ŠPINDLERŮV MLÝN: A NEW ERA BEGINS
The Špindlerův Mlýn ski resort is embarking on a programme of modernisation on several fronts this season. Whether it’s the ski link from Medvědín to Svatý Petr or the launch of a new visual identity.
A historic milestone for skiing: the ‘Connecting the Ski Areas’ project in Špindlerův Mlýn
After years of preparation, the Ski Area Interconnection project in the Špindlerův Mlýn Ski Resort is entering its decisive phase. A new cable car, bridges, ski runs and associated infrastructure are already taking shape on the ground, and the individual parts of the project are gradually being linked together into a single whole. The first phase is set to open as early as the 2026/27 winter season and, for the very first time, will enable skiers to travel from Medvědín to Svatý Petr without having to use a car or ski bus.
The project, which has been the subject of discussion in Špindlerův Mlýn since 1994, represents an investment of approximately 1.2 billion crowns. At its heart is the site of the former P1 car park by the Elbe Dam, where a new interconnection terminal is being built; from here, visitors will be able to continue by the new cable car towards Hromovka or, next year, by the gondola lift to Medvědín.
“The ‘Propojení’ project represents a fundamental change for Špindlerův Mlýn. It is not just about a new cable car or a few buildings. We are creating an interconnected ski resort where people will be able to move around more naturally, quickly and comfortably. After years of preparation, the project is finally taking shape right before everyone’s eyes,” says René Hroneš, director of the Špindlerův Mlýn Ski Resort.
Terminal P1 will link two previously separate parts of the resort
The centrepiece of the first phase of the project is the P1 area near the Labská Dam. It is here that a new ski terminal and facilities are being built, which will link two previously separate parts of the Špindlerův Mlýn Ski Resort.
A new ski run, Lesní, will lead from Medvědín to Terminal P1. From there, skiers will be able to continue on the new Audi Line Přehradní cable car towards Hromovka and on to Svatý Petr. The link also includes two new bridge structures, which will enable skiers to cross the River Elbe and the II/295 road leading from Vrchlabí safely.
It was precisely the second bridge, located at the bottom of the Lesní ski run, that was erected in August 2026. The steel structure was installed in a single night. In view of the weather forecast, the work was brought forward compared to the original schedule and proceeded without any major complications.
“Each of these structural elements has its place within the overall project. The bridges, for example, not only provide a crossing over the river and the access road, but above all ensure the safe separation of ski and road traffic. When we look at the construction site today, it is already clear to see how the individual parts of the link are beginning to form a single whole,” says René Hroneš, director of the Špindlerův Mlýn Ski Resort.
Technology for greater comfort and smoother transport
The link between the resorts is not merely a construction project. An important part of the link is the technology designed to ensure fast and comfortable transport for visitors.
The centrepiece of the first phase is the new six-seater heated Audi Line Přehradní cable car. The cable car, covering a distance of 1,400 metres, will offer a transport capacity of up to 2,000 people per hour, the highest standard of heated seats and a protective bubble. The journey to the top station will take approximately four minutes. LEITNER DirectDrive technology utilises a gearless synchronous motor with a direct connection to the drive pulley. This solution requires less maintenance, operates very quietly and consumes approximately 5 per cent less energy than conventional systems.
“From the outset, our main focus with the technology was on how it would fit into the overall project. It’s not just about building a fast cable car. It must operate in such a way that visitors do not have to think about how to get from one place to another and enjoy maximum comfort. Heated seats, a protective bubble, sufficient capacity and transport speed are therefore all part of a single system – we want movement around the resort to be as smooth as possible,” says René Hroneš, director of the Špindlerův Mlýn Ski Resort.
The technological aspect of the project also concerns snowmaking. The new Přehradní and Lesní ski runs form part of the expansion of the snowmaking infrastructure, which is designed to ensure stable conditions for the operation of the new link. The project also includes technology for pumping water from the Elbe Dam, which supports the stability of snowmaking throughout the season.
One-way ski link this winter
The main new feature of this winter will be launched as early as December 2026 – specifically on 12 December, at the start of the ski season, when the Audi Line Přehradní cable car will carry its first visitors. Skiers will also be able to travel from one side of the valley to the other on skis via the Přehradní and Lesní runs, specifically from Medvědín to Svatý Petr.
“We do not want to – and, of course, cannot – be a copy of Alpine resorts. We want Špindlerův Mlýn to keep pace with modern European resorts in terms of what it can offer visitors. In this respect, this represents a significant step forward. The comfort of the cable cars and, above all, the way the resort is interconnected are in line with the direction the best mountain resorts are taking today. The difference, of course, lies in the scale and in our Czech conditions, but we want our standard of comfort to be comparable with that of the rest of the world,” explains René Hroneš, director of the Špindlerův Mlýn Ski Resort.
The project will continue into 2027, when a new ten-seater gondola lift will be built from the P1 terminal towards Medvědín. This will complete the two-way connection between both parts of the resort in time for the 2027/28 winter season.
A line-up to kick off the season in style
The Špindlerův Mlýn ski resort will open the 2026/27 winter season with the Špindl SkiOpening event, which will take place on 12 December 2026. Visitors can look forward to a packed line-up, a great atmosphere and a unique opportunity to try out the new Audi Line Přehradní cable car, which is the key new feature of this winter season.
Get ready for a musical experience you’ll remember long after the last song has faded away. Taking to the stage in turn will be Majk Spirit, Skyline, NobodyListen featuring Annet X and DJ Roxtar – a line-up that promises energy, emotion and an atmosphere you’ll rarely experience. A unique line-up that will keep you entertained all evening, from start to finish, right in Svatý Petr.
Source: Ski Resort press release
