Close, affordable, safe and... genuinely wonderful. That's the short version of what the Czech Republic has to offer fans of skiing. Today, with the ski season drawing to a close, we'd like to introduce you to seven of the most exciting destinations and share a few tips to help make your trip a success.
Dolní Morava
The first stop on our virtual journey is a winter resort in the Pardubice Region that offers seven ski runs of varying difficulty. This season you can count on ten extra kilometers of runs, including four new mega-slopes.
All of this comes courtesy of a mix of scenic runs (including Slaměnka, Sněžník A and B, and Vyhlídková) designed both for those just getting acquainted with winter sports and for seasoned experts (the latter can tackle some of the steepest black runs in the country).
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This year, skiing fans will be treated to new, and very scenic, runs totaling more than six kilometers (this refers to the link-up of the Slaměnka, Vyhlídková, Velký Sloň and Ondráš runs, as well as a run passing through Slaměnka, Vyhlídková and the upper connecting trail that ends at the red Kamil run).
Among the other new features is the option of evening skiing on the "Kamila" run, which will be lined with sixteen LED lamps, along with new snow cannons on extension arms and "TechnoAlpin" snow lances. Still feeling that rush of adrenaline? Make the most of the snow and fun trails, the cross-track and the snow park.
Jeseníky
From large resorts to small, family-run spots, you can choose from 55 ski resorts to suit every mountain-holiday enthusiast.
The Jeseníky Mountains are home to some of the longest ski runs in the Czech Republic (including the more than three-kilometer run at Ramzová) and around 300 kilometers of cross-country trails (including the 114-kilometer Jeseníky trunk trail).
Prefer ski touring and snowshoe hikes? Then follow the paths along the scenic mountain ridges (including Vysoká hole, Svinský žleb, Praděd, Dlouhé stráně and Sněžník-Kladsko).
The most exciting new addition this year? A six-seater chairlift at the Kralický Sněžník resort with heated seats and fast Wi-Fi, more parking spaces, and new high-efficiency snow cannons at the Kouty and Červenohorské sedlo ski centers.
Skiers will be able to use online passes, and transport links between the resorts will be provided by numerous ski buses. Another big plus for the region is its wellness centers, such as the excellent thermal spas (including Termály Velké Losiny, Kolštejn and Kopřivná).
How do the hotels operate?
They also require certificates of vaccination, recovery from coronavirus, or negative test results. To boost everyone's safety, Czech hotels require the use of masks for both guests and staff. Hand sanitizer is provided at every establishment as well.
Ještěd
An iconic ski resort (the first runs appeared here back in the 1930s) on the outskirts of Liberec, where competitions are held, including the World Cup, the Continental Cup and the Czech Championship.
That guarantees first-class infrastructure, such as "Nová Skalka," an ultra-modern downhill run 1.5 kilometers long and 45 meters wide, into which more than 20 million was invested.
The result? Perfect snow conditions delivered by innovative Snow Factory snowmakers, and maximum comfort and safety, including for families with children and beginners (who will appreciate the excellent Maxiland ski school).
... and after dark too, since the runs are now fitted with high-efficiency yet energy-saving lighting. A visit to the resort will give you unlimited contact with nature, as Ještěd is a very "green" region (it's worth noting that the resort's management and the Liberec municipality are carrying out an intensive reforestation project in the area, which will create more than 20 hectares of forest).
Dreaming of the perfect holiday? Today you can buy a unique ski pass valid for three years, letting you enjoy the local attractions (including great bonuses) both in winter and in summer.
How do the restaurants and cafes operate?
To improve guest safety, restaurant and bar staff are required to check documents confirming: vaccination against COVID-19, a PCR test result, or recovery from the illness within the past six months.
Malá Úpa
The eastern Krkonoše Mountains, just 25 kilometers from Karpacz. This is the home of SkiMU, one of the most interesting ski resorts in Europe. Set in the very heart of the Malá Úpa National Park, it draws visitors with breathtaking views of Mount Sněžka, beautiful landmarks and a superb offering for discerning skiers.
That includes skiing (both alpine and cross-country), as well as sledding and snowboarding. Skating fans will fall in love with this place too, home to the highest ice rink in the Czech Republic (1,060 m above sea level).
Malá Úpa guarantees perfect snow conditions that will please people of any experience level (including the littlest ones, who are very welcome here). The surrounding ski runs are thoughtfully connected so that you can move between them easily and quickly without having to rely on the ski bus too often.
Besides well-equipped ski rental points and ski schools, plenty of other entertainment awaits once you've had your fill of skiing, from relaxing in an atmospheric mountain chalet to countless concerts, games, shows, creative workshops and tobogganing.
What should you keep in mind at the ski resorts?
Use of the cable cars and lifts is not restricted due to the pandemic, but the requirement to cover your face (an FFP2 mask, a nanomask) applies both to the cable cars (which are cleaned, disinfected and aired out several times a day) and to the open cable cars and lifts. Note that you may be asked to present the relevant documents when buying a ski pass (at the ticket offices or online), as well as during spot checks on the cable cars and lifts. Both indoors and in the enclosed cabins, you must keep a distance of 15 meters from other people.
Rokytnice nad Jizerou
A full 17 kilometers of wide, immaculately groomed slopes (by total length, this ski resort ranks first in the Czech Republic). Six lifts. Two four-seater chairlifts (including one to the wonderful Lysá hora at 1,315 m above sea level). A modern toboggan run about 1.5 km long. Excellent cross-country trails linked to the Krkonoše trunk trail.
That's only a small part of the attractions on offer at Rokytnice nad Jizerou, the area surrounding the charming town of the same name. What else can this resort in the Liberec Region, near the Polish and German borders, offer?
A great deal is the RokyPASS, a ski pass that grants access, among other things, to ski storage, plus discounts in shops, restaurants (which, it has to be said, are very, very tasty) and rental points. At the latter you'll find first-class ski equipment (Rossignol, Dynastar, Lange) and can also take up the offer to test your skis for a whole day.
We guarantee that Rokytnice nad Jizerou will appeal to adults and children alike (RokyFUNPARK is a must-visit). Nearby you'll find plenty of exciting activities, including a bobsled track and the ski jumps in Harrachov.
Can you buy ski passes on site?
Yes, although for greater safety it's recommended to buy your ski pass online. However, if you decide to buy your ski pass at the ticket office, please make sure you keep a sufficient distance from other people in the line (at least two meters) and, if possible, use contactless payment.
Skiareál Izerki
The 2020/21 season in this part of the Jizera Mountains means: twenty-one lifts, seventeen kilometers of ski runs, three carpet lifts for children and two cable cars. There are also excellent ski schools, ski and equipment rentals, and extra parking spaces. Some of the runs (the blue Turistická, the red Závodní and the black Slalomová) have been widened to make your holiday even more comfortable and safe.
Another appealing feature is the modern ticketing system (forget about long lines) and a ski pass valid in Bedřichov and Severák (perfect for families with children) as well as in Tanvaldský Špičák (a great option for more advanced skiers). The ski pass lets you use the free ski bus between all the stations.
...and all of this is not far from Liberec, one of the most beautiful Czech cities, which offers plenty of sights for lovers of historic landmarks (be sure to visit the local cathedral) and for fans of culture and art (the North Bohemian Museum and the Regional Gallery are both must-sees). There are also attractions to delight your children, from the IQ Park to the zoo, the only one in the Czech Republic that breeds white tigers.
What should you do if in doubt?
Remember: across the entire Czech Republic it's important to show that you're free of infection and hold a vaccination certificate, to protect your airways and to keep a distance of 1.5 meters. If you're not sure which rules apply in a given place, use the pictograms and rule signs posted in prominent spots (near ticket offices, displays, corridors and so on) or ask the venue's staff, who have been trained accordingly and will be glad to give you all the information you need.
What should you do if in doubt?
Remember: across the entire Czech Republic it's important to show that you're free of infection and hold a vaccination certificate, to protect your airways and to keep a distance of 1.5 meters. If you're not sure which rules apply in a given place, use the pictograms and rule signs posted in prominent spots (near ticket offices, displays, corridors and so on) or ask the venue's staff, who have been trained accordingly and will be glad to give you all the information you need.
