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ne towers looking like arms raised from the valley floor greet climbers encounter the splendor of Decin. Upon closer inspection the arms have clenched fists-a true call to arms for the revolutionary climber. Decin, 75 kilometers from Prague in northern Bohemia, is the gateway to this plethora of climbing, with the best ascents found on the right bank of the Labe. Sandstone is a generous gritty surface that provides ample holds. Most ofthe towers, some of which reach 80 meters, are found on the left bank. But beware: several are covered in vegetation and dead wood making them slippery and wet. Get equipment, a guide or maps by contacting the Czech Mountaineering Union 420 2 330 173 27 or visiting their Czech website: http://horolezectvi.cstv.cz. ~ WINDSURF LAKE LIPNO The Czech Republic isn't known for its pristine lakes, but Lake Lipno is the grand exception: it's one of the best windsurfing sites in Europe. The forty-four-kilometer- long, manmade lake, located in the Sumava Mountains National Park, 125 kilometers from Prague, sits high above sea level and is stroked with heavy winds year-round. The lake's gradually declining sand beach makes it a comfortable place for beginners to get their feet wet and their hair blown. In the winter, when the lake freezes, ice and kite surfing are the sport of choice. Locals use what are essentially windsurfing boards with attached skates or skis to ride the frozen lake. Falling on ice hurts more than on water, but at least no one sees your winter gut in a swimsuit. The Surfshop near Cerna v Posumavi provides information and rentals and can be reached at 00420 337 44034. CROSS-COUNTRY SKI SPINDLERUV MLYN Known more for its scenic terrain than daunting vertical mountains, the Czech Republic is a cross-country skier's dream. Stretch your legs in the white soft rolling backcountry where you pass through muted woods with a gentle glide. Spindleruv Mlyn, 112 kilometers north of Prague, offers a great network of trails at the biggest ski resort in the country; the area contains 80 kilometers of groomed trails and 130 kilometers of marked trails v5 ." ....... """-!;~ ountains that lead to chalets, peaks and settlements. For information on trails, . on call the local Mountain Rescue Service (Horska Sluzba) at 93 430 _J-rr~f~hbor with mountains that rival the Alps . The attitude of the skiers at jasna, the second highest mountain in the Low Tatras of Slovakia, can be described as foolishly courageous, which means you may see one crazy skier turn the run into an alpine bowling alley by taking out five or six people at once. jasna has 17 lifts, almost double the nearest competitor. For the best snow and smallest crowds, go in February. Unless obscenely long queues are your thing avoid jasna around New Year's. Consider bringing your own skis, because using the available rentals can feel like the skiing equivalent of driving a late model Yugo. Lift ticket are a reasonable US$5 to US$10. Check out www.chopok-jasna.sk for more information. 75