Ski Resorts in the Czech Republic: Krkonoše, Ore Mountains, Šumava 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 ski resorts also offer plenty of opportunities and a wide variety of options. In this article, we introduce some of the ski areas and hope to help you find the destination that suits you best.
Ski Resorts in the Krkonoše Mountains
Špindlerův Mlýn Ski Resort (Spindler’s Mill)
The ski resort Špindlerův Mlýn is located in the Krkonoše Mountains. It is one of the most well-known winter sports destinations in the Czech Republic and is ideal for families with children. The season usually runs from early December to early April. Depending on the area, the altitude ranges between 715 and 1,235 m. The skiing options are impressive not only because of the 28 km of slopes (around 10 km easy, 16 km intermediate, and almost 2 km black slopes), but also thanks to modern lifts, après-ski, snow parks, and night skiing. Snowmaking is excellent as well – around 95% of the slopes can be artificially maintained, making the season more reliable.
Away from the slopes, there are over 85 km of cross-country trails and numerous marked routes for ski touring. There are also plenty of opportunities for winter hiking through the beautiful Krkonoše landscape.
The resort is known for hosting regular international winter sports events such as World Cup races and various snowboard competitions (including events 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 slopes are mostly easy to intermediate, making them perfect for beginners and families with children. However, there is also a 1.3 km long slope for advanced skiers – so everyone can find something suitable.
Besides skiing and snowboarding, there are more than 100 km of groomed cross-country trails. A small snow park with rails and jumps is ideal for snowboarding and freestyle and adds even more activities.
If you want a short break from skiing – or if skiing simply isn’t your thing – you can also take a walk to the Mumlava Waterfall. It is a ten-meter-wide waterfall that is easy to reach even in winter. A perfect opportunity to enjoy nature in a snowy 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 access five linked areas:
- Pec pod Sněžkou
- Černý Důl
- Svoboda nad Úpou
- Malá Úpa
- Velká Úpa
Depending on the location, the altitude ranges between 643 m and 1,260 m. In addition to 17.5 km of groomed slopes, there are also 2.5 km of ski terrain for freeriders.
Some of the extras this ski resort offers include: night 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 dedicated children’s areas. These include magic carpets, animation programs, snow tubing, and ski lessons. In addition to 80–95% of the slopes being covered by snowmaking, 50–70 km of cross-country trails in the region are also artificially snow-covered, ensuring better snow reliability.
This resort offers a balanced combination of family-friendliness and varied slopes for all skill levels. Modern infrastructure and a wide range of activities make Černá hora – Janské Lázně an attractive alternative to more expensive Alpine resorts. Perfect for a worthwhile winter experience.
Pec pod Sněžkou Ski Resort
In the eastern Krkonoše Mountains, directly below Sněžka (Snowdon), lies the ski resort Pec pod Sněžkou. 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 08:30 to 16:00, and the season usually runs from early December to early April.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are many highlights here. Evening or night skiing is possible on the illuminated Javor slope and the “U Lesa” slope. There is also a funline with tunnels, steep turns, and a race track with time measurement or radar. In addition, the snow park (G-Shock Park) features rails, boxes, big airs, and a jibbing zone, making it especially attractive for freestylers.
In the lower area of the resort, you will find the LIVE Park, which is designed specifically for beginners and children. Magic carpets, ski lessons, rental stations, and easy slopes allow even the youngest visitors to try something new.
Not only the ski resort itself, but also the town of Pec offers plenty of restaurants, accommodation, après-ski, and wellness activities 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 more than 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. It is also perfectly suited for night skiing and fun skiing.
Černý Důl Ski Resort
The ski resort Černý Důl is, like Pec pod Sněžkou, one of the five areas of the Černá hora – Janské Lázně ski region. Černý Důl is one of the smaller areas and mainly offers easy slopes for skiing and snowboarding. The ski season usually begins in early December and lasts until early April, depending on snow conditions. The area is specialized in families and beginners and is home to the largest children’s ski park in the region. Despite the mostly easy slopes, there are also more sporty runs and a slope with time measurement.
Svoboda nad Úpou Ski Resort
The Svoboda nad Úpou area is best suited for relaxed skiing. Easy slopes invite you to enjoy calm and comfortable descents. The main season usually runs from late November to early March. Night skiing is also offered as a highlight. However, the area is mainly ideal for families and those who want to enjoy skiing at a slower pace. If you prefer speed or more challenging slopes, you should visit one of the other areas.
Malá Úpa Ski Resort
The ski resort Malá Úpa offers 3.6 km of slopes at an altitude between 992 and 1,250 m. The main season usually runs from December to March, with January and February often being the snowiest months. It is also part of the five connected areas. The difficulty levels range from easy to intermediate, and there are two SKiMU Parks with trained staff for beginners.
Velká Úpa Ski Resort
The last of the five areas is the ski resort Velká Úpa. Here, you can ski and snowboard from late November to early March. The area features a ski school with a children’s slope, a LIVE Park for children with a conveyor belt lift, fantastic views, night skiing, and a slope with a significant vertical drop. Even though it is one of the smaller areas, it offers a lot – especially for children.
Plešivec Ski Resort (Pleßberg)
The Plešivec ski resort is located between the towns of Pstruží and Abertamy, not far from the German border. The resort has a planned season from December 5th to March 14th. The summit reaches an altitude of 1,028 m. Plešivec is one of the most modern ski resorts in the Czech Republic and has been operating in its current form since 2014. With 9 ski runs totaling around 11–12 km, it offers plenty of variety for beginners and advanced skiers. Around 69% of the slopes are easy, 21% intermediate, and 10% difficult.
A major highlight 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 slopes are illuminated and regularly open for night skiing. A free snow park provides additional options for snowboarders and freestylers.
Great facilities, free parking, fair prices, and a cozy mountain restaurant make Plešivec a popular destination for day trips and longer ski holidays. The ski resort is open daily from around 09:00 to 16:00, and the season usually runs from mid-December to mid-March.
Skiing in the Ore Mountains
Klínovec Ski Resort (Keilberg)
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 area (Boží Dar), the resort has expanded significantly and around 90% of the slopes are covered by snowmaking. The season usually runs from early December to mid-April.
On certain days, night skiing is possible. On around 1.5 to 2 km of illuminated slopes, you can ski under different lighting conditions and enjoy a new perspective of the surroundings. A large snow park with a halfpipe is another highlight, hosting international snowboard events. Families can also enjoy children’s and practice lifts, several conveyor belts (magic carpets), a toboggan run, and fun areas in the valley. A special feature is the access: regular ski bus connections link the resort with the neighboring German ski area Fichtelberg.
A trip to Keilberg is definitely worth it. Klínovec combines modern lift systems, great variety, and excellent snow reliability, while still offering affordable prices and easy access from Germany or the Czech Republic. It can also be combined with the neighboring Fichtelberg ski area, making it ideal for varied ski days.
Telnice
The small Telnice winter sports center offers mainly easy and intermediate slopes at altitudes between 600 and 800 m. This makes Telnice ideal for beginners and families. There is also a black slope for advanced skiers, running from the summit down into the valley. Snow reliability is ensured through artificial snowmaking. The season usually runs from mid-December to mid-March.
Cross-country skiers will find several groomed trails, and freestyle fans can enjoy a freeride route of around 1 km.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere away from tourist crowds, this small and family-friendly winter sports center is perfect for you.
Skiing in the Šumava (Bohemian Forest)
Lipno
The Lipno ski resort, with a ski season from December to March, can be enjoyed by skiers of all levels, as the slopes include every difficulty level. Another highlight is the scenic view over the Lipno Reservoir. The ski area is located right by the reservoir in the southeast of the Šumava region. Out of around 13 km of slopes, 11 km are blue runs, making the resort especially suitable for beginners. Advanced skiers can choose between a red or a black slope.
In addition to slopes with a fantastic view, the resort also offers a snow park, a ski cross course, and a slalom track with time measurement. If you are looking for an alternative to skiing or snowboarding, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view from up to 40 m above the ground on the treetop walkway. The view over the snow-covered Šumava forest and the reservoir is truly magical.
Skiing in the Jeseníky Mountains
Praděd – Ovčárna
In the east of the country lies Praděd, the highest-altitude ski resort in the Czech Republic. The slopes reach elevations of up to 1,445 m, and the snow conditions allow for a relatively long season – usually from late October to early May. All levels are available across around 5 km of slopes, with more than half of the runs classified as easy.
Located in a protected landscape area, the resort offers exceptional nature. In addition to a snow park, night skiing is also available. 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 Mountains.
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 are rated as easy and are perfect if you want to try skiing or snowboarding. The children’s arena and the snow tubing track provide fun for the whole family.
Conclusion
The Czech Republic also has a lot to offer in winter. The many ski resorts provide a wide range of slopes, difficulty levels, and activities to choose from. There is plenty to discover and try out for children and beginner skiers as well. In addition to the typical ski slope activities, some resorts also offer other highlights and attractions, such as breathtaking panoramic views from a treetop walkway or fantastic restaurants where you can explore Czech cuisine and relax after an active day on the slopes. There are options for everyone. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you will surely find slopes and activities that suit you. There are also many highlights for children, making a family trip easy to plan. A winter holiday in the Czech Republic is definitely worth it!
The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Trip
We wish you a safe journey to the Czech Republic and are happy to assist you with any questions regarding toll regulations. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip perfectly and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please contact us via email.
