The Czech Giant Mountains are the cradle of skiing in this part of Europe, and among the most interesting resorts stand out Harrachov and Malá Úpa - places with a fascinating history and unique attractions.

The sports resort of Harrachov, located just a dozen kilometers from the Polish border, is one of the oldest ski resorts in the Czech Republic, dating back to the late 19th century. This mountain resort has gained international fame not only for its excellent slopes, but especially for its impressive ski jumps. Few people know that it was here that the first international ski jumping competition was held in 1920, and in 1983 Harrachov made history as the place where the first jump exceeding 180 meters was made. Today the resort offers 7.6 kilometers of ski slopes of varying difficulty, served by 8 lifts, including a modern cable car.

Interestingly, Harrachov is home to the oldest working glass factory in the Czech Republic, operating continuously since 1712. After a day on the slopes, it's worth a visit to see the traditional glass-making process and even take part in a workshop. According to local legend, the first glass cup made at the smelter brought good luck to the local mountaineers, protecting them from avalanches - hence the tradition of drinking a glass of the local herbal liquor before the first descent of the season.

Malá Úpa, on the other hand, is a real gem hidden in the heart of the Krkonoše Mountains, right on the border with Poland. Located at an altitude of 1050-1400 meters above sea level, this intimate ski resort offers 4.5 km of slopes served by 6 lifts. Although much smaller than nearby Špindlerův Mlýn, it attracts skiers looking for tranquility and an authentic Czech mountain atmosphere. Malá Úpa boasts one of the oldest ski schools in the Czech Republic, founded in 1925 by legendary instructor Josef Adolf, who introduced the alpine style of skiing here.

The village is also associated with the fascinating figure of the Spirit of the Mountains - Karkonoš (Krakonoš), who, according to local legends, guards the area. In the 18th century, the first written stories about this mythical figure were written in Malá Úpa, and today you can find sculptures and symbols referring to this legend on the slopes. Particularly popular is the 'Krkonoše Route'. - a gentle downhill for beginners, where each turn features an element referring to a different legend of the Mountain Spirit.

Both resorts also offer extensive infrastructure for cross-country skiers. Harrachov has more than 100 km of cross-country skiing trails, including part of the famous Krkonoše Arterial Route, while Malá Úpa offers 20 km of scenic trails through the unspoiled areas of the Krkonoše National Park. It's worth mentioning that both resorts operate a system of shared passes, allowing you to use the various resorts on a single ticket.

If you're looking for less crowded but equally attractive skiing destinations, it's worth heading to the Jesenik Mountains, home to two unique resorts: BONERA Ski areál Ramzová and Ski areál Červenohorské sedlo.

BONERA Ski areál Ramzová is the largest ski resort in Moravia, located in the picturesque village of Ramzová. The history of skiing in this region dates back to the 1930s, when Czech pioneers of the sport discovered excellent snow conditions on the slopes of Šerák Mountain (1,351 meters above sea level). The first ski lift was put into operation here in 1948, and in 1973 a cable car to Šerák was put into operation, which was then the most modern in all of Czechoslovakia.

Today the resort offers 9.5 kilometers of slopes of varying difficulty, served by 8 lifts, including a modern four-person chairlift. Particularly recommendable is the 3.5-kilometer slope from Šerák to Ramzová, offering spectacular views of the entire Jeseníky range. It is interesting to note that in 2018, during the renovation of the upper station of the cable car, a time capsule from 1973 was discovered, containing, among other things, maps of the trails at the time and photos of the builders.

Ramzová is also associated with the fascinating legend of the Golden Rhine, a mountain nymph who, according to local tales, helps lost skiers during snowstorms. In honor of this legend, a nighttime torchlight run is held every February, during which skiers dressed as nymphs and mountain spirits descend an illuminated trail.

Ski areál Červenohorské sedlo, on the other hand, is one of the oldest ski resorts in the Jeseníky Mountains, located on the pass of the same name (1013 meters above sea level). The beginnings of skiing here date back to the 1920s, when members of the German ski club from Šumperk marked out the first trails. However, the real development of the resort came in the 1970s, when modern (for the time) ski lifts and accommodation were built here.

Today, the resort offers 7.4 km of slopes served by 6 lifts. A unique attraction is the so-called 'Červená', a 2-kilometer red slope with an elevation of 400 meters, considered one of the most demanding in the entire Jeseníky Mountains. For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, there are more than 50 kilometers of trails, including the famous 'Jesenická magistral' leading through the most beautiful corners of the mountains.

A little-known fact is that the area around Červenohorské sedlo was extensively prospected for gold in the 18th century, and according to local legends, there are still treasures hidden in the caves below the pass. Every year in January, the area hosts the 'Golden Slide' - a competition where participants must find gold coins hidden along the route.

Both Jeseniky resorts are distinguished by an exceptionally long ski season, often lasting from November to April, thanks to a favorable microclimate and modern snowmaking systems. Unlike the more crowded resorts in the Giant Mountains, pass prices here are about 20-30% lower, making them an attractive alternative for families and those looking for good value for money.

On the Polish-Czech border, in the picturesque Silesian-Moravian Beskydy Mountains, there is another notable ski resort - Ski Resort Bílá. This lesser-known gem among Polish tourists offers a unique skiing experience in the authentic atmosphere of the Czech mountains.

Ski Resort Bílá is located in the Bílá River valley, about 30 km from the Polish border. The history of skiing in this region dates back to the 1930s, when local enthusiasts of the sport began organizing the first competitions on the surrounding slopes. However, the first ski lift was not opened here until 1965, and the real development of the resort came in the 1990s, after the fall of communism.

Today, Bílá offers 5.6 kilometers of perfectly groomed slopes, served by 6 lifts, including a modern four-person chairlift. The resort is famous for its exceptionally well-prepared trails, which are regularly groomed, and for its advanced snowmaking system, which covers 100% of the slopes. As a result, the ski season here usually lasts from December to the end of March, and sometimes even longer.

What sets Bíla apart from other resorts? First of all, the unique atmosphere of an authentic Czech mountain village, which has not yet been fully commercialized. The chalets and restaurants here serve traditional Czech food according to original recipes, and prices are much lower than in the popular resorts of the Giant Mountains. Particularly worth trying is a local specialty - 'Valašské frgál', a traditional pastry with pear filling, which according to legend was a favorite delicacy of the Beskydy bandits.

Bílá is also a great place for families with children. It is home to one of the best ski parks in the Czech Republic for the little ones - Bílá Školička, where professional instructors teach children to ski through play. The park is equipped with a magic carpet (conveyor belt), ski carousels and colorful figures to make learning more enjoyable. Interestingly, in 2019 the resort introduced an innovative 'Skiing with Bear' program, where children learn the basics of skiing in the company of its mascot, Bílek Bear, who, according to local legend, is the guardian of the local forests.

There are more than 30 kilometers of trails of varying difficulty for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Particularly recommended is the 12-kilometer route leading along the ridge of the Beskydy Mountains, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. On sunny days you can even see the distant peaks of the Tatra Mountains from here.

Also worth mentioning is the unique attraction of evening skiing. Bílá offers some of the longest illuminated slopes in the Czech Republic (a total of 3.5 km), open until 9:00 p.m. Skiing down the illuminated slopes when the starry sky is over the mountains is an unforgettable experience.

Compared to other resorts on the Czech-Polish border, Bílá stands out for its favorable value for money. Passes here are on average 25% cheaper than in Harrachov or Špindlerův Mlýn, with comparable quality of trails and infrastructure. In addition, the resort offers numerous promotions, especially during the week and during the off-peak season.

Interestingly, there are remnants of ancient shepherd's huts in the Bílá area, testifying to the Wallachian origins of the local culture. According to local accounts, it was Wallachian shepherds who were the first to use skis here to move between settlements in winter. To commemorate these traditions, a 'Wallachian Ski Festival' is held here every March, during which you can see demonstrations of skiing on traditional wooden skis and take part in competitions inspired by the ancient skills of the highlanders.