The mountain is home to a unique pumped-storage hydroelectric plant where the upper reservoir is located directly on the summit.
The funicular railway currently in use was relocated to Góra Żar from the Gubałówka line in Zakopane following a modernization project.
Góra Żar is a historic hub for Polish gliding; the airfield at the base has operated since the 1930s.
The upper reservoir is a rectangular concrete pool that can hold approximately 2.3 million cubic meters of water.
The site hosts an aviation-themed park and offers tandem paragliding flights for visitors.
The mountain was named 'Góra Żar' (Heat Mountain) due to the local phenomenon of warm air currents rising along the slopes.
Góra Żar is a prominent mountain peak in the Beskid Mały range, accessible via a funicular railway that operates on tracks formerly used for a different rail system. The summit is home to an upper reservoir for the Porąbka-Żar pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant, which is the only facility of its kind in Poland located on a mountain top. The site serves as a year-round hub for glider pilots and paragliders, benefiting from favorable thermals. In winter, the north-facing slope functions as a ski resort with artificial snow-making capabilities and a conveyor belt for beginners. Hikers utilize the peak as a starting point for trails leading to the neighboring Kiczera and Rogacz summits. The area provides views of the Żywiec Basin and the artificial Międzybrodzkie Lake below. It is a center for aviation enthusiasts due to the active glider school located at the mountain's base.
The perimeter path around the upper water reservoir, offering a 360-degree panoramic view.
Bring polarized sunglasses to manage the high-altitude glare from the reservoir water.
Check local wind conditions before visiting if you intend to hike, as the summit is often exposed and significantly windier than the base.
Use the funicular to ascend, but consider the marked hiking trails for a scenic descent.
Attempting to hike the steeper, unofficial paths during or immediately after rain, as the terrain becomes slippery and prone to erosion.
The funicular operates seasonally and is subject to closure during extreme weather conditions or scheduled technical maintenance, often occurring in the shoulder seasons.
Avoid walking on the embankments of the upper reservoir as they are restricted infrastructure areas.
