
Skiliftkarussell Winterberg ranks as the largest ski area in North Rhine-Westphalia's Sauerland region, offering 27.5km of varied terrain across multiple interconnected slopes. This popular resort combines excellent learning areas with challenging runs, making it ideal for families and groups of mixed abilities. Despite its relatively low altitude, Winterberg delivers reliable snow conditions throughout winter, with exceptional grooming maintaining quality pistes even during busy periods.
Skiliftkarussell Winterberg spreads 27 runs across 27.5 km of piste of terrain. It leans beginner at 51%, with 14 beginner runs to find your feet and 1 advanced or expert run when you want to push.
The ski season at Winterberg typically extends from December through March, with the most reliable conditions in January and February. The resort has invested heavily in snowmaking technology, with over 300 snow cannons covering nearly 100% of all slopes, ensuring consistent skiing regardless of natural snowfall. The Sauerland microclimate often delivers surprising powder days, while the comprehensive grooming fleet maintains excellent piste conditions throughout the season.
Situated in North Rhine-Westphalia approximately 150km east of Cologne and 170km northeast of Frankfurt, Winterberg offers exceptional accessibility for millions of Germans living in the densely populated western regions. The resort surrounds the charming mountain town of Winterberg, providing extensive accommodation and dining options. This central location makes it an ideal weekend destination, with excellent motorway connections from major cities. The surrounding Rothaargebirge mountains offer additional winter activities including cross-country skiing, winter hiking, and Germany's top bobsleigh track.
Hotels and lodges near Skiliftkarussell Winterberg, powered by Stay22.

Brian Head is targeting 6 November, though last year it aimed for 7 November and did not open until the 25th. Park City, Alta and Solitude are pencilled in for 20 November, Snowbird and Snowbasin for 27 November, and Deer Valley for 5 December. Eagle Point will stay closed after the Cottonwood Fire. A super El Niño is forecast, but the big snow is not expected until January.

Hintertux became Austria's second glacier to open for 2026-27 on Friday 2 October, after the Pitztal Glacier. Twelve kilometres of piste are running around the Olperer and Gefrorene Wand, served by one gondola and two drag lifts, with the Betterpark also open. Lifts officially run 8:15 am to 4:30 pm, but skiing stops at 2 pm for now.

A historically poor western winter cut Vail Resorts' annual net income from $280 million to $147.5 million and skier visits by 13.4 per cent. Now 2026-27 pass units are down 12 per cent as of 18 September, worse than the 10 per cent flagged in spring. Vail blames the weather and thinks some buyers are simply waiting, and it forecasts a rebound if the snow behaves.

Arizona Snowbowl advertised eight $1 lift ticket days this winter. Go looking and only three are showing - 10 March, 1 April and 10 April - so the rest may already have gone. The consolation is a calendar full of $9 days, including all but one day in April. Opening day is 20 November, weather permitting, and opening weekend is $19.

For years, Whitewater's Short Side was where you ducked a rope and hoped for the best: unmapped, ungroomed and unpatrolled. This winter it's inbounds. Six new runs of glades and fall-line skiing add 190 acres (about 77 hectares), taking the resort past 1,400 acres in total. F2 Logging spent a month in the trees to make it happen, and opening day is pencilled in for 4 December. Bonanza now needs less snow to groom, too.

Mammoth got its first snow of 2026-27 on Monday 28 September - and promptly lost it by Tuesday morning. Barely an inch fell at McCoy Station, but with opening day pencilled in for Friday 13 November, it's the first sign the Sierra is waking up. Last year's date slipped from 14 November to 20 November, so nobody's booking flights on a dusting just yet. Here's where California's early openers stand.

Four connected areas, 70 lifts and a World Championship course, yet Saalbach Hinterglemm still runs like a family holiday. Two days on snow and a Worlds Super-G later, here is who it suits, what the Ski ALPIN CARD covers and why Epic Pass holders should pay attention. Big on blues, light on steeps.

Sölden's World Cup opener has been two giant slaloms on the Rettenbach glacier for as long as most fans can remember. From 2027/28 it could be four. Director Jack Falkner wants to add two Super-Gs, backed by a nod from Vincent Kriechmayr, and turn the opening into a full week where the ski world gathers in the Ötztal. FIS and the ÖSV are yet to sign off. This year, it's still just the two GS races on 24 and 25 October.
The 2025 - 2026 season at Skiliftkarussell Winterberg closed on Apr 27, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from €33, with peak rates up to €49.
Full day lift ticket for adults
Full day lift ticket for children
More Skiliftkarussell Winterberg intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.