The ski season in the Tatra Mountains is still underway, as evidenced by beautiful shots recorded on Tuesday on Gubałówka in Zakopane. It's worth taking advantage of the sunny weather – some of the Tatra ski slopes will soon be closed. However, tourists going mountain hiking should exercise caution.
On Tuesday morning, the sky over Poland became slightly clearer and the sun appeared from behind the clouds. In parts of the country where snow fell over the weekend and Monday, the morning looked almost like winter. There was 85 centimeters of snow on Kasprowy Wierch on Tuesday morning. In Hala Gąsienicowa, the snow cover reached 31 cm, and in the Valley of Five Polish Ponds – 77 cm. Thinner snow cover also appeared in Podhale.
The authorities of the Tatra National Park reported that there are still difficult conditions for tourism in the higher parts of the Tatra Mountains. There is a layer of fresh snow on the trails, and those above the upper forest line are impassable. An additional difficulty is caused by mountain pine branches “laying” on the trails, which make the passage difficult. Above 1,600 meters above sea level, the second avalanche danger level applies. A layer of fresh snow also appeared in montane areas. It is slippery in many places and there are snowflakes on the trees. Tatra ponds also thaw.
Morning on GubałówkaTVN24
Skiing and nature
For environmental reasons, on Monday, April 29, the area of the Tatra National Park (TPN) will be closed to all forms of skiing, including ski tourism, extreme and downhill skiing, with minor exceptions.
– The snow situation in the higher parts of the Tatra Mountains still pleases skiers, but nature is clearly demanding peace. Marmots have started digging out of their holes, bears are becoming more and more active. In the meadow and mountain pine zones, common gray redpolls, redpolls, bluethroats and black grouses – bird species requiring special protection – will breed. Females of many animal species will soon give birth to their young, the park authorities said.
After April 29, skiing will be possible on the route in Kocioł Gąsienicowy, where the chairlift from Hala Gąsienicowa to the top of Kasprowy Wierch operates. If the conditions are favorable, you will still be able to ski there during the May weekend. You can also go ski touring within the area of Kotło Gąsienicowy. Extreme skiing enthusiasts will be able to follow the red trail on the Czarny Staw pod Rysami – Rysy section. The closing date for this trail to skiers will be announced at a later date.
Main photo source: TVN24