We like to make life easier for ourselves by creating simple schemes about people and the reality around us. Consequently, it is easiest to think that there is a sea on the coast, mountains in the Tatras, and lakes in Masuria. Further on, we associate surfing with staying by the sea, yachts with lakes, and skiing with mountain views. The problem arises when something reaches our minds that contradicts the established patterns and we hear about skiing in Masuria.
We must abandon stereotypes and open ourselves to the possibility of creating new schemes and going skiing not in the mountains. Not everyone has to be fond of water sports or the aquatic environment to spend a holiday in Masuria. Moreover, there is more to do in this region of our country not only in summer. Skiing enthusiasts can also find something for themselves. So where to go for skiing in Masuria? As it turns out, this region offers very well-prepared, illuminated slopes as well as exceptional cross-country trails.
Ski resorts where we can ski include, for example, Mrągowo, where the Four Winds Hill is located, or Gołdap on the Beautiful Hill. Traveling to Giżycko, which is, after all, the sailing capital situated between Lake Niegocin and Lake Kisajno, you can count on a holiday resort with a rich tourist offer, including winter and skiing-related activities. In winter, besides ice sailing or sleigh rides, you can also enjoy cross-country or downhill skiing around Giżycko.
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Forest trails perfectly suit cross-country skiing, allowing you to admire Masuria's picturesque landscapes. Anyone can practice it without special preparation, with equipment rented on-site. Downhill skiing, on the other hand, might end badly without instructional lessons. Cross-country skiing is a great workout that strengthens legs, and practiced in the forest or fields away from urban areas, it allows you to be outdoors and get some fresh air. The prerequisite for practicing it is adequate snow cover on the trails, which are extensive and winding like forest paths. If there isn't enough snow, you can run, but without skis. These areas cannot be artificially snowed like downhill slopes, so if the weather conditions are insufficient, ski slopes remain the option.
Either way, skiing enthusiasts don’t have to miss their favorite attractions while spending winter in Masuria. Concerning cross-country skiing, for instance, between Giżycko and Olecko lies the village of Łękuk Mały, where trails totaling 60 km are marked out (including 3 for classical skiing and 4 cross-country tracks). The terrain in Masuria generally favors all sorts of running. Frozen lakes and hilly ground are great even for beginners in this sport. As mentioned, skiing in Masuria also involves ski lifts and downhill slopes.
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About 20 minutes from Giżycko is the village of Wydminy. There you will find the Morenowa Ski Station Okrągłe. It is a family business combined with a mini zoo and the Sielanka guesthouse. There are 4 downhill slopes: a red one, which is difficult and 400 m long, two easy blue ones, one 700 m and the other 300 m, and a 100-meter training field for beginners. All are lit, artificially snowed, and groomed. Those interested in night skiing can count on slopes open after 11 PM. There are rental shops and ski equipment service, as well as a ski school where individual and group lessons are held. Skiing and snowboarding competitions for amateurs also take place there. The area is also equipped with parking for 400 cars.
So from today, the phrase “skiing in Masuria” no longer sounds strange. We are glad that when considering a holiday or winter break, we can enjoy our favorite form of recreation both among mountainous landscapes and lakes. We are even happier knowing not everyone knows about it yet, allowing us to enjoy the lack of crowds on trails and slopes or queues for lifts. If you usually live in the mountains, skiing in Masuria will be an interesting variation.
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