Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is an exciting option for those who want to experience something new and different on their ski holiday. Gaze to the east and you will find great skiing, new culture and lower prices than you are used to in more traditional ski areas. The skiing here is at a lower altitude than in other, more traditional Alpine countries, but you may gain other experiences instead. You often get an awful lot for your money because ski passes, accommodation, transportation, food and entertainment are generally much cheaper than in the Alps.
In the mountains of Krkonoše about 1.5 hours north of Prague on the border to Poland, you will find several of the most popular resorts: Spindleruv Mlyn (Svatý Petr), Harrachov, Pec pod Sněžkou and Prkenný Důl. You will also find the highest Czech mountain at 1,600 meters. Spindleruv Mlyn is the most popular ski resort in the Czech Republic and you will find ski slopes, cross-country skiing trails, hotels, guesthouses, restaurants any anything else you need on your ski holiday. It is however a popular ski resort and prices are close to an Austrian ski resort.
If you are looking for lower prices and less people you can head, for example, towards the border of Austria/Germany and visit the mountains of Šumava. The mountains are lower and the slopes are, but they are suitable for those who are beginners to moderate skiers and families. Examples of ski resorts are Špičák and Kašperské Hory.
In case you want to really explore and discover the Czech Republic or if you are on a real low budget ski holiday and also have a greater cultural experience, you could visit Jeseniky, about four hour’s drive from Prague. Another suggestion is Krkonoše.
The Czech Republic is an excellent choice if you are looking for a cheap holiday as most things will cost less: beer, food and accommodation. You can find incredibly cheap accommodation. There are both family-owned guesthouses and small hotels to large, luxurious hotel with many facilities, depending on what ski resort you visit.
After all, there are a couple of reasons why the Czech Republic is not as popular as the Alps. The following may be helpful to keep in mind:
In the mountains of Krkonoše about 1.5 hours north of Prague on the border to Poland, you will find several of the most popular resorts: Spindleruv Mlyn (Svatý Petr), Harrachov, Pec pod Sněžkou and Prkenný Důl. You will also find the highest Czech mountain at 1,600 meters. Spindleruv Mlyn is the most popular ski resort in the Czech Republic and you will find ski slopes, cross-country skiing trails, hotels, guesthouses, restaurants any anything else you need on your ski holiday. It is however a popular ski resort and prices are close to an Austrian ski resort.
If you are looking for lower prices and less people you can head, for example, towards the border of Austria/Germany and visit the mountains of Šumava. The mountains are lower and the slopes are, but they are suitable for those who are beginners to moderate skiers and families. Examples of ski resorts are Špičák and Kašperské Hory.
In case you want to really explore and discover the Czech Republic or if you are on a real low budget ski holiday and also have a greater cultural experience, you could visit Jeseniky, about four hour’s drive from Prague. Another suggestion is Krkonoše.
The Czech Republic is an excellent choice if you are looking for a cheap holiday as most things will cost less: beer, food and accommodation. You can find incredibly cheap accommodation. There are both family-owned guesthouses and small hotels to large, luxurious hotel with many facilities, depending on what ski resort you visit.
After all, there are a couple of reasons why the Czech Republic is not as popular as the Alps. The following may be helpful to keep in mind:
- The mountains are located at a lower altitude and there is usually less snow than in the Alps
- The ski areas are generally smaller and the slopes are less steep
- Renting ski equipment may be cheap but the quality is not what you normally expect. Bring your own skis to be safe.
- The ski lifts are not as modern as we are used to and the queues can be a little longer. This varies greatly depending on destination and season.