A political dispute is stalling the planned renovation of a key ski jump in the Czech Republic,raising questions about the future of winter sports development in the region. reconstruction of the K-120 ski jump in harrachov – a town with a rich ski jumping tradition and former host of a Ski Flying World Championship [[1]] – has been suspended as the Czech Ski Association and local officials clash over control of the National Sports Centre. Accusations of a power grab and a lack of transparency are mounting as the project, estimated at $3 million USD, remains on hold [[1]].
A dispute over control of a national sports center in the Czech Republic has halted reconstruction of a ski jump in Harrachov, leaving the project’s future uncertain and sparking accusations of a power grab.
The Czech Ski Association is seeking to take the lead in the operation of the National Sports Center (NSC) in Harrachov, focusing initially on resolving outstanding financial obligations of approximately 15 million Czech koruna (roughly $650,000 USD) that arose when work began.
Harrachov Mayor Jan Vašíček criticized the association’s actions, stating, “I don’t know what Mr. Trávníček is basing his statements on when he doesn’t have any documents or materials at his disposal. He never showed any interest in them.” Vašíček added that, aside from one formal meeting, no one from the association communicated with city representatives.
The city maintains it has incurred no debt related to the reconstruction of the K-120 ski jump, having only completed preparatory work. Reconstruction of the dilapidated jump, estimated to cost 70 million Czech koruna (approximately $3 million USD), was suspended after one month of work due to the dispute with the Czech Ski Association.
The conflict stems from an initial agreement for the NSC to transfer ownership of the ski jumps and other assets to the city through a donation. However, the association and the Buchar Association successfully obtained a preliminary injunction preventing the transfer and subsequently filed a lawsuit. They argue they were not informed of the planned transfer, a claim the city disputes. Harrachov later withdrew from the contentious agreement, a move welcomed by the association.
The change in leadership at the NSC, with Vít Háček replaced by Josef Nechutný, has further fueled tensions. The association alleges Háček acted against the will of two of the three members of the association when he finalized the donation agreement.
Vašíček contends the leadership change was illegitimate. “In my opinion, this is just a power struggle over the hills and assets,” he said, adding that the city intends to pursue criminal charges.
The association has not yet determined when work on the ski jump can resume, citing a lack of secured funding. According to association representative Tomáš Trávníček, the National Sports Agency has not yet announced the corresponding grant program. The NSC, created by the Czech Ski Association with the city and the Buchar Association, is responsible for the reconstruction. While the association is attempting to prepare the small and medium ski jumps for winter with volunteer help, the NSC facility in Harrachov is currently without electricity and water.
