Around 55 ski and toboggan lifts and four kilometres of cross-country ski trails 

Man-made snow and some natural snow offer very good conditions

With a few centimetres of fresh snow and plenty of ‘homemade’ snow, the lift operators are looking forward to the start of the Dutch Crocus holidays. There is a wide range of winter sports on offer across the entire region. From Willingen via Winterberg and Schmallenberg to Olpe and into the Wittgensteiner Land region, around 55 lifts will be operating at the weekend. A cross-country ski trail is prepared in Westfeld. 

Alpine skiing 

Over the past few weeks, cold weather has repeatedly moved into the region, making it possible to produce abundant snow. Between 25 and 60 centimetres of technically produced snow lie on the pistes. A little fresh snow and dry cold make for mostly very good winter sports conditions. More than 55 ski lifts are expected to be operating in up to ten ski resorts at the weekend. Pure natural snow slopes are not included. Daily lift information is available online. 

Floodlights 

In Winterberg, Willingen, Neuastenberg and Bödefeld, the ski resorts invite you to have fun on the slopes in the evening. On Friday, Saturday, Tuesday or Wednesday evenings, the pistes in one or more of these areas are brightly lit. Floodlit tobogganing is possible in Willingen and Neuastenberg. Floodlight information is available online. 

Cross-country skiing 

In the Westfeld cross-country skiing centre, there is a cross-country ski trail of more than four kilometres in the stadium area with technically produced snow. Cross-country skiers can practise their sport there using classic and skating techniques. The conditions are very good. The operators expect to be able to make snow for two more nights and are certain that this offer will be available throughout February. Daily updated trail information is available online. 

Tobogganing 

The number of toboggan lifts is set to increase again to more than ten at the weekend. Tobogganing will then be possible on the technically snow-covered pistes in seven ski resorts. Information on toboggan lifts is available online. 

Hiking 

The weather clears up towards the weekend. Cold air, wintry landscapes and plenty of sunshine lure fresh air fans out of the house. You don't have to hike near the ski resorts to experience this. The mountains are frosty and lightly covered in snow. The tourist information centres in the region are happy to provide tips on where to find the most beautiful hiking trails. 

Weather

Temperatures will drop significantly over the next few days. Light snowfall sets in again. A few centimetres are expected by midday on Friday. The thermometer is not expected to climb above freezing point during the day. The nights on Friday and Saturday will be cold enough to produce snow. The dry cold will continue for at least the first half of next week. It remains to be seen whether milder weather will set in after that. 

Outlook 

The lift operators remain optimistic about the coming period. Over the three weeks of the Dutch holidays, extensive and good winter sports facilities are available. The last days of the crocus holidays coincide with the German carnival. In addition to Dutch families, many ‘carnival refugees’ can be found in the ski resorts. The signs are good that they will also find a good selection of open ski resorts and pistes. This means that the second main season is guaranteed. This also bodes well for the Snowboard World Cup at the Winterberg ski lift carousel.