First snow in the Harz: winter sports season is just around the corner!

First snow in the Harz: winter sports season is just around the corner!

Autumn is on its last legs and winter is already knocking on the door: today, October 30, 2025, the first snow fell in the Harz Mountains. But winter sports fans will have to wait until Christmas for skiing. The Harz tourism industry is increasingly focusing on year-round experiences, underlining the unreliability of snowy winters. The Harz, a popular low mountain region, attracts numerous visitors, but providers have to adapt.

How MDR reports, the tourism associations in the Harz have expanded their offerings to make the region more attractive as a year-round destination. In this context, however, winter sports enthusiasts have to adapt to weather conditions and technical preparations, while cable cars and chairlifts are being overhauled. Safety checks also take place during this time and determine access to the slopes.

A wide range of winter sports on offer in the Harz

There is a lot to discover for real winter sports enthusiasts. With a total of 12 kilometers of slopes, the ski areas at Matthias-Schmidt-Berg (St. Andreasberg), Bocksberg (Hahnenklee) and Wurmberg (Braunlage) offer the best conditions. In addition, over 500 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, for example in Benneckenstein, Schierke and Hasselfelde, can be used. New in Braunlage is the toboggan lift on the Hasselkopf slope, which makes spontaneous tobogganing fun easier.

But that's not all: In addition to tobogganing, there are winter hiking trails and snowshoe tours, especially around the Brocken. Ice skating fans also get their money's worth - there are plenty of options available in Braunlage, Bad Sachsa and the Schierker Feuerstein Arena. A special highlight are the sled dog races that take place in Pullman City Harz and Clausthal-Zellerfeld.

Safety in winter sports

For an unforgettable winter sports experience, preparation and safety are the be-all and end-all. How harz-urlaub.de emphasizes, first aid knowledge is crucial to staying calm in an emergency. The rescue numbers should be known, especially on heavily frequented slopes, such as on Wurmberg. Beginners should stick to professional ski courses offered at ski schools.

Good planning before heading out into the snow is essential: this also includes checking the equipment and physically preparing for the activities. Winter sports require stamina and muscles, and warming up before sporting activities should not be neglected. It is also important to announce your route in good time for remote cross-country skiing or snowshoe hikes.

Cultural events in winter

The Harz not only offers sporting opportunities, but also cultural highlights. The cultural winter begins at the end of January with numerous events in various locations. In addition, the cave festival will take place in the Rübeland stalactite caves from December. The aim of the cultural winter is to keep the region attractive even in fluctuating winter conditions and to offer visitors a varied program.

With all of these offers, the Harz will continue to be a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation in the coming weeks and months. If you prepare well and know the safety precautions, you can start the cold season relaxed and full of joy.