Janosik Winter Race 2027

Looking for a winter challenge that will test your limits in the harsh Beskid–Tatra climate, while also enchanting you with an incredible highlander atmosphere? 

Janosik Winter Race (the winter edition of the iconic Ultra Janosik) is an absolute banger in the mountain-running calendar 🏅! The race course, with the start and finish most often located near the picturesque Niedzica or Łapsze Wyżne, leads along frozen, snow-covered ridgelines of the Polish Spisz region and the Pieniny Mountains, offering one of the most beautiful panoramas of the snow-capped Tatra Mountains. Technical, slippery descents, deep snow, icy wind, and dynamic distances (from a dozen or so kilometers up to a demanding winter marathon) await you—where running microspikes and mental toughness are an absolute must 🏁.

Niedzica and the Polish Spisz is a magical historic region located right next to the Podhale region and the Pieniny Mountains. Getting there is very convenient: from Nowy Targ you can reach it in about 30 minutes, from Zakopane in 45 minutes, and from Kraków via the two-lane Zakopianka road in under two hours 🚗. Once you proudly cross the finish line with a unique wooden-and-metal brigand-style medal, this picturesque region will offer you brilliant winter relaxation:

A winter history lesson with the family on site: Two spectacular castles dominate the area, separated by Lake Czorsztyn. Be sure to visit the majestic Niedzica Castle (Dunajec) 🏰, linked to legends of an Incan treasure and the ghost of the White Lady. For kids, a walk through the castle chambers and a visit to the massive dam with a three-dimensional image (the “power of the elements” effect) is a guarantee of a successful, not physically demanding afternoon.

Romantic soaking in thermal pools for two: After a grueling effort in sub-zero temperatures, your muscles will be dreaming of warmth. Take your better half to the nearby Terma Bania in Białka Tatrzańska or the Chochołowskie Thermal Baths 💆‍♂️. Lounging in hot thermal water while snow lies all around and the setting sun glows over the Tatras in the background is pure paradise—and the best possible recovery after a brigand’s run.

A winter cruise or a walk along the lake: Go for a winter stroll along the shore of Lake Czorsztyn or, if conditions allow, take a tourist boat cruise between the castles in Niedzica and Czorsztyn 🚢. The calm, icy surface of the water and the stark, snow-covered limestone cliffs of the Pieniny create an incredible, romantic microclimate.

A real highlander feast for a massive hunger: A winter mountain run will drain the last of your energy, so it’s time for a no-compromises calorie refill 🤔! In local taverns, be sure to order traditional Spisz–highlander hits: warming, tangy kwaśnica on smoked ribs, filling brigand’s potato pancakes with beef stew and lots of oscypek, or traditional dumplings with bryndza—and to top it off, hot tea with a shot (or raspberry juice) to warm you up.

Check your microspikes, pack warm thermal layers, bring your brigand humor, and report to the start line … 🏔️ Janosik is waiting to test your character!