How to take a day-long ski trip from Prague: Costs and best quick escapes

Skiing in Czechia isn’t just for those with the time or budget for a week-long getaway. One-day ski trips have become a staple for locals, offering an accessible way to hit the slopes without the need for accommodation or extended time off work. Once rooted in tradition, these quick excursions are now evolving to include international destinations that compete with Czech resorts in both scale and quality.

"Interest in one-day ski trips has increased in recent years. A factor is the rising price of ski passes in the Czech Republic, which often makes it worthwhile to go abroad for better conditions," says Klára Veselá from the Vestour agency, told Czech Television.

Austria is among the most popular destinations for ski trips according to travel experts, appealing particularly to those students and young professionals without cars to retirees.

If you’re thinking about hitting the slopes for just a day, here’s a quick guide to planning a ski trip from Prague—whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out.

The concept of one-day ski trips dates back to the socialist era, when trade unions organized affordable outings to Czech mountains. Today, travel agencies have brought this idea into the modern age with added flexibility and comfort.

Many of the trips originate from Prague, allowing you to depart early, around 6 a.m. and return by 5 p.m. making the trip a cost-effective getaway. Day-long ski trips are organized to both Czech and international resorts; Czech resorts like Špindlerův Mlýn and Pec pod Sněžkou remain popular, especially among beginners and families.

For more experienced skiers, international destinations are increasingly appealing. Austrian resorts, in particular, have gained a following thanks to their reliable snow conditions and larger slopes.

Most trips depart early in the morning from major hubs like Prague, Brno, or Ostrava. A few hours later, you’ll be at the slopes. After a full day of skiing, the bus brings you back in the evening.

Prices vary depending on the destination, but most one-day trips cost between CZK 950 and CZK 1,390. Packages typically include bus transport and guide services, with some agencies also offering prepaid ski passes and insurance.

For instance, KM Travel charges around CZK 1,290 for trips without a ski pass and CZK 1,390 for all-inclusive packages.

You don't need to go through an agency to enjoy a short ski trip from Prague. This list of resorts is easy accessible from Prague, many such as Ještěd offer ski buses from the Czech capital. CitySki offers English-speaking instructors and Czech and international trips affordable rates. Read our full overview of Bohemian slopes here.