Our "Girls of…" series this time takes us to the heart of the Tatra Mountains, to Zakopane—a place many of us remember as magical. It's here we took our first steps on skis, spent winter holidays, and fell in love with the regional culture. This time, we discover Zakopane through the eyes of local girls—those who grew up close to nature, surrounded by traditional music, architecture, art, and crafts.

Our first feature is Hanka Krzeptowska-Marusarz, an artist and skiing enthusiast. Hanka was born and raised in Zakopane, in a family with generations-old ties to the Tatras. She tells us about her deep connection to this place, her love for the trail beneath the Reglami, and the hidden corners of Zakopane where time seems to flow more slowly. “Zakopane has preserved a forgotten romance from the past; there are so many quiet, hidden places untouched by tourists,” she says.

The Magical World of the Five Ponds

Hanka also took us to the Valley of Five Ponds, a place that for her symbolizes beauty and harmony with nature. There, along with her mother and aunt, she welcomes those who share their love for the Tatras. “The Five Ponds carry a multi-generational romance,” she shares. It’s a place where time moves differently, and each season brings something new. “The peaks are already white, lower down everything is a dark red, and at the base, there’s green dwarf pine and the ponds that haven’t yet frozen over.”

Having grown up close to nature, Hanka observes the changes each season brings. What’s most special to her is the intensity of experiences that nature provides—something she never feels in the city. The Five Ponds are not only unique for their landscape but also for the tremendous effort Hanka’s mother and aunt put into creating a sustainable, self-sufficient environment there. It’s a warm, welcoming place where Hanka, her family, friends, and tourists alike build intergenerational bonds year after year.

A Life Full of Passion

For Hanka, life in Zakopane is not only about a deep connection to nature but also to highlander culture and tradition. This background shapes her personality and gives meaning to each day. “I wouldn’t be who I am if I hadn’t grown up here,” she says proudly. Although Hanka no longer lives in Zakopane full-time, it’s the place she feels most connected to.

“Life is best when you can ski,” Hanka says. This passion has accompanied her since childhood, just like her love for art, which allows her to express herself and her feelings for the Tatras. In the Valley of Five Ponds, surrounded by nature and her loved ones, Hanka finds her strength and balance, and each encounter with this place is a unique experience for her.

During this visit to Zakopane, thanks to Hanka and her family, we discovered that Zakopane is much more than picturesque views and highlander cottages. It’s a place where nature and tradition intertwine, creating a unique space full of authenticity, warmth, and shared bonds.

Thank you, Hanka!