Sun and warmth for the meteorological start of spring - Germany's early spring brings record warmth and dwindling ski slopes
Spring is arriving early across parts of Germany, bringing unusually warm temperature for late February. While temperature climb to 18°C in some regions, the last patches of snow cling to the Harz mountains, leaving only a thin layer on the Brocken.
The meteorological start of spring begins this weekend, with sunshine and mild conditions spreading over Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. Temperature will peak between 15°C and 18°C on Saturday, far warmer than typical for this time of year.
Despite the warmth, a few ski resorts remain open. In Saxony, lifts are still running at Fichtelberg, Eibenstock, and Altenberg. The Thuringian Forest also keeps four slopes operational in Oberhof, Masserberg, and Steinach.
Elsewhere, at least five German ski areas continue to welcome visitors. The Zugspitze and Oberstdorf/Nebelhorn will stay open until May 2026, while Balderschwang has 8 of 11 lifts running. Alpspitz Nesselwang and the Wasserkuppe also remain accessible, though the latter depends on snow conditions. Bavaria's Allgäu and Werdenfelser Land, along with Hesse's Rhön, still offer limited skiing.
Sunday will bring slightly more clouds but no rain, keeping the spring-like feel. Meanwhile, the Harz mountains see their snow melting rapidly, with just one to four centimetres left on the Brocken.
The early spring temperature has reduced snow cover in many areas, but a handful of resorts are still operating. With temperature set to stay mild, the coming days will feel more like late March than February.
