Janosik Winter Race

Are you up for a winter challenge that pushes your limits in the rugged climes of the Beskides and the Tatras, while delighting you with an incredible mountain vibe?

Janosik Winter Race (the winter version of the legendary Ultra Janosik) is a real showstopper on the mountain race calendar 🏅! The course, with starts and finishes usually near the picturesque Niedzica or Łapsze Wyżne, winds its way along the frozen and snowy ridges of the Polish Spisz and the Pieniny, offering one of the most spectacular views of the snowy Tatras. Here you’ll encounter technical,滑滑 and deep snow descents, biting winds, and dynamic distances (from about ten kilometers up to a demanding winter marathon), where mini-trail crampons and sheer grit are absolutely essential 🏁.

Niedzica and the Polish Spisz region is a magical historic area right next to the Podhale and the Pieniny. Access is very convenient: from Nowy Targ it’s about 30 minutes, from Zakopane 45 minutes, and from Kraków via the two-lane “Zakopianka” in under two hours 🚗. Once you proudly cross the finish line with your one-of-a-kind wooden-and-metal badge, this picturesque region will offer you a wonderful winter relaxation moment:

A winter history lesson with the whole family, on-site: Two spectacular castles overlook the surroundings, separated by Czorsztyn Lake. Be sure to visit the majestic Niedzica Castle (Dunajec) 🏰, associated with legends of a treasure and the spirit of the White Lady. For kids, a stroll through the castle halls and a visit to the powerful dam with a 3D image (elemental power effect) guarantees a successful afternoon, without particular physical exertion.

A Romantic Hot Spring Bath for Two : After a grueling effort in freezing temperatures, your muscles will crave warmth. Take your partner to the Termy Bania in Białka Tatrzańska or to the Chochołów Thermal Baths 💆‍♂️. Soaking in boiling thermal waters while the snow sits outside and the Tatras glow in the sunset in the background is pure paradise and the best possible recovery after this bandit race.

Winter cruise or a lakeside stroll : Take a winter stroll along the Czorsztyn Lake or, if conditions allow, enjoy a sightseeing boat cruise between Niedzica and Czorsztyn castles 🚢. The tranquil, glassy surface of the water, along with the rugged, snow-covered rocks of the Pieniny, create an incredibly romantic microclimate.

A true mountain feast for a huge appetite : A winter mountain race will squeeze out your last energy reserves, so it’s time for a no-compromise caloric refill 🤔! In the local inns, be sure to order the classic Sliško-Mountain staples: the comforting and tangy kwaśnica with smoked ribs, the nourishing placki po zbójnicku with beef ragout and a good dose of oscypek, or traditional pierogi with bryndza; and, to warm up, hot tea with honey (or raspberry syrup).

Check your mini-crampons, pack warm and thermal layers, bring your bandit mood, and show up at the start… 🏔️ Janosik awaits to test your character!