Project: Connection

The connection of the Svatý Petr and Medvědín areas has been discussed in Špindlerův Mlýn since 1994, but in the last two years the project has taken shape and what was once a dream is now becoming a reality. The aim is to connect the two opposite areas by ski and thus overcome local geographical limits so that when crossing from one side of the Špindlerův Mlýn valley to the other, it will not be necessary to use any other form of transport than skis. This is a huge investment that will move the most popular Czech resort to an even higher level of services and sports enjoyment. For this purpose, two new cable cars, two new slopes, expansion of existing tracks and fundamental modernization and expansion of snowmaking systems have been designed. The center of the connection will be the P1 parking area at the beginning of the Elbe Dam.

11/2025

The Špindlerův Mlýn ski resort has entered the next phase of construction of a unique project that will connect the previously separate Svatý Petr and Medvědín resorts. Its key moment was the installation of the steel structure of the bridge over the Elbe River, which took place on November 4th with the help of the largest crane in the Czech Republic. This step represents another major milestone in the project to connect both sides of the resort, with the goal of creating a comprehensive ski resort that will offer comfortable and seamless skiing without the need to move between individual parts of the resort other than on skis. This will not only improve the accessibility of all slopes, but also increase safety and reduce car traffic in the city.

2023 - 2024

After many years of preparation and permitting processes, the construction with the official name "Interconnection of areas - Ski terminal P1" has begun and the construction of new ski slopes Přehradní and Lesní, equipped with the most modern snowmaking, has been completed. It is through them that skiers will reach the future boarding terminal P1, which will connect the two previously separate sides of the resort via two new cable cars. In these years, modifications were made to two more ski slopes. The blue ski slope in Svatý Petr has undergone modifications, thanks to which the track was expanded and remodeled for a more comfortable ride. The Vodovodní ski slope, also blue, was equipped with a new artificial snowmaking system. New technology for pumping water was also implemented to ensure stable operation and snowmaking throughout the season from the Labská dam.

01/2023

A final decision on the permanent restriction of the PUPFL was issued, issued by the Ministry of the Environment with an area of ​​​​permanent restriction of 22.16 ha, allowing the start of preparatory work for the implementation of the plan to build downhill slopes. These works were started on 21. 1. 2023.

10/2022

A final decision on the location of the construction "Špindlerův Mlýn - connection of areas" was issued, including a decision on the use of the territory - i.e. confirmation of the possibility of locating and implementing the construction of new downhill slopes, artificial snow and cable cars.

04/2022

A joint permit was issued – a zoning decision and a building permit for the construction (part of the interconnection plan) called: "Špindlerův Mlýn – ski terminal P1" – allowing the start of construction of a building with a parking lot, spaces for service facilities, including the construction of a bridge over the Elbe River and over road II/295.

10/2019

The Regional Office of the Hradec Králové Region, Department of Environment and Agriculture, issues a positive binding opinion on the assessment of the environmental impacts of the implementation of the plan (positive EIA) "Špindlerův Mlýn interconnection of areas". In the administrative area under consideration, 27.05 ha of land designated for forest functions was originally proposed for withdrawal (which was allowed by Amendment No. 2 of the Spatial Plan). Based on the results of the EIA and further assessment by the Ministry of the Environment, a further reduction to 22.16 ha occurred.

2017

MELIDA a. s. submits a study of the interconnection of areas to the KRNAP Administration. Given that it cannot be ruled out that the project may have a significant impact on the favorable state of protected areas or the integrity of the Krkonoše Site of European Importance or the Krkonoše Bird Area, an EIA assessment must be prepared for the project, which is a condition for further continuation of the project. The study and EIA assessment are commissioned to an independent certified processor.

2016​​​​​​

The Town of Špindlerův Mlýn issues Amendment No. 2 to the Zoning Plan, including the publication of the legal status after the discussed changes, i.e. the current status. In the administrative area under consideration, 27.05 ha of land designated for forest functions are proposed for withdrawal.

2014

The company MELIDA a. s., the new operator of the local ski area, is requesting a change to the spatial plan of the city of Špindlerův Mlýn, in connection with the development, ideas and needs of the company and the permitted interconnection of areas, including the results of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and discussions with the KRNAP Administration.

2011

The city of Špindlerův Mlýn issues a new spatial plan. In the administrative area under consideration, it is proposed to take away 25.2 ha of land designated for forest functions.

2006

The company Skiareál Špindlerův Mlýn, a. s. submitted an application to the Municipal Office in Špindlerův Mlýn for the implementation of the 5th amendment to the ÚPN SÚ Špindlerův Mlýn. The points and scope of the planned change were officially presented to the KRNAP Administration in advance. From September 2006 to October 2007, the proposal for the assignment of the above-mentioned change No. 5, including the assessment of the impact of the planned constructions on the environment (EIA), was processed. During this period, the Ski Resort asked the KRNAP Administration for an opinion on the above-mentioned plan. The KRNAP Administration declared its reservations, in particular, regarding the planned development in the northern direction (towards Medvědín). Here too, the use of the prospective areas of the reserves for downhill slopes according to the valid ÚPN SÚ Špindlerův Mlýn from 1994 was taken into account when processing the proposal.

2005

In the interest of further development, maintaining the competitiveness of Špindlerův Mlýn and improving the standard of sports and recreational facilities, in 2005 the general meeting of the joint-stock company Skiareál Špindlerův Mlýn resolved to prepare a long-term concept for the further development of the existing sports and technical infrastructure. The then developer, the Europa Ecosign company, prepared several variants of solutions to the current situation, which the general meeting discussed. All solutions include the connection of cable cars and downhill slopes in the area of ​​the existing P1 parking lot at the upper end of the Labská dam (connecting the two main ski areas). A parking house for approximately 500 cars was also to be built here, with a ski square on its roof with the lower stations of two cable cars leading to two opposite hills – Přední planina (Pláně) and Medvědín, or Horní Mísečky. The implementation assumed bridging the road from Vrchlabi to Špindlerův Mlýn on the northern side and the Elbe River on the southern side. A multi-storey car park in the place of the new lower cable car stations should contribute to significantly calming traffic in other parts of Špindlerův Mlýn. Variants of deforestation of the area of ​​56 ha were considered, in the second variant 38 ha.

1994

The approved spatial plan of Špindlerův Mlýn, at the time designated "Spatial plan of the settlement unit", allowed, within the framework of the urban design and functional zoning, the implementation of the connection of the Svatý Petr and Medvědín ski areas, within the framework of the areas designated "Areas of prospective plans - construction of downhill runs".

The interconnection project is being developed in the Špindlerův Mlýn ski resort, which is located in the Krkonoše National Park and its protection zone. Therefore, the KRNAP Administration was naturally the key institution from the beginning to express its opinion on the project. After long and complex negotiations on the scope of the project and its routing, we finally found an acceptable option with the nature protection agency. In order to confirm this fact in accordance with the applicable legislation, we had to have an environmental impact study, the so-called EIA, prepared. Its positive opinion means that if all the specified conditions are met, the project will not have a negative impact on the environment.

Safer skiing

Increasing the safety of skiing clients through their more even distribution across the area, more space on the slopes, more skiing and more sports – less waiting in queues for the cable cars.

Fewer cars and a decrease in emissions

Concentrating the burden related to car traffic to the entrance of Špindlerův Mlýn, eliminating the burden on the city center by clients moving between parts of the area in cars, ski buses or taxis; reducing the intensity of car traffic in the city center of Špindlerův Mlýn; reducing emissions and other harmful substances as well as stress from streets crowded with cars, increasing the quality of stay and satisfaction of guests and permanent residents.

Calming traffic in the city

Increasing the safety of movement around the city center thanks to a reduction in the intensity of car traffic, more space for pedestrians, long-term calming of the city center and its “return” to pedestrians.

Socio-economic benefits

Maintaining and increasing the number of jobs of the most important local employer, generating benefits for the stable development of the local community and the entire region, supporting active leisure activities and a positive impact on children and young people.