Early snow in the Winterberg ski world – lifts open on the first weekend of Advent

The first snow showers have already turned the Winterberg ski world white. From Friday, temperatures will drop, making snow production possible. Winter sports enthusiasts are looking forward to the first descents. Two slopes will open on 28 November in the Winterberg ski lift carousel, allowing early winter sports fans to get a head start on the winter season. 

Passionate winter sports enthusiasts can hardly wait to finally get back on their skis. For them, snow is more than just a white surface – it means pure joy, exercise and the first taste of winter for the season. The Rauher Busch and Poppenberg lifts will be running. Even though the big start is still a while away, the anticipation of finally making the first turns is growing day by day.

Snow guaranteed on up to eight slopes 

Of the 60 runs in the Winterberg ski world, 43 are covered with snow, eight of which are equipped with all-weather snow machines. These have been running on two slopes for a good week now and have created a small base of snow there. If it gets cold enough from Friday onwards, the slopes, at least in the larger ski areas, will also be covered with snow in the traditional way. However, only the Skiliftkarussell is planning to open. Other ski resorts will produce snow to build up reserves for the start of the season. A wider range of winter sports is expected to be available on the third weekend of Advent. 

Traditional snowmaking using propeller machines (‘snow cannons’) and snow lances uses the cold provided by nature to transform clear water into snow crystals. All-weather snow machines, on the other hand, generate cold themselves – also without polluting the water. Weather-independent snow production works using a closed cooling system: water freezes on cooled surfaces, is processed into small ice flakes and then transported to the slope. Snow groomers distribute and compact the material into an even, firn-like snow cover. Depending on the system and area, it takes around two weeks for a slope to be fully ready for use. 

Used when traditional snowmaking is not possible
The all-weather snow machines are only used selectively and not permanently: on up to eight slopes and only when traditional snowmaking is not possible. This is because snow produced using ‘snow cannons’ and ‘snow lances’ is more economical. Nevertheless, the new technology makes a lot of economic sense. It ensures predictable processes and reliability. Even if an early start to the season is not particularly important in economic terms, there are advantages for operators: the facilities and processes can be tested and new employees can be trained. Winter sports are one of the most important economic factors for the region. Predictability not only helps the ski resorts themselves, but also the hotel and catering industry.

Declining energy balance – more lifts in mid-December 

The energy balance of the facilities has made tremendous progress in recent years. Compared to the first models, the energy consumption of today's facilities has fallen by almost half. The snow produced in this way is more compact and resistant and can be placed precisely on the slopes without any drifting losses. Since last winter, a heat recovery system on the Schneewittchenpiste has further optimised energy consumption.

Winter sports should be possible in the ski lift carousel from the beginning of December to the end of March. The core season of the Winterberg ski world runs from mid-December to mid-March. Further lifts are to follow as soon as there is enough snowfall or it is cold enough to produce snow in the traditional way. If this is delayed due to weather conditions, the eight slopes in the ski lift carousel, which are covered with snow regardless of the weather, should be ready to go on 12 December. 

Background:

The Winterberg ski world is the heart of the Sauerland winter sports arena. With the Winterberg ski world ticket, winter sports enthusiasts have everything included: over 45 kilometres of slopes of all difficulty levels, 21 kilometres of floodlit slopes and much more. Each ski area has its own character: the large ski lift carousel, international, with an almost alpine flair, the Neuastenberg ski village and the Altastenberg ski carousel, which combine a village atmosphere with modern technology, and manageable locations where families with small children will feel particularly at home. Winter sports enthusiasts discover something new every day. If it gets too lively for you, you can move to where you will find relaxation and tranquillity. This diversity not only ensures variety, but also relaxed skiing days – with short distances, less waiting time and the freedom to spontaneously go where it is most beautiful. A ski bus connects the areas between Altastenberg, Winterberg and Neuastenberg at frequent intervals – free of charge for ticket holders. 

Key figures for the network 
46 lifts 
Chair lifts 17
T-bar lifts 20
Conveyor belts 9
Toboggan lifts 9
Toboggan runs 9
Children's areas 6
Ski hire 34
Ski schools 7
Lodges 22

Ticket validity
Winterberg ski lift carousel 
Neuastenberg ski village 
Altastenberg ski carousel 
Sahnehang family ski area 
Ruhrquelle ski area