The Krkonoše in photographs
A place that can't be photographed just once.
A landscape that skiers, hikers, and photographers have known for generations. Photos from the Krkonoše and the resort's surroundings.
A ski-in/ski-out resort in a quieter, more authentic part of the Krkonoše. Sněžka 1,603 m · 80 minutes from Prague · a 5-month snow season.
Velká Úpa is one of those places in the Krkonoše with a genuine mountain character. It's not a big town. It's a quiet valley with wooden cottages near the forest.
It stretches for 5 km along both banks of the Úpa River. The right side lies on the slopes of Javor, Vlašský vrch, and Světlá hora – a slope broken by two large valleys, Javoří důl and Vavřincův důl. The left side begins on the slopes of Růžová hora, continues southeast to the slopes of Pěnkavčí vrch, and ends on the slope of Červený vrch.
A favorable location beneath the highest Czech mountain, a healthy climate, natural beauty, and suitable terrain create ideal conditions for recreation, hiking, and winter sports. Snow cover generally lasts from the end of November until the start of April – five months of the year.
Velká Úpa is the gateway to Pec pod Sněžkou. A quieter, more authentic part of the valley. AERIS Resort creates a new center for Velká Úpa.
A landscape that skiers, hikers, and photographers have known for generations. Photos from the Krkonoše and the resort's surroundings.
Pec pod Sněžkou is the largest mountain resort in the eastern Krkonoše and one of the natural centers of the oldest Czech national park. Velká Úpa forms its quieter gateway, an authentic mountain area with direct access to skiing, hiking, and mountain life.
The highest mountain in Czechia. A place you should see at least once in your life.
Cable car from Pec to the summit in 15 minutes. A view 200 km away.
Velká Úpa isn't a one-season destination. In winter it offers skiing right from the AERIS resort, in spring the awakening landscape of the national park, in summer routes to the ridges, blueberries and mountain biking, and in autumn enjoy unique mountain trails and panoramic views.
Winter in Velká Úpa has the natural rhythm of a mountain resort, but without unnecessary bustle. The Portášky ski area lies directly above the resort and offers traditional slopes suited to families, children, and more relaxed skiing. Thanks to the planned connection to Pec pod Sněžkou and SkiResort Černá hora–Pec, the largest ski area in the Czech Republic is easily accessible from here.
In spring the Krkonoše change quietly but noticeably. Melting snow fills mountain streams, waterfalls, and valleys, meadows begin to green, and the landscape awakens after a long winter. It's a season of clean air, the first hiking trails, birdwatching, and nature's transformations.
Summer in Velká Úpa belongs to trips into the mountains. From the location itself you can head on foot to Sněžka, via Portášky, Růžohorky, or further along the Krkonoše ridges. The surroundings offer hiking of various difficulty, cycling routes, mountain biking, trips with children, and quieter walks through the valleys.
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in the Krkonoše. Forests turn gold, larches shine on the slopes, mornings bring fog in the valleys, and evenings bring crisp mountain air. The trails are quieter, nature more legible, and a stay in the mountains takes on a more focused atmosphere.
Traditional slopes right above the resort. Ideal for families and more relaxed skiing. The cable car to Portášovy Boudy runs year-round.
The cable car's upper station. A romantic walk along Liščí Louka above the valley. Views of Studniční hora and all of Pec.
Relaxpark, a bobsled track, the Monkey Park rope center, the Krkonoše National Park information center.
The highest Czech mountain. Cable car from Pec with a midway station on Růžová hora (since 1949). The highest post office in Czechia.
Cascading waterfalls on the Vavřincův stream. Most powerful in spring during the snowmelt.
One of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Czechia. The medieval Kovárna mine with an accessible gallery.
Large natural play features on the ridge above Portášky – one of the most popular children's attractions in the whole Krkonoše.
Classic ridge hikes. Luční bouda – a historic mountain hut with refreshments.
The second best-rated ski resort in Czechia. A gondola lift to Černá hora (a 21 m lookout tower).
A national park nature reserve – the largest summit peat bog in the Krkonoše. Endemic species, rare flora.
A mountain town on the Polish side of the Krkonoše. Cross-border day trips.
The highest lookout tower in the Krkonoše (27 m). Cable car directly from Pec. A 360° view of the ridge, the Polish side, Sněžka.
Velká Úpa is not remote. From Prague you'll get here in 80 minutes by car via the D11 highway. Completion of the final D11 section to the state border (second half of 2026) will shorten the journey further.
Via the D11 highway to Hradec Králové, then towards Trutnov, Svoboda nad Úpou, Velká Úpa.
Via Trutnov and Svoboda nad Úpou. The nearest regional airport is Pardubice.
A northern route via Trutnov. An alternative for guests from northern Bohemia.
Via Hradec Králové on the D11/D35. Suitable as a long weekend trip.
Via the Kudowa-Náchod border crossing. The Polish market is a traditional source of tourism for Karpacz and the Krkonoše.
Direct transfer, 90 minutes. An international arrivals mix – Germany, Poland, Austria.
The future resort is located directly by the Velká Úpa – Portášovy Boudy cable car station, at coordinates 50.6897° N, 15.7646° E.