trail of the 12th Infantry Regiment, a memorial site at Primary School No. 1, and an open-air museum with historical beekeeping exhibits.

The four slopes at the Beskid Ski Area are designated for easy and intermediate runs. There is also a separate practice slope for young beginners: it is wide and gentle, separated from the other slopes, and equipped with an 80-meter-long conveyor belt. This makes it possible to choose between the regular slopes and a separate practice area according to each learner’s level.

Those who prefer cross-country skiing will find trails ranging from 2 to 5 kilometers long. They are suitable for beginners and experienced skiers and offer views of Babia Góra. The trails are prepared when there is sufficient natural snow; this condition should be taken into account when planning.

A memorial stone on Gronik marks the place where Lieutenant Stefaniszyn lost his life. It is also a site for local patriotic commemorations. To walk there, follow the route near the cemetery; after the first turn off the road, there is still about 700 meters to cover on foot.

The parish cemetery contains the grave and tombstone of Lieutenant Tadeusz Stefaniszyn, who fell on September 2, 1939. Another historic route is the battle trail of the 12th Infantry Regiment. It begins at Primary School No. 2 in Spytkowice Dolne and ends at the cemetery in Spytkowice. Along the way, it passes through valleys following the Polish defensive line from September 1939.

An annual Way of the Cross is also part of local remembrance: residents of Spytkowice and nearby places take part to mark the anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II. It is solemnly led by Father Józef Hajnos and the Spytkowice branch of the Związek Podhalan.

The Izba Pamięci Narodowej, a memorial site dedicated to local history, is located at Primary School No. 1, opposite the church in Spytkowice. It opened in 1971. Its exhibits include the school patron’s posthumously awarded Virtuti Militari Cross, photographs, the patron’s business card, and sports medals.

Behind the municipal office is an open-air museum with historical beekeeping exhibits. Many of the beehives there are more than 150 years old; Józef Różański began collecting them in 1975. Art lovers will also find the Gallery of Saint Ambrose at Pasieka Pod Lasem. It features more than 100 works by professional, amateur, folk, and child artists.

The Karczma widokowa na stoku offers views of Babia Góra, Spytkowice, Jordanów, and the Tatra Mountains at different times of the year. This viewpoint adds a scenic highlight alongside the historic sites and winter sports options. Which of these draws you to spend time there depends on whether you would rather spend your time on the slopes, exploring local history, or taking in the views.

How many slopes does the Beskid Ski Area have?

The Beskid Ski Area has four slopes of easy and intermediate difficulty.

When are the cross-country trails prepared?

The trails, which are 2 to 5 kilometers long, are prepared when there is sufficient natural snow.

How long is the walk to the memorial stone on Gronik?

After the first turn off the road, there is still about 700 meters to walk.

What can you see at the Izba Pamięci Narodowej?

The memorial site, which opened in 1971, preserves, among other things, the school patron’s posthumously awarded Virtuti Militari Cross, photographs, the patron’s business card, and sports medals.

For the broader travel overview: Bad Rabka.