Leki Ještěd Winter SkyRace

Gear up for a race that will forever change your view of winter trail running. If summer skyrunning can make you sweat blood and water, Leki Ještěd Winter SkyRace around Liberec adds ruthless winter conditions: piercing wind, treacherous ice, deep snow, and technical, rocky trails. It’s an absolute mountain trail staple in the Czech Republic, drawing the sport’s elite who aren’t afraid to take on this frozen giant.

The main arena sits on the characteristic ridge and the very summit of the Ještěd (1012 m above sea level). Competitors typically tackle the flagship course Winter SkyRace (about 21-22 km with a brutal elevation gain of around 1200-1350 m) or a shorter but just as intense version, Winter Trail (about 11-12 km, ~700-850 m elevation). The course is a true winter rollercoaster. There are perilous descents where every step counts, steep climbs toward ski jumping ramps, and a legendary finale: climbing over icy rocks to the very base of the television tower.

When you cross the finish line with frozen cheeks and collect your unique medal, it’s time for a well-deserved recovery and to warm your body. From this perspective, Liberec is a true winter paradise:

Observation post at the summit of Ještěd: the 94-meter futuristic television tower, cloaked in ice and snow, looks like a sci-fi set in winter. After the race, it’s worth driving or taking the cable car up to the summit to enjoy, from the warm restaurant, a breathtaking snowy panorama of the Giant Mountains and the Jizera Mountains 🗼.

Thermal recovery at the Wellness Centrum Babylon : your muscles, after battling slips, ice, and steep ascents, will be crying out. The on-site wellness area, inspired by ancient Roman baths, is the best place to get back on your feet. Saunas, steam rooms, and warm-water pools will have you back among the living in no time 🌊.

Stroll through Liberec in the snow: visit the town square to admire the imposing neo-Renaissance town hall, which at winter nights, with its ambient lighting, looks like a fairytale set. Seek refuge in one of the cozy specialty cafés for a perfect cup of infusion and a huge slice of homemade cake 🏛️☕.

Hearty Czech feast to satisfy a wolfish appetite: a SkyRace in the freezing cold burns an astronomical number of calories. Stop by a traditional Czech hospoda and start with a smoky garlic soup (česnečka) with croutons and melted cheese. For the main, order a hearty guláš s knedlíkem or a crispy fried cheese (smažák) with fries. To complete the experience, nothing beats hot spicy mead (horká medovina) or a mug of local Konrad beer, straight from Liberec 🍲🍻.

Pack aggressive crampons, bring running spikes, thermal clothing, and push your limits by facing the icy skyrace in the Winter SkyRace!