Malinka Ski Slope

Malinka Ski Slope near Zgierz is no longer in operation. Ski Park Malinka closed in early 2022, after approximately twenty years of operation. The ski lifts have been dismantled, and skiing on this slope is now only a memory. The Malinka site itself continues to operate, but as a year-round sports and recreation facility for the city of Zgierz.

Why the slope closed

Marek Zajączkowski, who ran the facility and owned the PPHU Corado company, did not renew his lease agreement with the city. He cited warm winters in central Poland and the resulting unprofitability of maintaining the slope as the reason. He announced at the time that the ski lifts and remaining infrastructure would be dismantled and moved to a location with more reliable weather conditions. After Malinka closed, the nearest place to ski in the region remained Góra Kamieńsk.

What the facility was like

The ski runs were laid out on the slope of Góra Wilamowska, about one kilometre from Zgierz on the road towards Kutno, surrounded by forests and with a beach at its foot. Following an expansion completed in autumn 2013, two runs with T-bar lifts were marked out on the slope: a shorter one 250 metres long and a longer one 450 metres long. Previously, a twelve-metre platform elevated the hilltop, which was then removed, extending the run by 120 metres instead.

The facility had snow cannons and a snow grooming machine, and lighting allowed evening skiing. There were ski and snowboard hire shops on site, instructors taught both adults and children, and there was a bar serving hot food with a fireplace. For many residents of Łódź and Zgierz, it was their first experience of skiing before later trips to the mountains.

What is there now

The Malinka Sports and Recreation Centre, established in 1965 and covering over 71 hectares, underwent a thorough renovation and opened in June 2021 after a two-year closure. It is managed by MOSiR in Zgierz. There are two water bodies, a swimming beach with jetties and a paddling pool for children, a water play area, beach volleyball courts, basketball and mini-football pitches, beach soccer courts, a golf driving range, a pumptrack, a walking trail, and a kayak, boat and pedal boat hire. Water in the beach is supplied by a stream flowing from higher pools and naturally filtered.

Where to ski instead of Malinka

Winter alternatives in Łódź itself are limited, but the trampoline park Stacja Grawitacja offers year-round physical activities for children and young people.

When the weather is unsuitable for outdoor activities, Aquapark Fala near the park at Zdrowie is also worth considering.

For a longer outing with children on cold days, it is worth considering the Palm House of the Botanical Garden, open year-round.

Practical information

• Status: ski slope closed, Ski Park Malinka facility ceased operations in early 2022, ski lifts have been dismantled. Do not plan a skiing trip here.
• Location: Malinka Sports and Recreation Centre in Zgierz, on ul. Malinka, north of the city, on the route to Piątek and Kutno. The facility is managed by MOSiR Zgierz.
• Getting there: from Łódź through Zgierz on the road towards Kutno, there are car parks on site.
• What to expect: in summer, a swimming beach with lifeguards, sports courts, a pumptrack and water sports equipment hire; outside the season, walking trails around the pools. Swimming beach and hire opening hours depend on the season and weather, so check them on the MOSiR Zgierz website before visiting.