Czech Ski Resorts Face Variable Conditions as Warm Weather Impacts Snow Quality
Ski resorts across the Czech Republic are experiencing a mixed bag of conditions as warmer temperatures impact snow quality, though overall visitor numbers remain strong. While some areas are reporting above-average seasons in terms of revenue and attendance, others are grappling with softening snow and temporary closures of certain runs.
Jaroslav Vrzgula, operator of the Bílá ski resort, told news outlet Novinky.cz that this season has been better than average in terms of both revenue and visitor numbers. He noted that skiing was possible throughout December and all scheduled ski courses were able to proceed. However, Vrzgula also expressed concern about the recent warm spell.
“Unfortunately, the thaw is affecting the quality of the snow this week,” Vrzgula said. “Yesterday we had to cancel evening skiing because the snow is soft and the groomers are not able to prepare the slope quickly enough. The temperature did not drop below zero overnight; this morning it was 2.7 degrees Celsius, which is not good.” He anticipates a return to evening skiing when a cold front arrives over the weekend.
Vrzgula remains optimistic, stating, “We believe that things will improve at the beginning of next week; the forecast looks promising.”
The Mountain Rescue Service reports that skiing is currently possible in almost all locations within the Beskydy Mountains, but conditions vary. “Currently, the situation is that you can ski in all the major resorts, but the snow is mostly wet,” said Česlav Jadamus, a dispatcher for the Mountain Rescue Service in the Beskydy region. “Apart from Bílá and Mezivodí, skiing is possible on Karolinka, Kyčerka, Kohútka and in other larger areas.”
Conditions in the Jeseníky Mountains are somewhat better heading into the weekend, although a thaw is also being felt there. Interestingly, lower-altitude resorts are currently faring better than higher-elevation areas, such as Praděd, where temperatures are warmer. Karlov pod Pradědem and Kopřivná are experiencing more favorable conditions.
Karel Ležatka, operator of the Kopřivná ski resort under Praděd, described the situation at his resort as “completely fine,” with snow even visible around the slopes. He noted that nighttime temperatures are hovering around freezing and are expected to drop further towards the end of the week. “The slopes are snow-covered and in perfect condition, and the weather is beautiful,” Ležatka said.
Ležatka attributes the favorable conditions to the resort’s geographical location and slope angle. “This slope has a very good ability to accumulate snow. We have a meter of snow here. The cold, inversion weather in recent weeks has allowed us to intensively supplement the natural snow cover with artificial snow, which accumulates cold. Thanks to this, we have saved all the natural snow and the slope is in excellent condition today.”
Both the Mountain Rescue Services in the Jeseníky and Beskydy Mountains are advising hikers to exercise caution when venturing onto mountain ridges. They warn that snow cover is inconsistent in places and icy patches are forming due to the weather. Less experienced hikers are particularly urged to carefully consider the risks and to equip themselves with crampons and hiking poles. “As for movement on the ridges, the cover is inconsistent in places and icy patches are forming due to the weather. It is really necessary to be careful and equip yourself with crampons and poles for the hike,” said Česlav Adamus.
