Ignite Your Adventurous Spirit: Discover Thrilling Sledding and Skiing

If you’re interested in skiing gear from the early days of skiing in our country, you need to explore the ski history exhibition in Jilemnice. Some standout displays include a large peasant sleigh and other sleighs. You will also find the oldest skis, rare colored photographs dating back to the late 19th century, and striking mannequins dressed in vintage ski clothing. The first skiing competition took place in Jilemnice in 1895, followed by the first international races two years later. Women started participating in races in 1897, and their involvement has been a regular occurrence ever since.

If you’re feeling nostalgic about the dusty wooden skis and outfits belonging to your ancestors, you don’t have to worry about cleaning them! There are actually several fun races happening around.

Skiing began to gain popularity in the Czech lands during the second half of the 19th century, especially in mountainous regions like the Giant Mountains, Jizera Mountains, and Jeseníky. The first skis were made of wood, usually handcrafted from spruce or ash wood. Skiers fastened their boots to their skis using simple leather straps.

In contrast to modern skiing, these early practices often involved skiing without poles or using just one long pole for balance and stopping. Skis were not only a means of recreational activity but also a practical way to travel for mountain dwellers, foresters, and postal workers.

Take a break from your everyday stress and revisit your childhood with us! Embrace a thrilling challenge and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon filled with laughter, joy, and a bit of silliness. We have organized fun races on sledges and antique skis, where the focus is not on speed but mainly on enjoyment and creating lasting memories!

January and February 2026: horn races, historians at Jizera 50, Skiers from Smržovka, Smugglers’ weekend

At the beginning of January, you can look forward to a fantastic sporting event. A popular competition, the International Horned Sleigh Race, will take place in the Ski Resort Černá Voda located in the Eagle Mountains, on January 10, 2026.

This year, the International Czech Championship in Historical Skiing is set to happen on January 24, 2026, at the Juráška-Olešnice ski resort to mark the 100th anniversary of ash tree production by the family of Zdeňka Frymla. Competitors will participate in international races using old wooden skis (jasankas), engaging in two categories: slalom (an event showcasing skiing skills) and jasankros.

On January 25, 2026, the Historical sleigh races in Malá Úpa will occur. This event features a two-person team race on a sleigh, along with additional challenges related to the history of Malá Úpa and its initial settlers, such as binding hay and sawing logs with a traditional carpentry saw…

For those interested in participating, you must sign up beforehand, while others are welcome to come and watch starting from 10:00 am at the U Kostela area. The horn race honors Joska Tylš Memorial, commemorating the expert and advocate of sledding from nearby Velká Úpa, who sadly passed away in the winter of 2019.

The opening of the Jizera 50 event will traditionally feature races on historical skis. This competition kicks off on January 29, 2026, at 6 pm in Bedřichov, where participants will tackle a 400-meter long course. This unique race in historical costumes serves to commemorate the beginnings of the Jizera 50 competition.

On February 21, 2026, there will be a fun recessionary ski triathlon featuring skiers from Smržovka taking place in the Ked Ski Area. Each year, dozens of men and women participate, with the top finishers receiving prizes like bottles of rum. Navigating ordinary hills can be quite a challenge using wooden skis and vintage clothing, especially during a race meant to entertain the audience. The event will start after noon at the Ked Ski Area in Smržovka.

For those who love the nostalgia of the past, the traditional Smugglers’ Weekend in Rokytnice nad Jizerou on February 13, 2026, offers a wealth of entertainment. You can expect the arrival of Krakonoš, a captivating fire show, a smugglers’ convention with lit torches, ski jumps from the Studenov ski resort, and much more. The Saturday program, which includes a fashion show and a contest for the best period costumes, will unfold at the Horní Domky Ski Resort. Plus, there will be a delightful wandering around the huts and entertaining competitions for the kids.