Skiing in the Czech Republic? We know where to go

How to choose a Czech ski resort based on what you’re looking for

6 Czech mountains suitable for winter fun

Krkonoše – the largest and highest Czech skiing area

Altitude of resorts: approx. 700–1,235 m
Snow conditions: best in the Czech Republic, usually stable season December–March, often longer
Character: the longest slopes in the Czech Republic, most modern lifts, wide network of connected resorts

Travel and accessibility:

Distance from Warsaw: 6-6,5 hours → Plan route

Distance from Krakow: 5-6 hours → Plan route

Krkonoše offer the most reliable snow due to higher altitude and strong snow-making infrastructure. Špindlerův Mlýn and Pec pod Sněžkou are among the most modern Czech resorts, offering a mix of sports slopes, family-friendly runs, and beginner facilities. With altitudes over 1,200 m, Krkonoše is one of the regions where snow lasts longest, even in warmer winters.

Where to stay?

In Špindlerův Mlýn you’ll find the widest range of hotels and apartments, with the best amenities right by the slopes. Pec pod Sněžkou or Janské Lázně offer a quieter atmosphere and excellent access to Černá hora. For families, Benecko or Svoboda nad Úpou are ideal, with more budget-friendly accommodation.

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Krušné hory – stable snow, cooler climate, and excellent accessibility

Altitude of resorts: approx. 900–1,240 m
Snow conditions: excellent thanks to cold, windy climate, season typically December–March
Character: wide slopes, modern lifts, stable weather, ideal for families

Travel and accessibility:

Distance from Warsaw: 8-9 hours → Plan route

Distance from Krakow: 7-8 hours → Plan route

Krušné hory, due to altitude and specific climate, are among the most reliable regions for snow. Klínovec reaches nearly 1,250 m and combines wide slopes with modern gondolas and chairlifts. Its location near the border allows skiing to extend to the German Fichtelberg. Easy access from Prague and Plzeň is a big advantage.

Where to stay?

Boží Dar and Loučná pod Klínovcem are top spots for skiers due to easy access to both Czech and German sides of the resort. For quieter and cheaper accommodation, Jáchymov is a great choice, just minutes from the slopes. On the German side, Oberwiesenthal offers quality hotels in a peaceful mountain environment.

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Jeseníky – long slopes, fresh air, and mountain atmosphere

Altitude of resorts: approx. 700–1,350 m
Snow conditions: among the best in Moravia, cold winters, long season
Character: longer slopes, calmer atmosphere, more natural mountains without large tourist centers

Travel and accessibility:

Distance from Warsaw: 6-6,5 hours → Plan route

Distance from Krakow: 4-4,5 hours → Plan route

Jeseníky is among the highest regions in the Czech Republic. Kouty nad Desnou (max approx. 1,100 m) offers the longest slopes in Moravia, while Červenohorské sedlo, over 1,000 m, enjoys very good natural snow conditions. The main Jeseníky ridge’s altitude often keeps snow longer than in Krkonoše (May snow remnants on Ovčárna are not uncommon).

Where to stay?

Loučná nad Desnou is the best base for skiing in Kouty or Červenohorské sedlo, offering a wide range of apartments and chalets. Popular spots also include Kouty nad Desnou and Ramzová, very close to slopes. For those preferring evening entertainment, Jeseník is ideal.

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Beskydy – family-friendly terrain and easy access

Altitude of resorts: approx. 500–1,000 m
Snow conditions: rather average, highly dependent on artificial snow
Character: modernizing resorts, perfect for families and beginners

Travel and accessibility:

Distance from Warsaw: 4–5 hours → Plan route

Distance from Krakow: 3 hours → Plan route

Beskydy’s peaks are lower than Jeseníky or Krkonoše, so the snow relies more on technical snow. The modern Bílá resort (630–860 m) has excellent snow-making systems and family facilities. Suitable for gentle skiing, lessons, and shorter stays. Snow conditions are best in January and February.

Where to stay?

Near Bílá you’ll find a wide selection of guesthouses and apartments, ideal for families. Velké Karlovice offers quality wellness hotels and smaller family guesthouses, perfect for a weekend break. For a quieter stay, Horní Bečva or Mezivodí is recommended.

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Jizerské hory – ideal for families and weekend skiing

Altitude of resorts: approx. 550–800 m
Snow conditions: variable depending on the winter, but well-supplied with artificial snow
Character: friendly resorts, accessible from Prague, wide selection of ski schools and rental shops

Travel and accessibility:

Distance from Warsaw: 5,5-6,6 hours → Plan route

Distance from Krakow: 4,5-5,5 hours → Plan route

Tanvaldský Špičák is one of the largest resorts in the Jizera Mountains, with well-organized, clearly marked slopes. Lower altitude means more reliance on snow-making, but the quality is very good. The area is suitable for families, children, and casual skiers wanting good skiing without long travel.

Where to stay?

Albrechtice in the Jizera Mountains is the best base for Tanvaldský Špičák, offering a wide range of accommodation. Smržovka and Tanvald provide a cheaper alternative with good connections to the slopes. For combining skiing with cross-country, Bedřichov is ideal, offering excellent facilities for both.

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Orlické hory – pleasant skiing classic with regular snow

Altitude of resorts: approx. 700–1,050 m
Snow conditions: stable, often cooler weather, season December–March
Character: medium-sized resorts, good value for money, less touristy

Travel and accessibility:

Distance from Warsaw: 6 hours → Plan route

Distance from Krakow: 4,5 hours → Plan route

Říčky in the Orlické Mountains (740–990 m) have always offered solid snow conditions, even in warmer winters, thanks to slope orientation and regular snow-making. The area combines sports slopes with family-friendly environments and is a good alternative to larger, busier regions.

Where to stay?

In Říčky, you’ll find modern apartments and mountain chalets right by the slopes, ideal for sports skiers. Deštné offers a wide range of family-friendly guesthouses and smaller hotels, perfect for groups or families. For a truly quiet stay, Zdobnice or Orlické Záhoří provide nature right at your window.

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Getting to the Czech mountains: parking, transport, equipment

Parking

Parking is usually directly at the lower stations of lifts or nearby.
At peak times (especially in Krkonoše and Klínovec) we recommend:

• arriving early in the morning,
• using official parking garages,
• or planning for ski buses from outer parking lots.

Many resorts offer free parking, but some modern mountain centers have introduced paid zones.

Winter equipment

In winter months, don’t forget:

• winter tires,
• chains for driving in mountain areas (may be required by traffic signs),
• sufficient antifreeze and clean headlights.

Mountain roads often use salt or gravel, so clean your windshield and lights more frequently.

Snow conditions

Czech resorts rely heavily on artificial snow, so even mild winters allow operations for a significant part of the season. Krkonoše, Jeseníky, and Krušné hory have the best chance for natural snow.

The Czech Republic offers great skiing options without traveling to the Alps. You’ll find modern resorts, family-friendly slopes, and centers with ambitions for sports terrain. Most locations are easily accessible, parking is usually well-organized, and winter holidays can be planned even last minute. With Wakacje za benefity, you can pay for mountain accommodation using employee benefits like Up, Edenred, or Pluxee, leaving your budget for souvenirs or slope refreshments.