As thousands of Czech children gear up for school ski training, parents are grappling with a significant increase in costs compared to the previous academic year. The surge in expenses exceeds the inflation rate, reaching an annual 8.5% in October, as reported by the Czech Statistical Office. While certain schools have adjusted their pricing in line with the growth in the consumer price index, others have witnessed costs more than doubling.

Parents bear the responsibility of covering accommodation, food, and ski pass expenses for their children during ski training courses, with state funding solely addressing transportation costs. For instance, last year, Jana, a mother of two students from the Gymnázium Postupická in Prague, paid 4700 crowns for the entire board, transport, insurance, and ski passes for a five-day training in Špindlerův Mlýn. This year, a similar training is estimated to cost around eight thousand crowns, reflecting the notable increase.

Despite the surge in prices, the demand for ski training remains robust, with the number of participating students consistently rising. The Ministry of Education reports that around 108,000 students engaged in mountain ski training during the last school year, marking a significant uptick from 60,000 a decade ago.

The allure of ski training has not confined Czech families to domestic slopes, as some schools have ventured to organize trips to the Alps, providing students with a unique and enriching experience. Although such trips come with higher costs, the growing interest underscores the value placed on outdoor physical education.

While the rising expenses pose a financial challenge for parents, the commitment to the benefits of ski training remains unwavering. The trend of increasing participation suggests that, despite economic considerations, families continue to prioritize the physical and recreational benefits that ski training offers to their children.

Article by Prague Forum