The col is located along important road. Its position offers the advantages since middle of 19th century. At that time, there was built roadside in here, offering refuge for carters and postmen as well as enthusiastic tourists. Here, there are converging cadastres of two communities (Bělá pod Pradědem and Loučná nad Desnou). Both villages offer necessary services, as the area of Červenohorské sedlo is limited with its space, owing to its position. If the parking place in this area is complete, there is another parking place in Kouty nad Desnou available, and regular bus-traffic is operating upstairs to ski-areas. Nevertheless, the road passing upstairs to the col from both parts (from Domašov as well as from Kouty nad Desnou) is very steep, so it is passable only by means of snow-chains only, or totally unpassable. At present, there are some negotiations regarding the building of a tunnel under the col (its length of 6 kms would be the longest tunnel in Czech Republic, provided the contsruction would be effected).

The area alone is made from several mountain boarding houses and restaurants. The skiers and other people find here complete service, including ski-deposite or ski-rent, or they can take advantage of learning-ski in ski-school on spot. There is also great parking place to be found. The col is located in an altitude of 1013 metres above sea level, the surroundings four ski-descent routes are situated in altitudes ranging from 862 m up to 1164 m of sea level. Seven ski-towages are operating here, whereras ski-descent routes are divided into two various parts. Northern slopes are more steep, so more quicker, on the other hand, in south, the slopes are more moderate. Anyway, each visitor can choose the slope which could be more suitable for his ski-abilities and wishes. Except of these classical slopes, there are to be found here also two training meadows and most steep slalom-slope. As far as snow conditions are concerned, these are excellent here. The saison lasts since middle December up to end of March. All ski-towages as well as ski-routes are operated under supervision of Ski Club Šumperk. The slopes are arranged regularly every day by means of snow-guns and fraises. Skipass-tickets could be bought in three ticket-offices. The offer contains time-as well as point-tickets. Transport capacity of all ski-towages is six thousand of persons during an hour.

Nevertheless, we cannot miss ski-running. The area of Červenohorské sedlo is also suitable for this sport activity. Ski-running routes are moving into all parts, mostly along mountain ranges of Hrubý Jeseník, of course. One of routes passes along south hill-side of Velký Klínovec up to Švýcárna and Praděd. Ski-running route leading to opposite part leads to former chalet of Vřesová Studánka. From here, you can continue, following not arranged trace, via Keprník and Šerák. However, here, you have to pay attention for unreliable marking on woodless regional routes. The environs of Červenohorské sedlo are popular of tourists´ target not only in winter. Its position is ideal for many routes passing along slopes of Hrubý Jeseník. Except of delightful views around the countryside, which will be opening in various forms in front of you, Jeseníky Mountains allure nature lovers. National reservation Šerák-Keprník involves areas of greatest soil-landslips in Jeseníky Mountains and also areas of tops. You can find here various menaced sorts of fauna and flora.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Photo: Google, Google Earth