What to wear on a sleigh ride in Zakopane: clothes for the sleigh and the bonfire

5 November 2026

For a sleigh ride, dress more warmly than you would for an ordinary winter walk. You sit still for a long time in the sleigh, and you can spend up to two hours outdoors by the bonfire. So it is not only the temperature that matters, but also wind, damp and the time you spend without moving much. Think about clothes for both parts of the evening, not just for the photo in the sleigh.

Why can you get colder on a sleigh ride than on a walk?

When you walk, your muscles produce heat. In a sleigh you sit still, so even a light frost feels colder. Hands, feet and knees get cold first. On open ground the wind makes it feel colder still.

The SANIE.pl programme includes about an hour by traditional sleigh through the Chochołowska Valley and about two hours of feasting at the bonfire. That matters when you choose your clothes: even though part of the evening is spent by the fire, you are outdoors on a winter night the whole time.

How to layer up so you stay warm and comfortable

The simplest outfit is a layer that wicks moisture, an insulating layer and a jacket that protects against wind and snow. Thermal underwear helps when it fits closely and does not hold moisture against the skin. Over it you can wear a fleece or a wool jumper, with a winter jacket on top.

If you want to dress smartly for photos, sort out the practical layer first. A loose coat with no neck protection may look good, but you will get cold faster sitting in the sleigh. There is no need to buy specialist ski clothing for one sleigh ride, though. What counts is real protection from cold and damp.

Which boots work for the ride and the bonfire?

The best choice is full winter boots with insulation, a waterproof upper and a sole with good grip. On the way to the sleigh or the bonfire the ground can be slippery or wet. Leave shoes with thin, smooth soles for another occasion.

Socks should insulate but must not squeeze your foot inside the boot. Two very thick pairs in tight boots can make you less comfortable rather than more. Before you set off, check that you can move your toes freely.

How to protect your hands, head and neck from the cold

A hat that covers your ears, winter gloves and a scarf or neck warmer matter even when the daytime temperature seems mild. Spare gloves for a child and a warmer pair of socks to change into can come in handy.

A small backpack is practical for water, tissues, essential medication and a spare layer. If you take photos on your phone, remember that cold can shorten battery life.

What to bring to the bonfire

Wear clothes you do not mind smelling of smoke. Keep long, loose scarves and flammable synthetic accessories away from the fire. If you plan to roast a sausage, choose gloves that are easy to take off for eating.

SANIE.pl offers a feast with regional food, music and entertainment. Even so, the warmth of the bonfire will not replace proper clothing for the whole evening.

Should you dress differently when there is no snow?

Even above freezing it can be damp and windy. SANIE.pl says that if there is not enough snow, the sleighs are replaced by horse-drawn carriages and the rest of the programme goes ahead unchanged. In that case boots that cope with wet ground and a jacket that keeps out rain matter most.

Checklist for a sleigh ride

Prepare clothes for a long time sitting outdoors: insulated boots, layers, a hat, gloves and neck protection. Before you set off, check the forecast for the Chochołowska Valley, not only for the centre of Zakopane.

You will find details of the whole evening in the sleigh ride programme.