A landmark hotel near the Vysočina Arena in Nové Město na Moravě, Czech Republic, is undergoing a significant modernization.The Hotel Ski, a fixture in the region as 1972 and a frequent host to biathletes during the annual World Cup event, is receiving updated energy systems and a redesign of its exterior, including the removal of its signature triangular balconies. The project, led by owner Marian Štetina, reflects both a commitment to sustainability and a vision for adapting the property to meet contemporary guest expectations while preserving its iconic status.
A significant renovation is underway at the Hotel Ski in Nové Město na Moravě, a landmark property near the Vysočina Arena, as its owner, attorney and former Czech Cycling Federation head Marian Štetina, modernizes the facility. Recent work included the removal of the hotel’s distinctive triangular balconies, a change noticed by spectators during the ongoing Biathlon World Cup.
The current phase of improvements, paused by winter weather and the international biathlon event, focuses heavily on energy efficiency. “We replaced all the windows and roofs with the help of a grant, insulated the facade, and updated all the equipment to maximize energy savings,” Štetina explained.
As the renovation progressed, a plan emerged to replace the existing balconies with larger, more modern additions. “This hotel dates back to 1972, and today’s needs are different. We’re building lodges that will span the entire width of the building,” Štetina said, pointing to architectural visualizations. The designs feature vertical sunshades made of wood-colored aluminum.
The transformation of Hotel Ski is being led by the Brno-based architectural firm of Martin Kareš. “He told me he also sees Hotel Ski as an icon of the Žďárské vrchy mountains, so we need to approach this very sensitively to avoid spoiling it,” Štetina noted. “The lodges will be deeper than the original balconies and oriented to the south, providing guests with more enjoyment than the previous small balconies,” he added.
A Halt During the Communist Era
Hotel Ski holds a prominent place in the modern history of Nové Město na Moravě, a cross-country skiing mecca. Local skiers long waited for a replacement for the chalet on Harusův kopec, which burned down in September 1942 and was never rebuilt.
Originally envisioned as a simple campground with a restaurant, the city ultimately received a unique hotel that became a symbol of the area.
“In 1966, the Nové Město ski club and the public requested the construction of facilities for skiers and tourists. They received a promise of support from the government committee for tourism. The initial idea was modest – a campground with a restaurant building. However, the government committee recommended a more ambitious plan, leading to a representative design for a recreational center,” recalled architect Jan Kruml on the hotel’s 50th anniversary.
According to Kruml, the construction faced interference from the normalization policies of the communist regime. “While searching for political flaws, officials in Žďár found the half-built hotel in the forest and labeled it the ‘deviation of 1968.’ Construction was halted abruptly, and the head of Nové Město faced potential disciplinary action. They said we were wasting workers’ money because the rooms had bathrooms and toilets – I’ll never forget that. But about a year later, construction quietly resumed,” Kruml described four years ago.
The Hotel Required Government Approval
Since the national committee couldn’t operate the hotel, it was suggested that the fire department take it over. Ultimately, the fate of the hotel was decided at the government level, with an agreement between Antonín Himl, head of the Czech Sports Union, and Lubomír Štrougal, chairman of the federal government, transferring the facility to the physical education authority.
The hotel gained its familiar prominence in 1999 when it was acquired from Raiffeisenbank by Josef Pospíšil, director of Sport-Turist, who began a gradual renovation. His most significant addition was the wellness center, which opened in 2009. He sold the property ten years later.
The current owner has already renovated all 68 rooms, which are currently hosting the French and Ukrainian biathlon teams, as well as officials from the International Biathlon Union. Štetina has ambitious plans, including the construction of a congress center and an expansion of the wellness facilities.
Photo: Jiří Bárta, Novinky
