Good winter sports conditions and still plenty of natural snow

At least 70 lifts and up to 250 kilometres of cross-country trails at the weekend 

Sunshine and snow will attract visitors to the wintry mountain world at the weekend. Despite the short period of mild weather, around 70 ski and toboggan lifts are expected to be running at the weekend and up to 250 kilometres of cross-country ski trails will be groomed. Once again, there is a wide range of winter sports on offer in the region, so that guests can enjoy wonderful snow experiences everywhere.

Alpine skiing 
The ski resorts have used the past few days to produce snow. There is up to 60 centimetres of snow on the slopes, a mixture of technically produced snow and natural snow. The number of the 60 lifts currently open will increase again towards the weekend, with good to very good conditions on the snow-covered pistes. 

Flutlicht

Insbesondere Menschen aus der näheren Umgebung nutzen gern die Gelegenheit und carven nach der Arbeit in den Abend oder ins Wochenende hinein. Für die nächsten Tage melden mindestens sieben Skigebiete. Fast jeden Abend irgendwo in der Region Flutlicht. Flutlichtinfos unter www.wintersport-arena.de

The natural snow has collapsed a little due to two slightly wet days. Nevertheless, there is still up to 25 centimetres of snow on the slopes that are not covered in snow. The operators hope to be able to reopen most of the natural snow slopes at the weekend. Conditions there are then usually good.

Floodlights 
People from the local area in particular like to take the opportunity to carve into the evening or into the weekend after work. At least seven ski resorts are reporting for the next few days. Floodlit almost every evening somewhere in the region. Floodlight information at www.wintersport-arena.de 

Cross-country skiing 
Almost 300 kilometres of trails are currently groomed. There is still a thick blanket of snow on the mountains. With the weather becoming increasingly dry, snow losses are low. Between 200 and 250 kilometres of trails should be groomed at the weekend, with good conditions on the mountains and mostly good conditions in the valleys. 
The Westfeld cross-country skiing centre has used the last few cold days to make snow. The operators want to try to open at least part of the snow park in the stadium area at the weekend. 
Trail information is available at www.wintersport-arena.de

Hiking 
Out of the lively areas and into the mountains. There is snow right into the valleys. Away from the ski resorts, there are many kilometres of hiking trails where you can capture wonderful winter impressions. Hiking trails usually also run away from the cross-country ski trails. Hikers should not walk on or destroy these. Tourist information centres are happy to provide tips on where hiking is particularly beautiful.

The weather
The weather station on the Kahler Asten reports around 25 centimetres of snow. Most of it will remain over the weekend. From Thursday, the weather will be milder, but also drier. A sunny weekend is on the cards. With sunshine and dry air, there will only be minor snow losses. The beginning of the week promises to be colder again. Night frost is expected as early as Monday night. 

Travel tips 
- If you simply want to enjoy the winter air and do some hiking, you will find plenty of opportunities, peace and nature outside the ski areas throughout the region. The tourist information centres are happy to provide information about hiking trails. Between Willingen, Olsberg, Medebach, Schmallenberg and Olpe-Fahlenscheind.
- It doesn't always have to be the centre of the region. If you want to go skiing, there are currently 15 to 18 ski resorts. An overview can be found at www.wintersport-arena.de.
- Find out at home what you want to experience and where you want to go and then travel directly to your destination. Avoid the main travel routes. This will make your journey more relaxed and reduce road traffic. 
- The major ski resorts have online shops. If you want to avoid waiting times at the ticket office, have a KeyCard sent to you at least one week before you arrive, book your ticket online and use it to get straight to the piste.