Why go?
The Czech Republic isn’t the first destination that springs to mind when you think of a family ski vacation. Yet Lipno is a top winter resort and just 20 minutes from Austria – a great place to introduce your kids to the slopes. Plus, you can combine it with a city vacation in Prague (a three-hour drive) or the historic town of Cesky Krumlov (with real brown bears in the castle moat).
Where to Stay and Eat
Families can stay at the resort in Chata Lanovka with apartments right at the base of the ski lift.
There’s a self service restaurant in the ski village and a café and a more scenic restaurant at the top of the slope.
Activities
Ski School
A non-intimidating slope is home to the Fox Club for children and novices of all ages. One-on-one lessons or ski schools are available with friendly, English speaking instructors. The instructors are patient and will soon have the kids skiing with stops, slaloming and even skiing Harry Potter style with a broom between their legs.
Young kids will love the moving walkway. There are larger slopes for when you and the kids are ready with easy ski lifts. From the Fox School and the main slope by it’s side there’s a great view of the lake and the snowy mountains beyond.
Non-ski Activities
The great thing about this resort is there are plenty of other activities to entertain the kids. The dry bobsleigh run is great fun for kids over six.
There’s also an award winning treetop walk which has been built in harmony with the forest and gives breathtaking views over the lake which can be ice skated on when frozen. The best part about the treetop walk is the curly shoot that you can whizz down. There’s also a fabulous woodland playground for kids with impressive wood carvings of foxes and other woodland creatures.
If your kids tire of the great outdoors, head inside to the Lipno Aquaworld with its trampoline, bouncy castle with a big cat mouth that closes on your squealing kids and best of all, an indoor pool.
The lowdown
Ski pass prices:
Adult 19-60 years: $35
Child 6-15 years:$23
Junior 16-18 years or student up to 26: $28