Vimperk plans to build a ski resort

Vimperk - A new ski resort with a biathlon shooting range meeting European standards could be built at the Vodník area in Vimperk, Prachatice region, costing around 30 million. The city desires it, as do the Czech Biathlon Union, the local ski club, and probably most of the public. According to an expert assessment, it would not harm nature; however, the plan also has its opponents in Vimperk. This was evident in today’s public debate at the café Ve Skále in Vimperk, attended by dozens of people.

The city has been striving to improve the Vodník area since 2010, and visitors can now use the inline skating track; last year, Vimperk acquired a snow groomer for maintaining Nordic ski trails.

According to a study prepared by Atelier 8000, two more kilometers of trails and a biathlon shooting range with 30 targets could be built in Vimperk. In the future, there may also be better parking lots or a grandstand for three thousand spectators, a water reservoir, and a new snowmaking system. "The new facility would certainly improve training conditions and support for skiers. We could also develop young biathletes who currently have to travel for training," stated the chairman of the local club, Karel Hudeček.

The city is expected to contribute 10 to 15 million to the construction of the facility, with the maximum price set at 30 to 35 million excluding tax. The construction would occur in stages and has the support of the Czech Biathlon Union. "The project fits into our concept for the development of biathlon in the Czech Republic, which is why we are obtaining support for the project from the ministry and the South Bohemian region. If it doesn't succeed in Vimperk, we will look elsewhere," said Jiří Hamza, president of the Czech Biathlon Union.

Deputy Mayor Jiří Cais (ODS) stated that the city perceives the project as an important development impetus for the entire Vimperk. "The public views it positively, and therefore the project is one of the priorities defined in the new City Development Program for the years 2016 - 2022," he said.

Some locals are bothered by the fact that the facility will be built in the Křesánovský stream valley. However, a biological assessment commissioned by the city ruled out any negative impact on nature. "I conducted a biological survey; according to its conclusions, the development here would not harm the local nature, and the area is already being used for sport and recreation," stated the author of the report, Ondřej Volf.

Vimperk has a tradition in skiing; the local ski club, Ski klub Šumava, has produced notable athletes such as Kateřina Nash (née Hanušová) and Tereza Huříková, both known primarily as cyclists today. Olympic champion in cross-country skiing Kateřina Neumannová also graduated from Vimperk's skiing gymnasium.

Comparable-sized facilities exist in Letohrad and Jablonec nad Nisou. "For example, when a Czech Cup race takes place in Letohrad, the pensions and hotels within a 15-kilometer radius are fully booked; that is potential for Vimperk as well. Moreover, biathlon is a year-round sport and has two competitive seasons; in the summer, summer biathlon is held, and races are held on roller skis, both of which include the Czech Cup and the national championships," said Jiří Mánek, an official from the local biathlon club.