Just because we’ve likely had to place our bikes, scooters, in-line skates, and footballs in storage doesn’t mean there aren’t any sports to play during winter. If you’re not feeling up for skiing in the alps, then we’ve got a few tips for you about places in and around Pilsen that are perfect for winter sports.

• Ice skating

For ice skating, you can head over to the winter stadiums or, when the weather’s right, to one of Pilsen’s several frozen Bolevec Ponds. Pilsen’s winter stadium in Doudlevce offers open ice skating to the public. The exact dates and times are regularly updated on the stadium’s website according to the scheduled hockey matches. You can also visit the Ice Arena in Pilsen’s Košutka neighbourhood, where the ice is open to the public every weekend and even some weekdays. You can find the specific days and times on the Ice Arena website, which offers skating both with and without hockey sticks.
When the winter temperatures fall well below freezing, you can even skate on the Bolevec Ponds. When frozen, these ponds become very popular. Just don’t forget that when ice skating in nature, you always need to be careful. The ice should be at least 15 cm thick before you step foot on it.

• Cross-country skiing

When it comes to cross-country skiing, you might have to drive out to a good location. Of course, you can ski along the Bolevec Ponds, but you’re going to have to make your own run. But you won’t have to travel too far from Pilsen to find a good cross-country ski track. About 35 km from Pilsen, you’ll find the village of Míšov, where you can set off on the so-called “Míšov 8”, assuming there’s enough snow. But the run doesn’t get its name from being 8 km long, rather the track is shaped like the number “8”. The run’s total length is actually 20 km. The area around Míšov also features fun little hills for sledding, and there’s even a fast-food place here open all year long, meaning you can stop by for some hot tea after your athletic performance.
Located between Mirošov and Příbram, you’ll find the Brdy Arterial Road, which offers over 75 km of trails, where every enthusiastic skier can find what they’re looking for. For instance, you can start in Zaječov, located 40 km outside of Pilsen. And, weather permitting, you’ll find another lovely ski area 30 km away in the city of Teškov, right next to the motorway and nearby Rokycany. It offers a number of cross-country skiing routes with prepared runs for classic skiing as well as skating.

• Sledding

Even though Pilsen and its surroundings aren’t found within our country’s mountainous regions, there are still places here to take the kids sledding after some sufficient snowfall. Probably the best hill for sledding is located in Homolka Park in Pilsen’s Slovany neighbourhood. With enough snow, you can sled all the way from the park to the waterworks. Children can also enjoy some sledding in Bory Park, and you can even take your little ones to the Radbuza River. U Ježíška, located nearby the city centre, there’s a small hill the locals call “zemník” (“the pit”) that children love to sled on; sometimes you’ll even see them using plastic bags as sleds here.

• Skiing and snowboarding

If neither ice skates nor cross-country skis sound interesting to you, then you better head for the ski slopes located about 1 hour away. Approx. 62 km from Pilsen, you’ll find Ski Resort Mariánky and its super fun slopes. And, as a bonus, you can check out the lovely town of Mariánské Lázně.
Your other option is to visit Ski Resort Přimda, located along the way to Rozvadov. The journey takes about 40 minutes by car on the motorway. You’ll find smaller ski slopes here, perfect for little children, as well as larger slopes that even offer an exciting ride for snowboarders.

• Making a snowman and cold-water swimming

If it snows enough, then snowmen can be built pretty much anywhere in Pilsen. The best places, however, are the city parks. The largest of which is Bory Park, where you’re sure to already find more than a few snowmen. At Homolka Park, you can combine snowman-making with sledding. Or you can try some cold-water swimming in the local pool in Lobezský Park.

► You can then learn more about all of the summer sports in Pilsen on our website here.