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Fichtelberg Opens as Snow Forecast Brings Harz Closer to Season Start

Reliance on snowmaking continues, with forecasters signaling more natural snow after New Year.

Overview

  • Fichtelberg/Oberwiesenthal launched skiing on Dec. 30 with the Himmelsleiter run after reaching about 30 cm of snow, with an additional chairlift slated to open on Dec. 31.
  • Other Saxony areas report operations, including Eibenstock stating full service and Altenberg confirming open pistes.
  • Thuringia’s Skiarena Silbersattel opened a single prepared piste with up to 40 cm of snow, most slopes remain closed, and cross-country options are largely limited to the indoor hall in Oberhof.
  • The German Weather Service forecasts repeated snowfall in the Harz and says up to roughly 30 cm could arrive after New Year, and Wurmberg’s operator says opening on Jan. 1 or 2 is possible if the snow materializes.
  • Carinthian resorts in Austria saw heavy weekend turnout with full parking at Katschberg and strong traffic at smaller areas like Petzen, as sunshine drew crowds above persistent valley fog.