06.01.2008 Černý Důl

Winter in the Giant Mountains

Just a quick look at a map of the Czech Republic suggests that the exceptionally favourable geographical conditions of the Hradec Králové Region make it ideal for spending a pleasant winter holiday. The Krkonoše Mountains (sometimes known as the Giant Mountains) have a charm that together with good snow conditions throughout the season have made them extremely popular, and not just for domestic visitors.

The range is a true skiing paradise. Downhill skiers, cross-country skiers, snowboarders and enthusiasts for every adrenaline winter sport or outdoor activity will all come into their own here. The mountain resorts offer visitors of all ages expertly maintained downhill runs of all levels of difficulty, many of them with snow-making equipment. Most of the centres offer evening skiing on lighted pistes, ski and snowboard schools for children and adults and hire services for sports equipment. The best-known resorts are Špindlerův Mlýn, Pec pod Sněžkou and Janské Lázně - Černá hora. Among the smaller centres we might mention, for example, the ski-complex Malá Úpa, the skipark Černý Důl, Mladé Buky, Herlíkovice or Prkenný Důl in Žacléř. One real treat for demanding tourists is the Krkonoše ski road and regularly maintained cross-country trails over the mountain ridges and through the forest - more than 500 kilometres in total length. Visitors to the picturesque Podkrkonoší - Podzvičinsko area will also come into their own in the winter months. In terms of height above sea level and terrain it does not provide the same kind of conditions as neighbouring Krkonoše, but for less demanding skiers it offers excellent possibilities for downhill and crosscountry skiing. You can take the lift at u Dolní Brusnice, for example, to enjoy the northern slope of the Zvičin ridge. In Nová Paka skiers can try a piste with a lift to Máchovka, and there are similar facilities for skiers in Pecka and its surroundings. Together with the piste by Stará Paka in the Staropacké Hills or the piste at Mezihoří by Ostroměř, these are all places suitable for families with children and ski beginners. The Orlické Mountains and Podorlicko region will also undoubtedly satisfy the needs of winter-sports lovers. In terms of snow cover and quality of services this area is among the leading ski areas in the republic. The most popular winter resorts here are Deštné and Říčky in the Orlické Mountains. Here too visitors can look forward to regularly maintained pistes with artificial snow equipment and evening skiing. There are well maintained cross-country trails on the main ridge routes and lower down. Visitors will also appreciate easy transport access and the ample parking space. Cross-country ski enthusiasts should not miss a visit to the Kladsko Border Area where you can put your skis on almost anywhere and set off to explore the countryside. One very popular trail is the ridge route through the Jestřeb Mountains, as well as trails along hiking paths through the Broumov Walls, round excursions in the surroundings of the natural rock cities or the route around Dobrošov. There are also maintained trails in the Javoří Mountains close to Janovičky. Downhill ski pistes and lifts can be found in Teplice nad Metují, Janovičky, Radvanice and Petříkovice. Machov is enlarging its facilities to include ski jumps open to the public.

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