Jizerska Padesatka, January 2006

The Jizerska Padesatka races, on the Czech-Polish border not far from Liberec, is a good event early in the season for anyone wanting some on-snow training before other events. Local accomodation remains fairly cheap and comfortable, and there is a 30 km skate race on the Saturday and a 50 km classic race on the Sunday. Snow conditions are generally good although, as with other Europe ski areas in recent years, the event has been cancelled twice over the last few seasons.