Discover the Ultimate Winter Sports Destinations in the Czech Republic: 2026 Events for Athletes and Fans
Legendary Jizerska 50
A significant sporting event in the Czech Republic is getting ready to mark its 50th anniversary. The Jizerska 50 is a well-established cross-country skiing competition that caters to both professional athletes and recreational skiers, taking place this year from January 29 to February 1, 2026. This race is held every year to honor the tragic memory of fifteen climbers who lost their lives during the 1970 Peru Expedition. Participants can choose from a range of distances: 50, 25, or 10 kilometers in classic style, or 30 kilometers using free technique. Also featured this year will be the ČSOB Jizerska 17 in free technique. Additionally, there are courses for younger runners and relay events. If you’re eager to participate but haven’t registered yet, you still have time! Spots are open for the main 50 km course as well as shorter options. Head to the website jiz50.cz to sign up.
Biathlon World Cup 2026 again in Vysočina
Race with Track for Life 2026
The Trail for Life series consists of popular cross-country skiing competitions designed for everyone, providing an opportunity for sports engagement without restrictions based on age or skill level. Each event within the series offers something unique, whether it’s the history behind it, its special allure, or distinctive race routes and scenery. Besides a well-prepared track and fantastic atmosphere, participants can expect excellent support for racers throughout the race, plus a captivating accompanying program for families and children. While the exact schedule for the 2026 races is not yet available, it typically includes events like the Jilemnicka 50 in Horní Mísečky in the Giant Mountains, the Charles Run in the Ore Mountains near Boží Dar, the Šumava Skimarathon from Kvilda, and the grueling Krkonošská 70 starting from Svatý Petr in Špindlerův Mlýn.Downhill skiing and skialps in the Czech Republic
Winter brings snow, skiing, and a spirited sense of competition. This is the essence of the Skiinterkriterium, which is held every year in the Říčky Ski Centre located in the Orlické Mountains. It is the largest and most significant international race for young competitors in the disciplines of slalom and giant slalom, featuring around 200 athletes from nearly every corner of the globe. This year’s event will run from January 16 to 17, 2026.
Every third week in January, specifically January 15 to 18, 2026, the resort of Pec pod Sněžkou will become a hotspot for ski mountaineering enthusiasts. The SkialpujFest welcomes everyone, whether you’re just getting started or you’re a seasoned ski mountaineer.
In Spindleruv Mlyn, a week later, from January 23 to 25, 2026, the Women’s Alpine World Cup will take place. The first day is reserved for practice; the following day features the giant slalom, and the final day includes the women’s slalom.
Winter adrenaline – dogs and ice yachts
One of the most demanding dog sled races in Europe, known as Šediváček’s Long, will occur from January 20 to 24, 2026 in the Eagle Mountains. Each year, about 700 sled dogs and over 100 mushers from countries including the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, Croatia, Hungary, and Poland come together to compete along the traditional path, which includes a challenging 200 km long four-stage course and a 300 km long five-stage course through beautifully unpredictable landscapes.
Another exciting event is the Ice Ride taking place in the Giant Mountains, scheduled for February 21 to 23, 2026. Participants in the Ice Ride will tackle nearly 150 kilometers and ascend more than 5,000 vertical meters. However, there’s a catch: the team is not just made up of a musher and his nine to ten dogs, but also includes a skier. The skier can either be pulled by the sled, glide alongside it, or assist the musher. Though the course spans several days through the mountains, teams carry all their gear and camp in the wild in tents between stages.
Races feature combinations of 8 to 40 (or more) dog paws and two to four human feet.
Another noteworthy event is the Lipno Ice Marathon happening on February 7, 2026. This is an extreme competition taking place on ice and snow for those ready to challenge themselves under tough conditions. You can choose to race in the traditional manner with winter terrain boots, or, if the weather allows, join the Freestyle category that involves skates, cross-country skis, kites, ice yachts, or bikes. You can select a specific method or mix them up as you please. The Freestyle category is especially designed for anyone who loves to navigate icy surfaces (as long as there’s ice available this year).
