Ski Resorts
Ski resorts in the Czech Republic: Giant Mountains, Ore Mountains, Bohemian Forest and Jeseníky Mountains
The Czech Republic is best known for the unique city of Prague, its beer culture, castles and fortresses, music and its culinary specialities. However, its ski resorts also impress with numerous options and a wide variety of offerings. In this article, we introduce you to some of the ski resorts and hope to help you get closer to finding the right destination for you.
Ski resorts in the Giant Mountains
Špindlerův Mlýn (Spindlermühle) ski resort
The Špindlerův Mlýn ski resort is located in the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše). It is one of the best-known winter sports destinations in the Czech Republic and is ideal for families with children. The season runs from early December to early April. Depending on the location, the altitude ranges from 715 to 1,235 m. The skiing options are impressive not only for the 28 km of slopes (around 10 km easy, 16 km intermediate and just under 2 km black runs), but also for the state-of-the-art lifts, après-ski, snow parks and night skiing. In addition, the snowmaking is top-notch – around 95% of the runs can be artificially maintained, making the season more reliable.
Away from the slopes, there are also more than 85 km of cross-country trails and numerous marked routes for ski touring, as well as for winter hiking through the beautiful Krkonoše landscape.
The resort is known for regular international winter sports events such as the World Cup race and various snowboard tournaments (including competitions in the European and World Cup series).
Harrachov
With around 8 km of slopes, Harrachov is one of the smaller ski resorts in the Czech Republic. The season runs from mid-December to mid-March. The runs are mostly easy to intermediate, making them very suitable for ski beginners and families with children. However, there is also a 1.3 km run for professionals, so there is something for everyone.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are more than 100 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails for winter sports fans with cross-country skis. A small snow park with various rails and jumps is ideal for snowboarding and freestyling, adding to the range of activities.
If you'd like a short break from skiing, or if skiing simply isn't your thing, you can also take a walk to the Mumlava Waterfall in Harrachov. This is a ten-metre-wide waterfall that is easily accessible even in the snow, allowing you to enjoy the winter landscape.
Černá hora – Janské Lázně ski resort
The Černá hora – Janské Lázně ski resort is the largest connected winter sports area in the Czech Republic. With just one ski pass, you can visit five linked areas:
Pec pod Sněžkou
Černý Důl
Svoboda nad Úpou
Malá Úpa
Velká Úpa
Depending on the location, the altitude of the slopes ranges from 643 m to 1,260 m. In addition to the 17.5 km of groomed runs, there are also 2.5 km of ski slopes for freeriders.
Some of the extras this ski resort offers include: evening skiing (on the illuminated "Protěž" slope), a 3.5 km long toboggan run ("Cerna Hora sledge run") for day and night rides, and activities in special children's areas. These include magic carpets, entertainment programmes, snow tubing and ski lessons. In addition to 80–95% of the runs, 50–70 km of cross-country trails in the region are also artificially covered with snow for cross-country skiers, ensuring greater winter reliability.
This resort offers a balanced combination of family-friendliness and varied slopes for all levels. The modern infrastructure and diverse activities make Černá hora – Janské Lázně an attractive alternative to more expensive Alpine resorts. Perfect for a rewarding winter experience.
Pec pod Sněžkou ski resort
In the eastern Giant Mountains, right below Sněžka, lies the Pec pod Sněžkou ski resort. The altitude varies depending on the location (830 m up to 1,215 m). The main slope, "Javor," is considered the longest in the Czech Republic. The ski resort is open daily from around 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, and the season runs from early December to early April.
Of course, there are other highlights besides skiing and snowboarding. Evening or night skiing is possible on the illuminated Javor slope and the "U Lesa" slope. There is also a fun line with a tunnel, steep curves, and a race track with timing and radar. In addition, there is the snow park (G-Shock Park) with rails, boxes, big airs and a jibbing zone, which is particularly attractive for freestylers.
In the lower part of the ski resort is the LIVE Park, which is specially designed for beginners and children. Magic carpets, ski lessons, rental stations and easy slopes give even the youngest visitors the opportunity to try something new.
Not only the ski resort but also the village of Pec offers numerous dining options, accommodation, après-ski, and wellness facilities such as an ice rink, pool, tubing, and a bobsleigh run. Pec pod Sněžkou is part of the largest ski resort in the Czech Republic and impresses with, among other things, over 50 km of connected slopes that can be used with the same ski pass. The resort is particularly popular with families, sporty skiers and snowboarders, but the location is also ideal for night skiing and fun skiing.
Černý Důl ski resort
The Černý Důl ski resort, like the Pec pod Sněžkou ski resort, is one of the five areas of the Černá hora – Janské Lázně ski resort. Černý Důl is one of the smaller areas and mainly offers easy slopes for skiing and snowboarding. The ski season at Černý Důl usually begins in early December and lasts until early April, depending on snow conditions. The area specialises in families and beginners and is home to the largest children's ski park in the region. Despite the predominantly easier runs, there are also more challenging routes and a slope with timing.
Svoboda nad Úpou ski resort
The Svoboda nad Úpou area is more suited to relaxed skiing. Easy slopes invite leisurely runs. The main season usually runs from late November to early March. Night skiing is also offered as a highlight. However, the area is more suitable for families and relaxed skiing. So, if you'd rather ski fast or need a challenge, you should visit one of the other areas.
Malá Úpa ski resort
The Malá Úpa ski resort offers 3.6 km of slopes at altitudes ranging from 992 to 1,250 m. The main season usually runs from December to March, although January and February are often the snowiest months. It is also one of the five connected areas. The runs range from easy to intermediate in difficulty, and there are two SkiMU parks with trained staff for beginners.
Velká Úpa ski resort
The last of the five areas is the Velká Úpa ski resort. There, you can ski and snowboard from late November to early March. The area is home to a ski school with a children's slope, a LIVE Park for children with a carpet lift, fantastic views, evening skiing and a run with a large difference in altitude. Even though this is one of the smaller areas, it offers a lot, and especially the little ones among you will have a wide range of options.
Plešivec (Pleßberg) ski resort
The Plešivec ski resort is located between the villages of Pstruží and Abertamy, and is therefore not far from the German border. The Plešivec ski resort has a planned season from 5 December to 14 March. The summit reaches an altitude of 1,028 m. The ski resort is one of the most modern in the Czech Republic and has been operating in its current form since 2014. With 9 ski slopes totalling 11-12 km in length, there is plenty of variety for beginners and advanced skiers alike. About 69% of the runs are easy, 21% intermediate and 10% difficult.
A major advantage is the large practice area with four magic carpets for children (the largest in the Czech Republic). There is also a snow/freestyle park. Night skiing is possible, as around 7 km of the slopes are illuminated and regularly opened for night skiing. A free snow park offers additional options for snowboarders and freestylers.
The excellent facilities, free parking, fair prices and the cosy mountain restaurant make Plešivec a popular destination for day trips and longer ski holidays. The ski resort is open daily from around 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and the season runs from mid-December to mid-March.
Skiing in the Ore Mountains
Klínovec (Keilberg) ski resort
Keilberg (1,244 m) is one of the highest peaks in the Ore Mountains. It is home to the largest ski centre in the region and offers around 31.5 km of ski slopes. Since merging with the Neklid (Boží Dar) area, the resort has expanded significantly, and around 90% of the slopes are covered with artificial snow. The season usually runs from early December to mid-April.
Night skiing is possible on some days. On around 1.5 to 2 km of illuminated slopes, you can ski down the runs again under different lighting conditions and enjoy a changed view. A large snow park with a halfpipe is another highlight, hosting international snowboarding events. For families, there are also children's and practice lifts, several conveyor belts (magic carpets), a toboggan run and fun areas in the valley. There is also a special feature when it comes to getting there, as there are regular ski bus connections linking the ski resort with the neighbouring German area of Fichtelberg.
A trip to Keilberg is definitely worth it. Klínovec combines modern lift systems, great variety and excellent snow reliability, along with affordable prices and a short journey from Germany or the Czech Republic. In addition, the offering can be combined with the neighbouring Fichtelberg, which is ideal for varied skiing.
Telnice
The small Telnice Winter Sports Centre, located at an altitude of between 600 and 800 m, mainly offers easy and intermediate slopes, making Telnice ideal for beginners and families. There is also a black run for professionals, which leads from the summit down into the valley. Snow reliability is ensured by the snowmaking system. The likely season runs from mid-December to mid-March.
There are also various groomed cross-country trails for cross-country skiers, and freestyle fans can enjoy a freeride route of around 1 km.
So, if you prefer things a bit quieter and away from the tourist bustle, this family-friendly, small winter sports centre is perfect for you.
Skiing in the Bohemian Forest
Lipno
The Lipno ski resort, which has a ski season from December to March, can be used by skiers of all levels, as the slopes cover every level of difficulty. The picturesque view, thanks to the Lipno Reservoir, is another highlight of the ski resort. The ski area is located right on the Lipno Reservoir in the south-east of the Bohemian Forest. Of the roughly 13 km of slopes, a full 11 km are blue runs, making the slopes well suited to beginners. More advanced skiers can opt for the red or black run.
In addition to the slopes with their fantastic views, there is also a snow park, a ski cross run and a slalom course with timing. If you're looking for an alternative to skiing, snowboarding and other similar activities, you can enjoy the wonderful panoramic view from up to 40 m high on the treetop walkway. The view of the snow-covered Bohemian Forest and the reservoir is a magical sight.
Skiing in the Jeseníky Mountains
Praděd – Ovčárna
In the east of the country lies Praděd, the highest ski resort in the Czech Republic. The slopes are located at altitudes of up to 1,445 m, and the snow conditions allow for a relatively long season – usually from as early as late October to early May! All levels are catered for on around 5 km of slopes, with more than half of the runs classified as easy.
Located within a protected landscape area, the ski area offers truly special natural surroundings. In addition to a snow park, the option of night skiing should not be overlooked either. In addition to skiing, you should also enjoy the panoramic view from the observation tower on the summit of Praděd. At 1,419 m, it is the highest mountain in the Jeseníky range.
Kopřivná
Kopřivná is one of the smallest and cosiest ski resorts in the Czech Republic. Nevertheless, it offers a 1,350 m long floodlit slope and a modern six-seater chairlift. The season runs from December to March.
The slopes, with their easy difficulty level, are perfect for you if you'd like to try skiing or snowboarding for the first time. The children's arena and the snow tubing run provide variety for the whole family.
So the Czech Republic has a lot to offer in winter too. The numerous ski resorts offer a variety of slopes, difficulty levels and options to choose from. There is also plenty to explore and try out for children and beginner skiers. In addition to the typical slope activities, some of the ski resorts also offer other highlights and attractions, such as fantastic panoramic views from a treetop walkway or wonderful restaurants where you can explore Czech cuisine and relax after a strenuous day of skiing. There is something for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, you're sure to find slopes and offers that suit you. There are also plenty of highlights for children, so nothing stands in the way of a trip with the whole family. A winter holiday in the Czech Republic is well worth it!
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