Ski Resorts in the 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, its ski resorts also impress with numerous options and varied offerings. In this article, we introduce you to some of the ski resorts and hope to help you get closer to finding your ideal destination.

Ski resorts in the Giant Mountains

Špindlerův Mlýn ski resort (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 excellently suited 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 options impress not only with 28 kilometers 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, 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 stable.

Away from the slopes, there are also over 85 km of cross-country trails and numerous marked routes for ski touring, as well as 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 kilometers 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 beginners and families with children. However, there is also a 1.3 km long run for professionals. So there is something for everyone.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding options, there are more than 100 kilometers 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 freestyle, expanding the range of activities.

If you would like a short break from skiing, or if skiing simply isn't your thing, you can also just take a walk to the Mummelfall in Harrachov. This is a ten-meter-wide waterfall that is easily accessible even with snow. This allows you to admire nature in the wintry 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 a total of 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 day and night rides, and activities in special children's areas. These include magic carpets, animations, snowtubing, and ski courses. 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. 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 altitude 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 am to 4:00 pm, and the season runs from early December to early April.

Of course, there are further 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 time measurement and radar. In addition, there is the snow park (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 courses, rental stations, and easy slopes give even the youngest 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 offerings 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, among other things, with over 50 km of connected slopes that can be used with the same ski pass. The area is especially popular with families, sporty skiers, and snowboarders. But the location is also perfectly suited 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 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 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 athletic routes and a slope with time measurement.

Svoboda nad Úpou ski resort

The Svoboda nad Úpou area offers more opportunities for leisurely skiing. Easy slopes invite relaxed 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 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 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 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 elevation difference. Even though it is one of the smaller areas, it offers a lot, and especially the little ones among you have a wide range of options.

Plešivec ski resort (Pleßberg)

Between the towns of Pstruží and Abertamy lies the Plešivec ski resort. It is therefore not far from the German border. The Plešivec ski resort has a planned season from December 5th to March 14th. 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. For beginners and advanced skiers, there is plenty of variety thanks to the 9 ski slopes with a total length of 11-12 km. Of these, approximately 69% are easy, 21% are intermediate, and 10% are difficult runs.

A major plus point is the large practice area with four magic carpets for children (the largest in the Czech Republic). There is also an additional snow/freestyle park. Night skiing is possible, as about 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 good facilities, free parking, fair prices, and the cozy mountain restaurant make Plešivec a popular destination for day trips and longer ski vacations. The ski resort is open daily from about 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and the season runs from mid-December to mid-March.

Skiing in the Ore Mountains

Klínovec ski resort (Keilberg)

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 about 31.5 km of ski slopes. Since merging with the Neklid (Boží Dar) area, the resort has expanded significantly, and about 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 slopes, you can ski down the routes again under different lighting conditions and enjoy changed views. A large snow park with a halfpipe is another highlight, hosting international snowboard 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 a special feature regarding travel, as there are regular ski bus connections linking the ski resort with the neighboring German area of Fichtelberg.

It is definitely worth taking a trip to the Keilberg. Klínovec combines modern lift facilities, great variety, and top snow reliability, while also offering affordable prices and a short journey from Germany or the Czech Republic. In addition, the offering can be combined with neighboring Fichtelberg, which is ideal for varied skiing.

Telnice

The small Telnice winter sports center, located at an altitude between 600 and 800 m, mainly offers easy and intermediate slopes. This makes Telnice ideal for beginners and families. There is actually also a black run for professionals, leading 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 an approximately 1 km long freeride route.

So if you prefer it a bit 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 include all difficulty levels. The picturesque view, thanks to the Lipno Reservoir, is another highlight of the ski resort. The ski area is located right by the Lipno Reservoir in the southeast of the Bohemian Forest. Of the approximately 13 kilometers of slopes, a full 11 km are blue slopes, making the runs well suited for beginners. Advanced skiers can choose the red or the black slope.

In addition to the slopes with fantastic views, there is also a snow park, a ski cross track, and a slalom course with time measurement. If you are looking for an alternative to skiing, snowboarding, and other similar activities, you can enjoy the beautiful 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 the snow conditions allow for a relatively long season. Typically already from late October to early May! All levels are catered for on the approximately 5 kilometers of slopes. More than half of the runs are classified as easy.

Located in a protected landscape area, the ski area offers very special nature. In addition to a snow park, the option of night skiing should also not be overlooked. Additionally, apart from skiing, you should enjoy the panoramic view from the observation tower on the Praděd summit. At 1,419 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, with their easy difficulty level, are perfect for you if you would like to try skiing or snowboarding. 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 selection of different slopes, difficulty levels, and offerings. There is also plenty to explore and try out for children and beginner skiers. 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 wonderful restaurants where you can explore Czech culinary cuisine and relax after a strenuous day of skiing. There are different options for everyone. Whether beginner or professional, you will surely find some slopes and offers that suit you. There are also many highlights for children, so nothing stands in the way of a trip with the whole family. A winter vacation in the Czech Republic is worth it!

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a good trip to the Czech Republic and are happy to help you with any questions about toll regulations. Feel free to use our route planner to optimally plan your trip 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.