Zakopane 2023: Chocholowska Valley Sleigh Ride
Dolina ChochoĊowska (The Chocholowska Valley) is the longest valley in the Tatra Mountains. It is often thought of as one of the most beautiful valleys in Europe. A popular destination for hikers all year round, in the winter months it offers you the opportunity to explore the valley on a traditional horse drawn sleigh ride.
We booked our tickets in advance through the Kuligi Website. After meeting our guides in the car park (15 Zloty charge) we settled in to our sled. The driver provided us with a blanket to keep our legs warm, Oscypek, (a local snack of smoked cheese made of salted sheep milk), a small bottle of flavoured vodka or a carton of apple juice for the children.
The 1 hour sleigh ride follows the route of the Chocholowski Potok mountain stream through the scenic valley. The surroundings are truly spectacular. To start the ride passes snow-topped wooden lodges, some of them selling local produce and gifts. As the journey continues, you find yourselves surrounded by woodland. Through the snow laden trees you are able to catch glimpses of the stream and the valley walls. All too quickly we reach the halfway point and the sleds are turned to retrace their route. As the light was starting to fade we were given fire torches to light the way back. The torches further enhanced the magical feeling that we were all feeling.
As the sleigh ride comes to an end, you arrive at a Highlander encampment. Here you are able to enjoy a 2 hour feast held around several firepits. Food for the feast includes unlimited sausages, bread and Oscypek. All of which can be roasted over an open fire. Hot tea is included and you are able to purchase a selection of alcoholic drinks from your hosts. Accompanying music is supplied by a traditional Gooral band. The entertainment was in Polish which slightly excluded us, but we did get a idea of what was happening.
