Cold and Snow - Thuringia Ahead of Winter Weekend - Thuringia battles winter chaos as snow and ice disrupt travel plans
Winter weather has caused travel chaos across Thuringia as snow and black ice led to multiple accidents. A rear-end collision at a Hildburghausen roundabout was blamed on summer tyres failing in snowy conditions. Meanwhile, ski resorts are preparing to open as snow depths rise in some areas.
The first significant snowfall of the season brought 18 cm (7 inches) to Silbersattel Adventure Park in Steinach by Thursday morning. Other ski areas recorded between 10 cm (4 in) and 12 cm (4.7 in). Forecasters predict an extra 2–5 cm (0.8–2 in) of fresh snow by Saturday evening.
Roads have turned hazardous, with icy patches causing delays. On the B285 between Melpers and Reichenhausen, black ice led to jackknifed trucks and traffic hold-ups. Near Wachstedt, a driver skidded off the road, while several lorries became stuck between Mehlis-Zella and Oberhof, as well as on the A73 autobahn between Schleusingen and Suhl.
Temperatures will stay below freezing all weekend, barely rising above 0°C during the day. Mountain areas could drop to -12°C (10°F) overnight, with lowlands between -5°C (23°F) and -8°C (18°F). The Thuringian Forest remains in a deep freeze.
Ski resorts are gearing up for the season. Oberhof’s snowpark will open on December 1, followed by Schmiedefeld’s Winter World on December 12. Silbersattel Adventure Park’s Fellbergbahn chairlift starts operating on December 20, with the main ski lift at Silbersattel planned for December 26, 2025. No Thüringen resorts have reported significant snow yet, but light flurries are expected soon.
The cold snap has disrupted travel and prompted warnings for drivers. Ski operators are watching conditions closely as opening dates approach. With more snow forecast, authorities are urging caution on untreated roads.
