Czech Republic: A Dizzying Amount Of Resorts; Cross-Country, Too -
The Czech Republic may not have the highest mountains in Eastern Europe, but it does offer a dizzying selection of ski resorts, stretching from the German-Czech border throughout Moravia.
The country is second to none in the sheer length of cross-country trails that it is has to offer. The Krkonos cross-country highway is something of a novelty in Europe as it is comprised of 520 kilometres maintained trails.
Located at the Czech-Polish border, the Krkonose mountain range offers some of the most popular skiing. Here you’ll find the resorts of Spindleruv Mlyn (Svaty Petr), Harrachov, Pec pod Snezkou, and Zader-Prkenny Dul. This area is widely regarded as the country’s best skiing with modern amenities and well groomed slopes. Krkonose also has the highest mountain in the Czech Republic, Sneska, which stands 1600 metres tall.
One of the best known ski resorts in this area is Spindleruv Mlyn, "Spindler’s Mill," with skiing up to 1600 metres. It comprises 26 kilometres of pistes served by 16 lifts (five cableways and 11 ski lifts). The resort sees year-round visitors and offers accommodation for up to 10,000 people. During the winter season the area hosts the Europa Cup in Freestyle Skiing. Situated at an altitude of 1310 metres altitude, Spindleruv Mlyn is comprised of several ski areas (St. Peter – Hromovka, Medvedin, Horni Misecky, Labska, and the Horal Davidovka).
More than 700,000 visitors flock to the sunny slopes of Spindleruv Mlyn each winter, which are suitable for all levels. Beginners and families can make use of the Horni Misecky Ski centre with its wide, gentle well-groomed slopes while advanced skiers take on the challenging black and red slopes of the Medvedin Ski Centre. Snowboarders are also catered for with a snow park in which to practise tricks.
Other winter sports centres in the Krkonose region include: Harrachov, Pec pod Snezkou, and Prkenny Dul. Downhill slopes in Harrachov vary from easy to difficult and are equipped with modern lift facilities and artificial snow to ensure a long season. There are also several cross-country trails and numerous ski schools. The active alpine resort of Pec pod Snezkou offers skiing up to 1600 metres.
The 10.5 kilometres of downhill slopes varying in difficulty, but are particularly popular with families seeking wide runs. The town centre offers a lively après ski scene with many bars, restaurants and discos. Zader-Prkenny Dul has six kilometres of slopes divided into: six blue, one red, and one black. The highest point of the resort reaches up to 850 metres with a maximum vertical of 300 metres. Beginners can take advantage of the wide runs and ski schools while more advanced skiers enjoy night skiing and the 12 kilometres of cross-country trails.