Červenohorské sedlo

Červenohorské sedlo is a broad pass (1,013 m) in the main ridge of the lofty Jeseníky range, separating the Keprník massif from the Praděd massif (both peaks rise above 1,400 m). The road over the pass is one of the most scenic in the Czech Republic: on both sides of the ridge it drops through a dozen or so full 180-degree hairpin bends. The area around the pass, famous for snow that lingers, has long attracted skiers, so it is no surprise that the first ski resort in the Jeseníky was built here. The resort has two areas. On the north-western side of the pass there are large car parks, a cluster of hotels, restaurants and old mountain huts, and above them T-bars with very easy pistes, ideal for first steps on skis or for children. On the opposite side of the road is the main ski area, on the slopes of Velký Klínovec (1,163 m). Here four T-bars and a modern four-seater chairlift serve a whole system of varied pistes, from a steep slalom run to a very gentle, wide blue piste that suits even beginners. In total there are more than 6 km of pistes served by seven T-bars and a chairlift. The area has more than 60 km of groomed cross-country trails, and the finest outings on cross-country skis (you can also go on foot or on snowshoes) head for the scenic summits of Keprník or Praděd. A night in one of the local mountain huts can be unforgettable: the lifts are right on hand, and you can watch the sunset or sunrise from the highest peaks, in the very heart of the mountains.