Spindlermühle / Czech Republic: The dream of a ski area connection becomes reality

The project to connect the Svatý Petr and Medvědín ski resorts has been discussed in Spindlermühle (Špindlerův Mlýn) since 1994. In recent years, however, this once audacious dream has taken concrete form.

The aim of this ambitious investment is to connect the two opposite sides of the ski area via a ski lift, thus overcoming local geographical boundaries. In the future, skiers will only need their own skis to cross from one side of the valley to the other. The central hub of the entire connection will be the area around parking lot P1 at the Labská Dam (Elbe Dam). Here, the new slopes will be accessed, along with the valley stations of two cable cars and a service building housing ticket offices and an information center.

Concrete planning for the project began in 2006. This involved conducting specific studies and examining various route options for the connecting toll roads, ski slopes, and lifts. In 2012, the project, in its current form, was incorporated into the land-use plan of the town of Spindleruv Mlyn, thus initiating the permitting phase. This included a comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) and years of negotiations with all relevant authorities to find the optimal technical solution and an acceptable compromise.

The foundations laid in recent years for its realization

In 2020, the implementation of this ambitious project was imminent, but Covid, the energy crisis, and other circumstances delayed the start of work for several years. The path to the connection finally began with intensive work in 2023 and 2024. During this time, the new "Přehradní" and "Lesní" slopes were built and equipped with state-of-the-art snowmaking systems. In addition, the existing blue slope in Svatý Petr was modified and widened, and the snowmaking system on the "Vodovodní" slope at Medvědín was expanded and modernized. A key step was also the construction of a new technology for extracting water from the Elbe reservoir. This ensures a stable snow supply for the ski area, independent of the current flow rates of the Elbe River. A much-discussed milestone was the installation of the steel structure of a ski bridge over the Elbe in November 2025, which involved the use of the largest crane in the Czech Republic.

Key construction projects in 2026: New cable car, bridge and terminal

This year is absolutely crucial for the project. In April 2026, construction began on a new heated 6-seater chairlift with a weather protection bubble, running from Terminal P1 to near the top station of the Hromovka cable car. This modern cable car will be called the "Audi Line Přehradní".

René Hroneš, director of the Špindlerův Mlýn ski area, summarizes the central importance of this phase: “The biggest step forward, which customers will experience firsthand and on their skis this coming winter season, is a new, modern cable car. From here, skiers can access the new ‘Přehradní’ slope, completed in its entirety this year, or continue on to the Hromovka and Svatý Petr sections of the ski area. I dare say that, thanks to its width, shape, and overall profile, ‘Přehradní’ will be the best red run in our area. And I don’t just mean in Špindlerův Mlýn, but in the entire Czech Republic.”

The construction and operation of this new cable car will also expand the long-term cooperation between the ski resort and the Audi brand. Marcel Archleb, Head of the Audi Division in the Czech Republic, commented on the further development of the partnership: “The Špindlerův Mlýn ski resort represents the absolute pinnacle of skiing in the Czech mountains and regularly hosts Alpine Ski World Cup races. I am very pleased that we have succeeded in further expanding our long-standing and successful collaboration. Just as the Audi brand is constantly improving its products, the ski resort is also working tirelessly to offer even better skiing experiences.”

But that's not all. Along with the new cable car, the entire red "Přehradní" slope, complete with snowmaking along its entire length, will open in December 2026. And that's not all. On the other side of the valley, the "Lesní" slope, also equipped with snowmaking, will be completed this year. In addition, a bridge will be built over road II/295, which leads from Vrchlabí towards the center of Špindlerův Mlýn. This will effectively create a one-way ski connection between the two sides of the valley. Skiers will be able to travel from Medvědín via the new "Lesní" slope and the ski bridge directly to the new "Audi Line Přehradní" cable car and from there on to Svatý Petr. This will also be a huge benefit for the entire Bedřichov area, where the majority of locals live and where many accommodations are located. All skiers from these areas now have the option of using ski-in/ski-out access – they can easily reach the slopes, just a few dozen meters away, on foot, without needing a car or ski bus. Visitors and locals alike will experience all these significant changes starting in the upcoming 2026/27 winter season.

Future outlook

The project will then continue with the construction of a second, 10-person gondola lift towards Medvědín, scheduled for completion in 2027. A fully functional ski area, connected in both directions, will thus be available for the 2027/28 winter season.

Main advantages of the project: Safety and quality of life in the public interest

The connection project is not only an investment in ski infrastructure, but also fulfills a public interest in the areas of public health, safety and socio-economic development of the entire region.

Absolute priority: safety on the slopes and roads

A key advantage is the fundamental increase in safety for all visitors. The ski connection allows for a more even distribution of skiers across the entire ski area, creating more space on the slopes and eliminating risky, overcrowded bottlenecks. The project also envisages an increase in the proportion of blue and red runs, which are better suited for less experienced skiers and families with children.

Traffic calming and returning the city center to pedestrians

The project also aims to significantly reduce traffic congestion. Currently, traffic between the separate ski areas often paralyzes the town center and endangers pedestrian safety. The new connection strategy will ensure that visitors, residents, and locals need to use their cars far less when traveling between the different parts of the ski area.

This traffic relief is achieved through a combination of several key measures, implemented jointly with the city of Spindleruv Mlyn:

• Use of new areas in parking lot P1: More than one hundred parking spaces are being created directly next to the new cable cars at the Elbe Dam.

• Increased parking capacity: The number of parking spaces in the area behind the Spindleruv Mlyn Municipal Services (known as "Zadní Hromovka") is being significantly expanded.

• New access roads to parking lot P2 – Hromovka: The new access road to the Hromovka and Zadní Hromovka parking lots, which was already put into operation last season, has noticeably reduced traffic congestion in the city center.

• Improvement and modernization of the guidance systems: A new, modern parking guidance system is being gradually implemented to inform visitors about available parking spaces in the respective parking lots. The number of road signs will also be increased.

These measures will create a safe zone for pedestrians and significantly reduce emissions, noise, and stress on the roads. At the same time, the logistics of the ski buses will be optimized – thanks to Terminal P1, which will serve as a key access point for both ski resorts, the bus routes will no longer have to maneuver so extensively through the narrow winter streets, further increasing safety and traffic flow throughout the city.

Another key factor is the faster intervention of rescue services and mountain rescue teams, who can provide much faster and more efficient assistance to the injured thanks to the relieved roads and the ski connection.

A thriving community and active lifestyle

The project is a cornerstone of the region's prosperity. It secures the preservation and creation of new jobs and supports active leisure activities as a healthy alternative to virtual entertainment.

Spindlermühle will be transformed into a modern, safe and environmentally responsible ski resort, capable of competing with top European ski resorts while protecting the quality of life of its inhabitants.

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