Szklarska Poręba, in the Karkonosze (Giant Mountains), offers direct chairlift access to a network of mountain singletrack running down the slopes of this border massif between Poland and the Czech Republic.
A massif served by chairlift
From Szklarska Poręba, the Szrenica chairlift gives access to a network of trails descending toward the valley through the conifer forests typical of the Sudetes. Expect around 20 km of cumulative descending on a typical day, with 500 m of residual climbing, most of the elevation being handled by the lift. The terrain alternates rolling forest tracks with more technical mountain singletrack toward Karpacz.
Getting the ride right
A hardtail suits most of the terrain. Weather conditions at altitude, on this massif exposed to prevailing winds, can change quickly even in summer: it’s worth checking the forecast before heading onto the higher singletrack.
When to go
May to October, the season the chairlift dedicated to summer activities is open. Summer offers the best conditions, with dense forest providing shade on hot days.
Good to know
Szklarska Poręba, a well-equipped mid-mountain resort, offers a decent choice of accommodation, with convenient access to Jelenia Góra and the nearby Czech border for extending the stay in the Karkonosze range.
