ŠPINDLERŮV MLÝN: THE DREAM OF A SKI CONNECTION IS BECOMING A REALITY

There has been talk in Špindlerův Mlýn about the project to connect the Svatý Petr and Medvědín resorts since 1994, but in recent years this once-bold dream has begun to take shape.

The goal of this ambitious investment is to connect the two opposite sides of the resort via ski trails and overcome local geographical limitations so that skiers can cross from one side of the valley to the other without needing to use any form of transportation other than skis. The central hub of the entire connection is the P1 parking lot area near the Labská Dam, where the lower ends of the new ski runs, the lower stations of two chairlifts, and a service building housing ticket offices and an information center are being built.

Real planning of the project began in 2006, during which specific studies were conducted and various options for the routes of the connecting slopes and chairlifts were examined. In 2012, the project in its current form was incorporated into the Špindlerův Mlýn City Master Plan, thereby launching the permitting phase. This involved a rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and years of negotiations with all relevant authorities to find the optimal technical solution and an acceptable compromise.

Foundations for the implementation phase laid in recent years

In 2020, the realization of this ambitious project was just a step away, but COVID, the energy crisis, and other circumstances halted the start of work for a few more years. The path to the connection thus began with intensive work in 2023 and 2024, when the new Přehradní and Lesní ski runs were built, equipped with state-of-the-art snowmaking systems. Modifications and an expansion of the existing blue run in Svatý Petr were also carried out, along with the expansion and modernization of the snowmaking system on the Vodovodní run in Medvědín. Another key step was the construction of new technology for pumping water from the Elbe Dam, which ensured the resort’s snowmaking stability regardless of current flow rates in the Elbe River. A highly anticipated milestone in November 2025 was the installation of the steel structure for the ski bridge across the Elbe River, assisted by the largest crane in the Czech Republic.

Key construction projects in 2026: new chairlift, bridge, and terminal

This year is absolutely crucial for the project. In April 2026, construction began on a new six-person heated chairlift with protective bubbles, which will run from Terminal P1 to the area near the Hromovka upper station. This modern chairlift will be named the Audi Line Přehradní.

René Hroneš, director of the Špindlerův Mlýn Ski Resort, summarizes the key significance of this phase: “The biggest step forward, which customers will experience firsthand—and on their skis—as early as this winter season, will be the new modern chairlift, from which they will be able to ski directly down the new, Přehradní slope, which will be completed in its full length this year, or continue on to the Hromovka and Svatý Petr sections after getting off it. I dare say that thanks to its width, shape, and overall profile, Přehradní will be the best red run in the country. And I don’t just mean in Špindl, but in the entire Czech Republic.”

As part of the construction and operation of this new chairlift, the long-term partnership between the ski resort and the Audi brand is also being expanded. Marcel Archleb, head of the Audi division in the Czech Republic, commented on the development of the partnership: “The ski resort in Špindlerův Mlýn represents the absolute pinnacle of skiing in the Czech mountains; it regularly hosts Alpine Skiing World Cup races, and I am very pleased that we have managed to further expand our long-standing and successful collaboration. Just as the Audi brand is constantly improving its products, the ski resort is also working tirelessly to offer even better skiing experiences.”

But the list of new features being developed for the upcoming ski season doesn’t end there. Along with the new chairlift, the entire Přehradní red run will open in December 2026, including snowmaking along its full length. And that’s not all. On the other side of the valley, the Lesní slope will be completed this year, also including snowmaking, and a bridge will be built over Road II/295 leading from Vrchlabí toward the center of Špindlerův Mlýn. This will effectively create a one-way ski connection between both sides of the resort. Skiers will be able to travel from Medvědín along the new Lesní slope across the ski bridge directly to the new Audi Line Přehradní chairlift and from there on to Svatý Petr. This represents a huge benefit for the entire Bedřichov area, where most of the local residents live and where a number of lodging facilities are located. All skiers from these areas will now have the option to use the SkiIn-SkiOut system—they will simply be able to walk to the slope, which is only a few dozen meters away, without any need to use a car or ski bus for transportation. Visitors and local residents alike will experience all these major changes as early as the upcoming 2026/27 winter season.

Outlook for the Future

The project will subsequently continue with the construction of a second, 10-passenger gondola lift toward Medvědín, which will be completed in 2027. A fully functional and bidirectionally connected resort will thus be available for the 2027/28 winter season.

Key Benefits of the Project: Safety and Quality of Life in the Public Interest

The interconnection project is not only an investment in ski infrastructure but also serves the public interest in the areas of public health, safety, and the socio-economic development of the entire region.

Top Priority: Safety on the Slopes and in the Streets

A key benefit is a significant increase in safety for all visitors. The ski connection will allow skiers to be evenly distributed throughout the resort, creating more space on the slopes and eliminating risky overcrowded areas. The project also plans to increase the proportion of blue and red runs, which are more suitable for less experienced skiers and families with children.

Calming traffic and returning the city center to pedestrians

Another goal of the project is a more fundamental transformation of traffic, which currently often paralyzes the city center and endangers pedestrian safety as it moves between the separate resort areas. The connectivity strategy anticipates that visitors, residents, and local citizens will not need to rely as heavily on their cars when traveling between parts of the resort.

This reduction in traffic is facilitated by a combination of several key measures being implemented in collaboration with the town of Špindlerův Mlýn:

● Utilization of new areas at the P1 parking lot: More than a hundred parking spaces will be created right next to the new chairlifts at the Labská Dam.

● Increase in parking capacity: There will be a significant expansion of the number of parking spaces in the area behind the Špindlerův Mlýn Municipal Technical Services, known as Zadní Hromovka.

● New entrances to the P2 – Hromovka parking lot: The new entrance to the Hromovka and Zadní Hromovka parking lots, which opened last season, has significantly reduced traffic congestion in the city center.

● Improvement and modernization of navigation systems: A new, modern navigation system is being gradually implemented to inform visitors about the number of available parking spaces at each lot; plans also include enhancing road signage.

These measures will create a safe zone for pedestrians and significantly reduce emissions, noise, and stress on the streets. At the same time, ski bus logistics will be optimized—thanks to the P1 terminal, which will serve as a key boarding point for both resorts, the routes will no longer have to weave through narrow winter streets as much, further increasing safety and traffic flow throughout the city.

Another key factor is the acceleration of response times for the integrated emergency system and the Mountain Rescue Service, as the cleared roads and ski connections will enable much faster and more effective assistance to the injured.

A Thriving Community and Active Lifestyle

The project is a cornerstone of the region’s prosperity. It ensures job stability and the creation of new jobs while promoting active leisure as a healthy alternative to virtual entertainment.

Thanks to the connection, Špindlerův Mlýn will become a modern, safe, and environmentally responsible resort capable of competing with top-tier resorts in Europe while protecting the well-being of its residents.

Source: Ski Resort Press Release