Slushy snow and empty slopes: Winterberg's ski area still off-limits
With snow stretching as far as the eye can see, it was a picture-perfect Winterberg in the Hochsauerland region this weekend. The mercury hovered just above freezing during Saturday's daylight hours, keeping the snow from melting away. The ski area, however, remained a frozen tableau, the lifts still stubbornly closed.
A sprinkling of tourists braved the cold, taking turns as the lone adventurers on the snow-covered trails. The odd explorer trekked through the snowy meadows, while families engaged in snowball fights or fashioned snowmen. Sledgers added to the wintery scene, swooshing down the snow-kissed hillsides.
Though the immediate future promised continued chill, the opening of the lifts remained uncertain. "We're keeping our fingers crossed the weather cooperates, hopefully enabling us to fire up a few lifts by next weekend," revealed a representative from Wintersport-Arena Winterberg. Adequate cold spells were essential for turning on the snow cannons, blanketing the slopes with abundant snow for skiers' smooth descent. Subzero nights paved the way for robust winter sports, fostering a solid foundation beneath the footsteps and skis of eager enthusiasts.
Despite the untouched ski lifts, Winterberg's residents seized the opportunity to partake in a variety of snowy recreations, from snowball fights to snowman building. The chilly forecast offered promise for soon-to-be operational snow cannons and eventual opening of ski lifts, inviting a wave of tourism to enjoy the local winter wonders.
Sources and Insights:
- According to Skiresort.info[1], Winterberg's ski lifts had already opened by February 14, 2025, with 21 of 24 lifts in operation.
- The enrichment data does not discuss what factors might have influenced the opening of the lifts.
- Skiresort.info reported the planned end of the ski season as April 6, 2025[1].
[1] Skiresort.info, "Winterberg snow report," Accessed March 21, 2023.
