Snowkiting

There are a number of places in the Krkonoše Mountains where this activity can be practiced legally. Unfortunately, however, some people look for ridge plains (around Luční and Labská bouda, including the plains on the other side of the state border), which are protected as KRNAP quiet areas and where access is not allowed outside of marked paths.

Snowkiting, as a special sport, appeared in the Giant Mountains literally a few years ago. Its principle is simple – a kiter (skier or snowboarder) is connected to a different-sized kite, remotely resembling a paragliding wing, by means of a special harness (the so-called trapeze). When the wind is right, the kite pulls the kiter across the snowy plain. Experienced and suitably equipped kiters under optimal conditions not only reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, but can also perform jumps, where they can stay in the air for tens of seconds.

There are many places in the Krkonoše Mountains where this activity can be practiced legally. Unfortunately, however, some seek the ridge plains, which are protected as KRNAP quiet areas. The Act on the Protection of Nature and Landscape does not allow entry (or entry) outside the marked path in these places.

The reasons for this restriction are similar to those limiting, for example, ski mountaineering to reserved routes. Plains kiters may disturb the rare black grouse, which, unlike kiters, has nowhere else to live. Another reason may be damage to the sedge and other woody plants in places where the growing season (ie, among other things, the time for regeneration of the damaged plant) lasts only 70 days in the whole year. Even if the layer of snow prevents damage to the vegetation and the grouse is not present at the critical time, there are a number of other reasons why entry outside the marked paths and thus also snowkiting in quiet areas is not allowed. Many people cannot objectively assess specific conditions under which damage to nature cannot occur, in the event of an accident there is a risk of a rescue operation with a large number of rescuers, etc.

In practice, this means that snowkiting in the wider vicinity of Luční and Labská bouda, including the plains on the other side of the state border, is illegal and punished in accordance with applicable laws.

On the other hand, the Krkonoše Mountains really offer kiters good terrains where they can ride. A good location is the vast meadows in the vicinity of Brádler's huts, Medvědí bouda or Moravská bouda in the central Krkonoše Mountains. An altitude of around 1,000 m above sea level ensures constant snow cover for most of the winter and windy weather. The cottages themselves offer solid facilities for kiters. The meadows in the vicinity of Vrchlabí have a good terrain configuration, the other advantage of which is easy access by car. In the Czech Republic, there are several good terrains for snowkiting outside the protected areas. The location near the village of Pohledec near Nové Město in Moravia is well known. It is large - maybe 6 km2 and easily accessible to everyone. Its altitude between 600 and 700 m above sea level guarantees sufficient certainty that it will be windy and snowy there. Miličín between Tábor and Benešov near Prague or Fryšava and other places in the Žďárské vrchy are interesting and popular. You can also go to Pustý kopec (Pusty Hill) in Orlické hory. The Ore Mountains with Boží Dar and Moldava are popular and reliable. There is usually enough snow there even in less severe winters, and their geographical location in Europe promises windy weather as well.