10 Tips

500 km of groomed trails through the snowy forests of the Harz cater for all skill levels, from recreational to professional. Cozy forest restaurants and chalets along the trails offer a welcome break and a nice way to finish an active day.

Decide for yourself whether you want to do alpine skiing or snowboarding in the Harz. Here slopes for every level can be found, including slopes that are illuminated at night so you can ski to your hearts delight. Modern chair lifts take you safely to the summit, where traditional mountain restaurants provide you with much needed refreshments. If the snow is a little slow in coming than state of the art snow cannons help to provide the perfect conditions. And of course the winter would not be the same without Après ski parties.

If you do not want to ski or snowboard then maybe try one of the many toboggan slopes (some include lifts).

For those who would like a more tranquil pace and just enjoy the winter wonderland than a nice gentle walk through the snow is perfect. In the entire Harz selected trails are smoothed and cleared to make ideal walking conditions. For example from Bad Harzburg into the National Park, or Schierke to the snow covered Brocken. Snowshoe hikes in our region are a special highlight. One other way to take a leisurely pace is to take advantage of the thermal baths and spas in the Harz. Have a look at some of our offers.

Big and small ice fans regardless of the weather will find the best skating conditions at Braunlage ice rink and the Salztal-Paradies ice rink in Bad Sachsa. Both rinks offer ice skating, ice hockey, curling and ice discos. Ice hockey fans should not miss the games of the “Harzer Falken” in Braunlage. And for those who prefer to feel the fresh air around their faces then the Harz have a number of natural outdoor ice rinks.

In the rental stations we offer skis for alpine and cross-country, snowboards, helmets, shoes, poles, snowshoes and much more. And if you need some extra help than a number of ski-schools can be found in the Harz.

Our Hotels, Guest Houses and Holiday Homes are the perfect choice on a winter’s day. Roaring log fires, delicious dinner and relaxing saunas are a perfect way to help you thaw out after a day in the snow. In addition to special winter sports hotels you will find wellness, romantic and family hotels. You can also rent out apartments for families and exclusive apartments.

A Christmas forest in the middle of the town, a historical Christmas market in a castle courtyard, advent underground and the most evocative advent calendar in Germany: in the Harz Mountains some 50 beautiful markets spring up with all sorts of delicacies waiting to sweeten the pre-Christmas mood. Take in the magic sweet aromas that only a German Christmas market can summon and mix that with the fresh air of the mountains than you realize the magic of a Christmas holiday in the Harz.

The abundance of snow and the cozy atmosphere in the huts on the mountains make New Year’s Eve in the Harz Mountains an unforgettable experience. Explore the snow-covered landscape during the day on ski, snowboard or a walk and in the evening celebrate together with friends the New Year. Top secret tip: our cottages are very popular in the winter months, you might want to book early.

With our special arrangements in the categories of "Romantic days" and "Festivals", we can take care of your entire stay. Meaning for you peace of mind; just select a package, arrive and feel good.

Our weather page has up-to-date weather details for all locations in the region. Our winter sports page informs you about current snow conditions daily, weather and preparation of slopes as well as cross-country ski-trails in the individual ski areas. There is latitude and altitude data and descriptions of all the ski resorts.