One of the favorite and popular among tourists ski resorts in the Czech Republic is Pec pod Sněžkou, located at the foot of the highest mountain in the country, Sněžka (1,602 meters), in the valley of the Ula River in the eastern part of the Krkonoše Mountains. Thanks to the excellently developed infrastructure – modern ski lifts that have appeared in recent years, improved quality of the slopes and an increase in places for accommodation and recreation, more and more tourists are coming to this city. In addition, winter sports competitions are often held here, which are attended not only by Czechs themselves, but also by guests from France, Germany, Poland, Russia and the Netherlands.

The word “pez” in Czech means “furnace”. As early as the early 16th century, smelting furnaces for heat treatment of aluminum and iron appeared in the city of Pec. If translated literally, the name of the resort means “furnace under Mount Sněžka”.

The main entertainment at the resort is skiing from Sněžka, to which a cable car has been laid. For 5-6 months, the slopes are covered with snow, which creates favorable conditions for skiing. The ski season begins in Pec pod Sněžka in mid-November and lasts until the end of April. In general, winter in the Czech Republic is quite mild, but wet. The coldest month is January, when the average daily temperature drops to minus four degrees Celsius.

Slopes

There are a total of 11 ski slopes in the Pecs Ski Park, more than half of which are of increased difficulty. In addition, there are slopes for snowboarders and cross-country skiers.

The total length of the slopes from Sněžka is 26.5 kilometers. Three and a half kilometers are snowed with the help of a special “snow cannon”, which makes the slopes independent of weather conditions.

In the evening, the ski park and some slopes are illuminated, allowing to ski not only until 16-00, when dusk sets in and most of the slopes are closed, but also until late in the evening. The pride of this resort is considered to be the one and a half kilometer Javor slope, which is the longest illuminated slope for evening skiing in the Czech Republic.

Traditionally, there are slopes of three colors here. Eight “red” for beginners and those who are not confident in their abilities. These slopes are more gentle, without bends and other extreme elements. Experienced skiers choose for themselves the “blue” slopes, of which there are three at the resort. They are more gentle and steep, with practically no areas where you can slow down and catch your breath. And, finally, no ski resort is complete without “black” slopes for masters of their craft. These are slopes with sharp differences in altitude, with deep snow and incredible bends. They are intended for extreme skiing, and the resort staff carefully checks the qualifications of visitors, not allowing beginners to this descent.

In the territory of the Pécs Park, skiers are delivered to the mountain peaks by one chairlift and 10 tow (tow) lifts. The cable car works as well as the slopes from 8-30 to 16-00 daily, except for the period from April to November.

We will add that for fans of unusual sports, the resort has a bobsleigh track, the length of which is 900 meters. Here it is possible to reach speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, so children under 12 years old are allowed only when accompanied by adults. In addition, many people like such entertainment as snow tubing, that is, riding on ice on a special rubber boat.

Ski pass price

The cost of a ski pass (lift pass) for adults, depending on the season, is 490 or 460 CZK, and for children 360 or 330 CZK. It will be more profitable to purchase a subscription for a week or several days. A weekly ski pass in high season will cost 2,600 CZK for an adult, and 1,560 CZK for a child. In addition, the resort provides a rental service for sports equipment and equipment. An adult ski set can be rented for 300 CZK, and a children’s one is one hundred CZK cheaper.

Where to stay

In Pec pod Sněžkou there are many comfortable luxury hotels, budget hotels and budget hostels, accessible to everyone. One of the favorite hotels among tourists is the wellness hotel Bouda mama. This spacious four-star hotel is equipped with an indoor pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna, a gym and a unique wellness center. All these services are provided to residents free of charge. The list of wellness center services includes a salt bath, herbal aroma sauna, Finnish sauna and massage showers. For an additional fee, guests can play bowling, indoor tennis, squash or billiards. The cost of accommodation in the hotel varies depending on the season from 1,000 to 1,900 CZK per night. The price includes half-board meals, transfers upon arrival and departure, as well as a private ski bus that takes vacationers to the lifts.

A more budget accommodation option is Krokus Hotel. The cost of accommodation in the hotel, located at the foot of Sněžka, varies depending on the season from 800 to 100 kroons.

Accommodation during the New Year holidays costs 1400 kroons and includes a New Year’s dinner. Guests are offered ski equipment rental services and rooms for its storage. A nice addition will be the fact that a free ski bus stops opposite the hotel, which will take vacationers to the lift and back. It is important to note that this hotel often holds various promotions. For example, in the past high season, when renting a room for three nights, the fourth night was absolutely free.

The cheapest type of accommodation in Pec pod Sněžkou is guesthouses. An example is Penzion Cortina. The skibus stops 15 meters from the guesthouse, which takes you to the Javor slope. The cost of accommodation in this cozy house is 440 – 600 CZK depending on the season, and the price includes breakfast.

Pension Cortina

Guesthouse Cortina is located in Pec pod Sněžkou, a 1-minute walk from the nearest ski lift. It features a children’s playground and a small grocery store. Free WiFi is available.

Each room has a dining table, an electric kettle, a refrigerator and a microwave. The bathroom comes with a shower.

There is a shared lounge and a games room at the property. Grocery delivery is available at a surcharge. Skiing, cycling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.

Free parking is available on site. The distance to Sniezka Mountain is 5.5 km.

Hotel Bouda Helena 4-star hotel

Hotel Bouda Helena is located in Pec pod Sněžkou, 5 km from Ruzova Hora – Sněžka. It features a restaurant, private parking, a bar and a garden. This 4-star hotel offers free WiFi and ski storage space. Sněžka is 5 km from the hotel, while Portaski Cable Car is 6 km away.

A buffet breakfast is available every morning.

Hotel Bouda Helena offers a terrace. Hiking and skiing are popular in the surroundings of Pec pod Sněžkou.

Popular points of interest near Hotel Bouda Helena include Su, Mulda and Ezo Forests. Pardubice Airport is 102 km away.

Hotel Hořec 4-star hotel

Hotel Hořec is located in the centre of Pec pod Sněžkou amidst the Krkonoše Mountains. It offers free private parking and en-suite rooms with free Wi-Fi and a hot tub.

All rooms come with satellite TV, a sofa and a minibar.

The restaurant serves fine Czech and international cuisine, as well as a wide range of drinks. The bar and café have a sun terrace. The hotel staff speaks English and German.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Hořec Hotel there is a large swimming pool, a solarium, a beauty salon and a hairdresser.

Penzion Logla 3-star hotel

Guesthouse Logla enjoys a quiet location overlooking the town of Pec pod Sněžkou, 800 metres from the ski resort and 200 metres from the slope of the smaller size. Buffet breakfast and dinner are available, as well as a garden with a small seasonal pool and barbecue facilities.

Adults can relax at the bar, while children can have fun on the playground. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Other facilities include a storage room for bicycles and skis, as well as free private parking. The guest house has a children’s pool and guests can play Russian bowling for free.

The rooms at the family-run Logla Guest House offer views of the surrounding area. They are functionally furnished and feature a TV. Each room has a private bathroom.

The town centre is 500 metres away, where you can find a grocery shop, massage and beauty salons, and a wellness centre. The ski bus stops just 200 metres from the building.

What to do

The main attraction of the resort located in the National Park is its nature. Therefore, as entertainment, dog sledding, horse riding or hiking are offered here. You can get acquainted with the area and enjoy the beauty of nature either with the help of a guide or on your own.

A pleasant pastime will be a visit to the wellness center at the Horizont Hotel. Here you can do various sports – tennis, squash, badminton, or relieve stress in the jacuzzi or in the SPA center. The list of services includes classic massage, Chinese massage, which “distributes vital energy”, the famous Thai massage. It is known that the masters who were trained at a massage school in Thailand itself and can guarantee that after several sessions, guests will feel that they have become at least ten years younger. Local reflexology specialists are also famous for their skills, who will help get rid of intrusive pain in the joints and muscles. It is impossible not to mention the special honey wraps, which are known for their nourishing and relaxing properties, as well as wraps using Dead Sea mud. The cost of a massage ranges from 170 to 1400 kroons, depending on the duration and type of massage. A wrap will cost about 500 kroons, and a visit to the sauna, swimming pool and steam room is 120-180 kroons, depending on the time of the visit. By the way, the wellness center offers a 20% discount on all procedures until 2:00 p.m.

While parents relax in the jacuzzi or play tennis, children will have fun in the Lemuria Park. This playground is equipped with trampolines, an inflatable slide, bright attractions and various entertainment. The ticket price is 250 CZK.

Eat, drink

As in any other resort, in Pec pod Sněžkou there are many cafes and restaurants offering traditional Czech beer and national cuisine. Of particular note is the Enzian restaurant, located in the very center of the city opposite the city hall. Although the menu focuses on highland dishes, there are also traditional dumplings, goulash and hot soups. Dinner for two will cost about 800 CZK.

Another restaurant worth visiting is the establishment at the Snezka pension. A distinctive feature of this town is the friendly staff and surprisingly low prices.

How to get there

Pec pod Sněžkou is located 170 kilometers from the Czech capital, so the most convenient way to get there is from Prague. A transfer by taxi or bus will take about four hours. Buses to the resort depart from the city bus station Černý Most, and a ticket will cost 180 CZK.