The Challenge

Do something different for your group or charity and make a difference while you hike through the enchanting Bieszczady range of the Carpathian mountains on snow shoes, exploring traditional local hospitality and culture as you go.

Poland has been in the European Union since 2004 and, as yet, is a relatively unknown tourist destination.

A country of contrasts, from regions of heavy industry, pollution and communist architecture to regions characterised by their savage beauty, large forests (including the oldest forest in Europe), crystal clear lakes, white sand beaches and mountains.

The Carpathian Mountain range is a long mountainous crescent which extends from the Czech Republic to Romania, passing through Slovakia, Poland and the Ukraine. The range stretches across 450km of southern Poland and our challenge takes place in the range of Bieszczady, in the east of Poland, on the border with the Ukraine and Slovakia.

Bieszczady is perfect for snow shoe hiking, the mountains here are gentle, without steep slopes, and with wonderful views.

During this week-long trip you will hike for five and half days, hiking between 4 to 7 hours per day. No previous experience is necessary!

Late afternoons and evenings will be spent discovering local folklore, exploring wooden churches, enjoying trips in sleighs, traditional outdoor barbecues and highland songs and dances. Accommodation en route will be in hostels, hotels and ski lodges, all of which are comfortable and enchanting examples of local wooden architecture.

At the end of your hike, you’ll spend a night and morning in Krakow, the most beautiful city in Poland, with time to wander the narrow streets and explore the Jewish Quarter.