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Ski mountaineering in the Krkonoše Mountains has its own distinctive charm. The silence of winter forests, the steady rhythm of climbing on skins, breathtaking views and a genuine sense of freedom. The surroundings of Špindlerův Mlýn are among the most popular ski mountaineering destinations in the Czech Republic.
Unlike busy ski runs, ski touring offers a return to the essence of moving in the mountains. Less noise, more space and more focus on nature and yourself. In this respect, the Krkonoše offer an ideal combination of accessibility, varied terrain and quality mountain facilities.
However, as the Krkonoše are often described as the smallest high mountains, moving through their winter scenery also involves certain risks. So where should you go ski touring to stay safe? Where is it legal to go, and why are the Krkonoše not a “free playground” without restrictions?
Ski touring in the Krkonoše has good reason for rules
The Krkonoše are a national park with the strictest level of nature protection in the Czech Republic. Ski mountaineering is permitted exclusively on marked routes defined by the Krkonoše National Park Administration (KRNAP). These routes have been selected to minimise the impact on sensitive mountain ecosystems while still offering a quality sporting experience.
Moving outside permitted routes, entering quiet zones or descending in restricted areas is not just an offence – it can have long-term impacts on mountain fauna and flora, and often on the safety of ski mountaineers as well. According to statistics, more than 2,000 avalanches have occurred in the Krkonoše over the past 50 years, claiming more than 400 lives. That is why respect for the mountains and compliance with the rules set by KRNAP are absolutely essential.
Why can’t you ski everywhere in the Krkonoše?
Winter is the most demanding period for mountain nature. Wildlife has minimal energy reserves, plants are extremely vulnerable and every unnecessary movement outside designated routes causes stress to the entire ecosystem. That is why certain areas are closed during winter.
The aim of these restrictions is not to ban ski mountaineering, but to maintain a balance between sport and nature protection. Respecting the rules is therefore a basic condition to ensure that ski touring in the Krkonoše remains legal in the future. The restrictions also concern visitor safety. Some slopes are avalanche-prone or technically very demanding, and uncontrolled movement can lead to serious injuries or rescue operations in dangerous conditions.
Official ski touring routes in the Krkonoše
Ski mountaineering in the Krkonoše combines physical challenge, terrain awareness and personal responsibility. The Krkonoše National Park Administration has therefore prepared several official routes, mostly following hiking trails suitable for ski touring. Thanks to these marked routes, visitors can enjoy ski touring in the Krkonoše legally and safely, without endangering nature or one another.
These routes:
- are also marked on mapy.com,
- can be combined with other marked trails outside quiet zones,
- are not groomed ski runs – please expect more demanding navigation and avalanche risk.
The best ski touring routes around Špindlerův Mlýn
Route no. 1: Svatý Petr – Výrovka – Svatý Petr
Set off from Svatý Petr along the Stoh A ski run, continue on the blue route along the slope of Stoh to Klínové boudy, then follow the green trail to Chalupa Na Rozcestí and the red trail to Výrovka. The return follows the green trail down the Dlouhý důl valley. The route offers panoramic views and a mix of open and wooded sections.
📌 Route map.
Route no. 2: Martinova bouda – Labský důl – Martinova bouda
The ascent starts at Martinova bouda and continues to Labská bouda, from where the blue trail leads into the Labský důl valley. Then follow the blue trail towards Dvorský potok and take the steeper ascent to Patejdlova bouda. The route is technically interesting and suitable for moderately experienced ski mountaineers.
📌 Route map.
Route no. 3: Špindlerův Mlýn – Luční bouda – Svatý Petr (circuit)
This longer circuit combines the yellow trail along Dřevařská cesta to Bouda U Bílého Labe, then the blue Weberova cesta to Luční bouda, with a return via the old Bucharova cesta to Svatý Petr. The route includes avalanche-prone and technically demanding sections.
📌 Route map.
Route no. 4: Medvědí koleno – below Ptačí kameny
This partly marked and partly unmarked section leads to Medvědí bouda and Brádlerovy boudy, continuing towards Ptačí kameny. The circuit offers the option of descending to Davidova bouda and returning along wider tracks back to Medvědí koleno. Take care on avalanche-prone sections.
📌 Route map.
Safety and recommended equipment
The routes are not marked with poles, so rely on GPS and maps. Even these recommended routes pass through risky areas and, although they follow standard hiking trails, a seemingly pleasant tour can quickly turn into a fight for survival in poor weather.
Recommended equipment:
• avalanche transceiver,
• probe and shovel,
• GPS and paper map.
When planning and choosing your route, always consider your level of experience and available equipment. Before setting out on a specific route, it is important to check the current avalanche situation and the condition of the route you plan to take. Up-to-date information on avalanche danger, weather and route conditions is provided by the Mountain Rescue Service.
It is also strongly recommended not to go on tours alone. Besides being more enjoyable with friends or family, ski touring trips are significantly safer in a group.
Nature protection in KRNAP: Respect as the foundation of ski mountaineering
Moving outside marked routes has clear ecological reasons. The national park restricts free movement in quiet zones in order to protect sensitive flora and the winter peace of wildlife.
Seasonally closed sections protect endangered bird species (e.g. black grouse) during mating and nesting periods. KRNAP has established quiet zones where movement is permitted only along designated routes. In winter this is particularly important, as animals have limited energy resources and every unnecessary disturbance in the snow-covered landscape deprives them of valuable strength.
Fines and sanctions: How much can breaking the rules cost you?
By breaching the established rules, you may not only endanger yourself and damage the nature you are moving in, but you may also face fines that can reach hundreds of thousands of CZK. Fines for ski mountaineering in the Krkonoše mainly concern movement outside marked routes and within quiet zones. The amount depends on the seriousness of the offence (e.g. environmental damage).
● Movement outside marked routes or entering quiet zones – fines commonly in the thousands of CZK.
● Blocking access routes or disturbing natural peace – administrative proceedings and fines in the tens of thousands of CZK.
KRNAP rangers actively monitor compliance with the rules, so ignoring them is not a “minor risk”, but a real danger to you and other visitors.
Ski touring in the Krkonoše: Freedom that makes sense
Ski mountaineering in the Krkonoše is not about unlimited freedom, but about conscious movement in the mountains. It is about respect for a place that allows us to experience silence, space and a genuine connection with nature.
If you are looking for an ideal place to start ski touring or to take your winter experiences to the next level, Špindlerův Mlýn and its surroundings are an excellent choice. Simply put on your skins, set off along the right route – and let the Krkonoše enchant you.
More information can be found on the KRNAP website and avalanche information is provided by the Mountain Rescue Service.
This translation was prepared for you by the Gopass AI Translator.
