Poland's mountains hide real gems for nighttime skiing enthusiasts. The first of these is Słotwiny Arena in Krynica-Zdrój, which impresses not only with its excellent skiing conditions, but also with its rich history. This modern resort is located in a place where the first ski lifts were already in operation in the 1930s, and Krynica-Zdroj was called the 'winter capital of Poland'. Today, Slotwiny Arena offers a perfectly prepared, illuminated slope with a length of more than 1,000 meters, which is vibrant in the evenings. The slope is artificially snowed and regularly groomed, which guarantees excellent conditions throughout the winter season.

It is interesting to note that during the construction of the lifts in Słotwiny Arena, the remains of the former toboggan tracks from the interwar period were encountered, when Krynica experienced its first tourist boom. Today, in addition to skiing, the resort is famous for its impressive observation tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the Beskid Sądecki panorama - especially magical after dark, when the surrounding towns and villages light up with thousands of lights.

On the other hand, in the heart of the Silesian Beskid is the intimate but extremely charming SKI Siglany Ski Lift in Wisla. This gem, hidden a bit off the main tourist routes, offers a unique night skiing experience in a more intimate atmosphere. The approximately 650-meter-long slope is perfectly lit and prepared for both beginners and intermediate skiers.

As the hometown of Adam Malysz, Wisla has a deep tradition of winter sports. Few people know that the first skiing competitions were held here as early as 1923, and local mountaineers used skis as a means of transportation much earlier. According to local stories, night skiing with torches was organized here as early as the 19th century during special celebrations. Today, skiing down Siglan's illuminated slopes at night, you can feel the same joy experienced by the first skiers in the area.

One of the most impressive resorts offering night skiing is Winterpol in Zieleniec (part of Duszniki-Zdrój). This ski resort, located at an altitude of over 800 meters above sea level, is famous for its exceptionally long ski season and microclimate reminiscent of Alpine resorts. The history of skiing in Zieleniec dates back to the 1920s, when German residents of the area began to develop skiing infrastructure. After World War II, these traditions were continued, and today Zieleniec is one of the most modern resorts in Poland.

Winterpol offers several perfectly illuminated trails of varying difficulty, which turn into lively ski highways in the evenings. Particularly noteworthy is the main slope with a length of more than 1,500 meters, which, thanks to professional lighting, provides excellent visibility even during heavy snowfall. An interesting fact is that Zieleniec is one of the places with the highest snowfall in Poland - on average it snows here about 150 cm a year, and the snow cover lasts up to 150 days.

Continuing our tour of the best night ski slopes, it is impossible to omit the SKI & SUN resort in Świeradów-Zdrój. This relatively young ski resort, opened in 2008, has quickly become known as one of the most modern in Poland. Located on the slopes of Stog Izerski (1107 meters above sea level), it offers a perfectly lit slope of more than 2,500 meters, which in the evenings turns into a true paradise for night skiing enthusiasts.

Swieradow-Zdroj, known primarily as a spa, has an interesting history associated with winter sports. As early as the 1930s, a modest ski lift operated here, and the town was a popular winter destination for visitors from all over Europe. According to local accounts, nighttime torchlight sleigh rides were organized here between the wars, and were one of the main attractions for visitors. Today, while skiing on the illuminated slopes of SKI & SUN, you can enjoy the panorama of the illuminated town and the Jizera Mountains, which creates a unique atmosphere.

The resort is distinguished by a modern gondola railroad, which efficiently transports skiers to the top even in the evening hours. Worth mentioning is the unique microclimate of the Jizera Mountains, which are famous for their clean air and exceptional snow conditions. Local guides tell the legend of the 'Spirit of the Jizera Mountains', which, according to legends, was said to protect the area from melting snow until late spring. While this is just a legend, the fact is that snow conditions here last an exceptionally long time.

Another point on the map of night skiing is Mieszko Czerwona - Chairlift, also located in Zieleniec. This resort, although smaller than the neighboring Winterpol, offers equally attractive conditions for night skiing. The route, which is about 1,000 meters long, is perfectly prepared and illuminated, allowing safe riding even after dark. The chairlift, from which the resort takes its name, is one of the most modern in the region and provides comfortable transportation to the top of the slopes.

An interesting fact is that the name 'Mieszko' refers to Polish history and the first historical ruler of Poland. According to local stories, during the construction of the ski lift in the 1990s, old coins from the Piast era were found here, which inspired the owners to give this name. Although the story is not scientifically confirmed, it adds to the charm of the place.

Zieleniec as a whole is a phenomenon on a Polish scale - the town is practically entirely devoted to skiing, and the various resorts together form one of the largest ski complexes in the country. Night skiing in Zieleniec is an experience that remains in the memory for a long time - the illuminated slopes contrasting with the dark sky, where on cloudless nights you can admire the stars, create a unique atmosphere.

It is worth mentioning one more curiosity related to Zieleniec - in the 1970s scenes for the cult Polish film 'Sanatorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass' by Wojciech Jerzy Has were shot here. The surreal winter landscapes of Zieleniec were perfectly suited to the film's oneiric atmosphere. Today, skiing at night on the illuminated slopes, you can feel as if you are in a magical, cinematic world.

To complete our list of the best night ski slopes is the Górnik Ski Lift Complex in Rzeczka - a true hidden gem of the Owl Mountains. Located away from the main hiking trails, this intimate resort offers a unique night skiing experience in a more intimate setting. The approximately 900-meter-long trail is perfectly lit and groomed, allowing safe skiing even after dark.

The river and the surrounding area have a fascinating history related to World War II. It was in the Owl Mountains that the Germans conducted the mysterious 'Riese' (Giant) project, building vast underground complexes whose purpose remains a subject of speculation to this day. According to local legends, there are still undiscovered tunnels and chambers in the vicinity of Rzeczka. Although today it is difficult to find traces of these events on the ski slopes, awareness of the rich history of the area adds a mysterious charm to the place.

The Miner resort, although smaller than giants such as Winterpol or SKI & SUN, has its own unique character. The trails are less crowded and the service is more personal. Evening rides on the illuminated slopes of Rzeczka allow you to contemplate the beauty of the Owl Mountains and admire the starry sky, which is exceptionally clear in this place far from big cities.

When comparing all the resorts described, it is worth noting a few key aspects that can help you choose the ideal place for night skiing:

1. length of trails: In this respect, SKI & SUN in Swieradow-Zdroj leads the way with a slope length of more than 2,500 meters. Winterpol in Zieleniec offers a route of about 1,500 meters, while the other resorts have routes of 650-1,000 meters.

2 Infrastructure: The most modern infrastructure can boast SKI & SUN with a gondola lift, and Winterpol and Slotwiny Arena with modern chairlifts. Mieszko Czerwona also offers a comfortable chairlift, while SKI Siglany and Gornik have simpler but fully functional chairlifts.

3 Atmosphere: The most lively and popular slopes are those in Zieleniec (Winterpol and Mieszko Czerwona) and Slotwiny Arena. For those who appreciate a quieter atmosphere, SKI Siglany in Wisla and Górnik in Rzeczka are ideal.

4. affordability: in terms of night ski pass prices, the smaller resorts - SKI Siglany and Gornik (prices in the 'cheap' category) - are the cheapest. Medium prices are offered by Winterpol, Mieszko Czerwona and Słotwiny Arena (the 'medium' category), and the most expensive is SKI & SUN (the 'expensive' category).

5 Additional attractions: Słotwiny Arena is distinguished by its observation tower and proximity to the Krynica-Zdrój spa. SKI & SUN boasts proximity to the spa town of Swieradow-Zdroj. Zieleniec as a whole offers the greatest variety of trails and ski infrastructure, while the Miner in Rzeczka offers proximity to the mysterious World War II underground.

Regardless of the chosen resort, night skiing in the Polish mountains is an experience that remains in the memory for a long time. The rustle of the wind, the creaking snow under your skis, the starry sky overhead and the illuminated slopes create a magical atmosphere that cannot be compared with daytime skiing. It's a great alternative for people who appreciate less crowded slopes, want to make the most of their time in the mountains, or simply enjoy unconventional experiences. Night skiing is also a great option for working people, who can thus enjoy skiing even after work.