Ski resorts in Czech Republic

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 specialties. However, the country's ski resorts can also impress with numerous options and varied offerings. In this article, we present some of the ski resorts and hope this will help you get closer to your ideal travel destination.

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 most well-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 impress not only with 28 km of slopes (around 10 km easy, 16 km intermediate and just under 2 km black runs), but also with state-of-the-art lifts, après-ski, snowparks and night skiing. Snowmaking is also excellent – around 95% of the runs can be artificially maintained, which makes the season more stable.

Off the slopes, there are also over 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 regularly hosting international winter sports events such as the World Cup race and various snowboard tournaments (including competitions from 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 predominantly easy to intermediate and are therefore very well suited for ski beginners and families with children. However, there is also a 1.3 km long slope for professionals. So there is something for everyone.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are more than 100 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails for winter sports enthusiasts with cross-country skis. A small snowpark with various rails and jumps is ideal for snowboarding and freestyle, expanding 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 Mummel Falls in Harrachov. This is a ten-meter-wide waterfall that is easily accessible even when there's snow. This way, you can enjoy the nature of 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 location, the altitude of the slopes ranges between 643 m and 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 offered by this ski resort include: evening skiing (on the illuminated "Protěž" slope), a 3.5 km long toboggan run ("Cerna Hora sledge run") for daytime and nighttime rides, and activities in special children's areas. These include magic carpets, animations, snowtubing and ski courses. 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 safety.

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, directly below Sněžka, lies the Pec pod Sněžkou ski resort. The elevation varies depending on 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 about 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the season runs from early December to early April.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are of course further highlights available. Evening skiing or night skiing is possible on the illuminated Javor slope and the "U Lesa" slope. There is also a funline with a tunnel, banked curves, and a race track with timing and radar. Additionally, there is the 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 specially designed for beginners and children. Magic carpets, ski courses, rental stations and easy slopes give even the youngest visitors the opportunity to try something new.

Not only the ski resort, but also the town of Pec offers numerous dining options, accommodations, après-ski, as well as wellness facilities such as an ice rink, pool, tubing, and a bobsled track. Pec pod Sněžkou is part of the largest ski resort in the Czech Republic and impresses, among other things, with over 50 km of connected slopes that can be used with the same ski pass. The location is particularly popular with families, sporty skiers and snowboarders. But it is also ideal for night skiing and fun skiing.

Černý Důl ski resort

The Černý Důl ski resort, like Pec pod Sněžkou, is one of the five areas within 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 the snow conditions. The area specializes 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 timed slope.

Svoboda nad Úpou ski resort

The Svoboda nad Úpou area offers more relaxed skiing opportunities. Easy slopes invite leisurely descents. The main season usually runs from late November to early March. Night skiing is also offered as a highlight. However, the area is better suited for families and relaxed skiing. So if you prefer to 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 between 992 and 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 difficulty of the runs covers easy and intermediate levels, 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 slope with a large difference in altitude. Even though 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.

Plešivec (Pleßberg) ski resort

The Plešivec ski resort is located between the towns of Pstruží and Abertamy. This means it is not far from the German border. The ski resort at Plešivec has a planned season from December 5 to March 14. 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 totaling 11–12 km in length, there is plenty of variety for beginners and advanced skiers. Around 69% are easy, 21% intermediate, and 10% difficult runs.

A major 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 options for snowboarders and freestylers.

The good facilities, free parking, fair prices and the cozy mountain restaurant make Plešivec a popular destination for day trips and longer ski holidays. The ski resort is open daily from about 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the season runs from mid-December to mid-March.

Skiing in the Ore Mountains

Klínovec (Keilberg) ski resort

The Keilberg (1,244 m) is one of the highest peaks in the Ore Mountains. It is home to the largest ski center 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 have snowmaking. 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 changed views. A large snowpark with a halfpipe is another highlight, hosting international snowboard events. Families will also find children's and practice lifts, several conveyor belts (magic carpets), a toboggan run and fun areas in the valley. There is a special feature regarding travel, as there are regular ski bus connections linking the ski resort with the neighboring German area of Fichtelberg.

A trip to the Keilberg is definitely worthwhile. 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 offering can also be combined with the neighboring Fichtelberg, which is ideal for varied skiing.

Telnice

The small Telnice winter sports center mainly offers 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 to 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 an approximately 1 km long freeride route.

So if you prefer things quieter and away from the tourist hustle and bustle, this family-friendly, small winter sports center 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 every difficulty level. 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 southeast of the Bohemian Forest. Of the roughly 13 km of slopes, a full 11 km are blue runs, making the descents well suited for beginners. Advanced skiers can opt for the red or black run.

In addition to the slopes with fantastic views, there is also a snowpark, a skicross track 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

Praděd is located in the east of the country. This is the highest-altitude 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 the roughly 5 km of slopes. More than half of the runs are classified as easy.

Located in a protected landscape area, the ski area offers a very special natural setting. In addition to a snowpark, the possibility of night skiing should not be overlooked. Aside from skiing, you should also enjoy the panoramic view from the observation tower on the Praděd summit. At 1,419 m, it is the highest mountain in the Jeseníky range.

Kopřivná

Kopřivná is one of the smallest and coziest 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 snowtubing track provide variety for the whole family.

So the Czech Republic also has a lot to offer in winter. The numerous ski resorts offer a choice of different slopes, difficulty levels and packages. There is also plenty to explore and try out for children and ski beginners. In addition to the typical ski slope activities, some of the ski resorts also offer other highlights and attractions, such as fantastic panoramic views from a treetop walk or fantastic restaurants where you can explore Czech cuisine and relax after a strenuous day of 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!

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a safe journey to the Czech Republic and are happy to help with any questions about toll regulations. Feel free to use our route planner to optimally plan your journey and have suitable toll products displayed for you. If you have any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please contact us by email.