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 the culinary specialities. However, its ski resorts also have plenty to offer, with numerous options and varied facilities. In this article, we introduce you to some of these ski resorts and hope to help you get closer to finding your ideal destination.
Ski resorts in the Giant Mountains
Ski resort Špindlerův Mlýn (Spindlermühle)
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 excellent for families with children. The season runs from early December to early April. Depending on location, the altitude ranges between 715 and 1,235 m. The skiing opportunities 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, snowparks 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 over 85 km of cross-country trails and numerous marked routes for ski touring. There are also routes 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 about 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 ideal 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 snowpark with various rails and jumps is perfect for snowboarding and freestyle skiing, 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 ten-metre-wide waterfall is easy to reach even in the snow, allowing you to admire nature in its wintry landscape.
Ski resort Černá hora – Janské Lázně
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 interconnected areas:
Pec pod Sněžkou
Černý Důl
Svoboda nad Úpou
Malá Úpa
Velká Úpa
Depending on 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" run), 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, animation programmes, snow tubing and ski lessons. Besides 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. This ensures 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 pricier Alpine resorts. Perfect for a rewarding winter experience.
Ski resort Pec pod Sněžkou
In the eastern Giant Mountains, right below Sněžka, lies the Pec pod Sněžkou ski resort. The altitude varies depending on location (830 m up to 1,215 m). The main run "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.
Besides skiing and snowboarding, there are of course further highlights. Evening or night skiing is possible on the illuminated Javor run and the "U Lesa" run. There is also a fun line with a tunnel, steep turns, and a race track with timing/radar. In addition, there is a snowpark (G-Shock Park) with rails, boxes, big airs and a jibbing zone. It is particularly attractive for freestylers.
In the lower part of the ski resort is the LIVE Park, which is specifically designed for beginners and children. Magic carpets, ski lessons, rental stations and easy slopes give even the youngest the chance to try something new.
Not only the ski resort, but also the town of Pec offers numerous dining options, accommodation, après-ski as well as wellness facilities such as an ice rink, pool, tubing and a bobsled track. Pec pod Sněžkou belongs to 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 town is particularly popular with families, sporty skiers and snowboarders. But it is also perfectly suited for night skiing and fun skiing.
Ski resort Černý Důl
The Černý Důl ski resort, like Pec pod Sněžkou, 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. The season depends on snow conditions. The area specialises in families and beginners and is home to the region's largest children's ski park. Despite the predominantly easier runs, there are also more challenging routes and a timed run.
Ski resort Svoboda nad Úpou
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.
Ski resort Malá Úpa
The Malá Úpa ski resort offers 3.6 km of slopes at an altitude of 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 interconnected areas. The runs range from easy to intermediate in difficulty, and there are two SkiMU parks with trained staff for beginners.
Ski resort Velká Úpa
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 elevation difference. Although the area is one of the smaller ones, it offers a lot, and especially the little ones among you have a wide range of options.
Ski resort Plešivec (Pleßberg)
Between the towns of Pstruží and Abertamy lies the Plešivec ski resort. This means it is not far from the German border. The ski resort at Plešivec has a planned season from 5 December to 14 March. The summit reaches a height 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. Around 69% are easy, 21% intermediate and 10% difficult runs.
A big plus 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 snowpark offers additional opportunities for snowboarders and freestylers.
The good facilities, free parking, fair prices and the cosy mountain restaurant make Plešivec a popular destination for day trips and longer skiing 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
Ski resort Klínovec (Keilberg)
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 about 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 generally runs from early December to mid-April.
Night skiing is possible on some days. On about 1.5 to 2 km of illuminated runs, you can ski the slopes again in different lighting conditions and enjoy changing views. A large snowpark with a halfpipe is another highlight, hosting international snowboarding events. For families, there are also children's and beginner lifts, several magic carpets, a toboggan run and fun zones in the valley. There is a special feature regarding getting there, as there are regular ski bus connections linking the resort with the neighbouring German area of Fichtelberg.
A trip to Keilberg is definitely worth it. Klínovec combines modern lift facilities, great variety and top snow reliability, with affordable prices and a short journey from Germany or the Czech Republic. The resort can also be combined with the neighbouring Fichtelberg, which is ideal for varied skiing.
Telnice
The small Telnice winter sports centre offers mainly easy and intermediate slopes at an altitude between 600 and 800 m. This makes Telnice ideal for newcomers and families. There is actually also a black run for professionals, running 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 for freestyle fans there is a freeride route of about 1 km.
So if you prefer things a bit quieter and away from the tourist hustle and bustle, this small, family-friendly winter sports centre is perfect for you.
Skiing in the Bohemian Forest
Lipno
The Lipno ski resort, which offers a ski season from December to March, can be used by skiers of all levels, as the slopes cover all difficulty levels. The picturesque view thanks to the Lipno Reservoir is another highlight of the resort. The ski area is located right by the Lipno Reservoir in the southeast of the Bohemian Forest. Of the roughly 13 km of slopes, a full 11 km are blue runs, making the descents well suited to beginners. More advanced skiers can choose the red or black run.
In addition to the slopes with a fantastic view, there is also a snowpark, a skicross run and a timed slalom course. 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 walk. 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. This is the highest-altitude ski resort in the Czech Republic. The slopes are located at altitudes of up to 1,445 m, and snow conditions allow for a relatively long season – usually from as early as late October to early May! All levels are catered for on the roughly 5 km of slopes. More than half of the runs are classed as easy.
Located in a protected landscape area, the ski area offers a very special natural setting. In addition to a snowpark, the option of night skiing should not be overlooked either. Besides skiing, you should also enjoy the panoramic view from the observation tower on the Praděd summit. At 1,491 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 run 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.
Conclusion
So the Czech Republic has a lot to offer in winter too. The numerous ski resorts offer a choice of different slopes, difficulty levels and facilities. There is also plenty to explore and try out for children and ski beginners. Besides the typical slope activities, some of the ski resorts also have other highlights and attractions to offer, such as fantastic panoramic views from a treetop walk, or wonderful restaurants where you can explore Czech cuisine and relax after a strenuous day's skiing. There are different options for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, you're sure to find some 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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