Ski resorts expect crowds at the weekend

As the Christmas vacations draw to a close, Saxony's ski resorts are preparing for another rush of visitors at the weekend. The slopes are covered in snow in many places, but there is not enough snow to open all the runs. For example on the Fichtelberg. The lifts are also running in Altenberg. There are also cross-country ski trails and winter hiking trails in the Ore Mountains. Fresh snow and groomed trails were reported on Friday in Johanngeorgenstadt, Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz, Hammerbrücke and Klingenthal. Several cross-country ski trails and winter hiking trails are also open on the Fichtelberg.

Gorgeous sunshine between Christmas and New Year had ensured a run on the local winter sports resorts. The cars were already jammed on arrival, many day-trippers had trouble finding a parking space and had to put up with long waiting times at snack bars. "If there is snow between Christmas and New Year's Eve, we are overrun," explained Manuel Püschel, Operations Manager in Altenberg. In addition to the skiers, many tobogganists, hikers and day trippers also come.

Weather service expects new snowfalls

This is confirmed by René Lötzsch from the Fichtelberg Schwebebahn. Many tourists and day visitors came to Oberwiesenthal between the years. "We are very satisfied." He is expecting another rush for the upcoming weekend, but it is unlikely to be quite as big as last time. Opening more slopes is not possible, he emphasizes. There is not enough snow for that. Currently, the descent on the Himmelsleiter and the route from the summit of the Fichtelberg through the forest to the valley station of the suspension railroad are open. On the neighboring Keilberg on the Czech side, 15 of 32 slopes were open on Friday.

According to the German Weather Service, there could be more snow at the weekend. From Saturday evening, a warm front is expected to move northwards across Germany from the southwest. This will initially bring snow and later freezing rain. In the low mountain ranges in particular, there could be 5 to 10 centimetres of fresh snow within a few hours, locally even up to 15 centimetres. This also affects the south and southwest of Saxony.