Ski Schools in the Czech Republic

If this is the year you told yourself you were (finally) going to learn to downhill ski, snowboard or cross-country ski, the time is now! Ski schools in the Czech Republic are thriving, and many of them offer good deals if you´re willing to book in advance. English speaking instructors are usually available, and all offer kids´ courses, so the whole family can learn. Schools with Ski Packages are the best option: rent ski equipment, have lessons and get a lift ticket for one lump sum. And with many ski schools offering a 5-10 percent discount for booking online, plus a discount for booking in advance, you can get the most out of your ski week.

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The Krkonoše, (www.giant-mountains.info) or Giant Mountains, in Northern Bohemia, are by far the most popular ski destination in the country. With many ski slopes, snowboard ramps and miles of cross-country ski trails, the Krkonoše appeal to sports lovers of all levels. The centrally located slopes of Špindlerův Mlýn, Svatý Petr, Horní Mísečky, Labská, Hromovka and Medvědín are connected by one ski pass, and Ski School Skol Max services the entire area. Skol Max (www.skolmax.cz, 499 433 291)

Group Ski and Snowboard Lessons
1 day 690 CZK, or 2,590 for 5 days, with the 6th day free.
Cross-Country Ski lessons
Private lessons only: 1 hour lesson for 1 person: 1,350 CZK
1 hour lesson for 2 people: 1,750 CZK
Ski and Snowboard Rental
Adult 1 day 360 CZK, Kids 1 day 240 CZK, Snowboard 1 day 460 CZK, 1 day Cross-country skis 240 CZK.
Package deal:
Beginner Skier 6 day group lesson, rental and full pass: 6,450 CZK.
Beginner Snowboarder 6 day group lesson, rental and full pass: 4,750 CZK.

If you are truly a beginner, and don´t need the many kilometers of trails that a pass from Skol Max can provide, you might consider the ski centre Kněžický vrch. At the base of the central Krkonoše in Vrchlabí, Kněžický vrch offers cheaper prices at a smaller slope. That said, there are still 50 kilometers of cross country trails nearby, as well as a solid snowboard park. In Vrchlabí, Ski and Board School Lenka offers a 10% discount for booking online: Ski and Board School Lenka (www.skilenka.cz, 603 253 250)

To the west, where the Krkonoše Mountains meet the Jizerské Mountains, there are more resorts to be had, specifically Harrachov, Rokytnice nad Jizerou, Paseky nad Jizerou, Rejdice and Příchovice. JPK Ski School is by far the largest school in the region, with offices in Harrachov, Rokytnice nad Jizerou, Klínovec, Boží Dar, Bublava and Dolní Marovice. They also rent skis in Prague. (see end of article for Prague rental details). Prices below are listed from the Harrachov location. JPK Ski School Harrachov (www.jpk.cz, 724 284 192)

In the Jizerské Mountains themselves, the weather conditions are noted for their above-average annual precipitation. Ski resorts Ještěd, Bedřichov and Severák are the most established, and since this is where the university town of Liberec is located; there are many options for traveling to the resorts of Jizera without a car. In Liberec, ski school Sport Ještěd offers group and family lessons, plus a 10% discount if you become a Sport Ještěd member. Sport Ještěd (www.skijested.cz, 486 100 070-2)

In the north of Moravia, along the Polish border, the Jeseníky Mountains (www.jeseniky.net) rise as the second highest mountains in the Czech Republic. Especially known for its kilometers of cross-country skiing, the region is also home to many ski resorts that boast some of the best snow in the country. Profi Ski & Board School services many mountain ranges, including the Krkonoše, Jeseníky and the Beskydys. Their website promises that on request, a special package of lessons and rental equipment can be designed to suit individual needs for a discounted price. Profi Ski & Board (www.profiski.cz, 584 414 051)

At the Czech Republic´s southwest border with Germany and Austria is Šumava National Park and Reserve (www.info-sumava.cz). Šumava remains the most well-preserved wilderness in the Czech Republic, covered by pine forests and peat bogs. Ski slopes here are less steep than what you´d find in the Giant Mountains, but skiers of all levels will still have plenty to do. The gentle Šumava slopes of Lipno Ski Resort and School are best suited to beginners and families. Lipno also grooms 50 kilometers of cross-country ski trails. During the low season, they offer ski packages with a 5% discount, and rentals with a 10% discount. Lipno Ski School (www.lipnoservis.cz, 380 736 053)