Winter in the Harz: Skiing, Sledding & Wellness from Bad Harzburg

When the snow falls, the Harz turns into a winter paradise. Skiing on the longest piste north of the Alps, sledding with the little ones, a steaming narrow-gauge train through the snow — and back to the 31°C heated pool in the evening. Here is our winter guide from Sonnenresort Ettershaus.

Ski Area No. 1: Wurmberg in Braunlage

971 metres high. 13 kilometres of pistes. 6 lifts. The Wurmberg is the largest Alpine ski centre north of the Alps and just 25 minutes from the Ettershaus.

What you'll find here

• 15 pistes and ski routes totalling 12 kilometres
• Germany's longest ski run north of the Alps: 4.3 km long, 405 metres of vertical drop
• 6 lifts: a gondola to 965 m, the “Hexen-Express” four-seater chairlift, two T-bar lifts, one drag lift, and a rope tow in the kids' area
• Snowmaking system with more than 100 snow lances
• 2 toboggan runs, one of them 1.5 km long

For families

The Wurmberg toboggan run measures 1.52 km — challenging, better suited to older children and adults. Right next to it is the kids' area with a rope tow for the little ones' first ski attempts. At the Hexenritt there is a snowtubing arena where you slide down the slope in a tyre.

Ski Area No. 2: Sankt Andreasberg (Matthias-Schmidt-Berg)

Smaller, cosier, ideal for beginners. The Matthias-Schmidt-Berg is about 30 minutes from the hotel and offers:

• 4.6 km of pistes
• 2 double chairlifts and 3 drag lifts
• Floodlit night skiing: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until 9:00 pm
• Gentle slopes for beginners, a black run and a freeride piste for advanced skiers

The ski area is much more compact than Wurmberg — perfect for families who want to learn to ski without any pressure.

Sledding in the Harz: Where it's fun

Sledding is the easy-entry winter activity. In the Harz you'll find the right hill for every age:

For the little ones (from age 3)

• Kurpark Schierke: 150 metres, gentle slope, the perfect introduction
• “Grandma's toboggan run” Schierke: 200 metres, easy curves, wide run-out

For school-age children

• Wurmberg mid-station: just 150 metres from the lift, a 1,600-metre run starts — suitable for all ages
• Bocksberg in Hahnenklee: several runs, plus floodlighting

For active families

• Wurmberg 1.5 km toboggan run: long, curvy and demanding — better for experienced sledders

Summer toboggan runs — a taste of summer

In Schierke, Thale and Hahnenklee there are summer toboggan runs where children from age 3 can ride along with an adult in the bob. They run year-round — even in winter, when the snow toboggan run isn't open.

The Brocken steam railway in the snow

A steam-train ride to the snow-covered Brocken is the ultimate winter experience. The Harz narrow-gauge railway runs year-round, even through deep snow.

• Wernigerode → Brocken: about 2 hours
• Schierke → Brocken: about 30 minutes

Up at 1,141 m it can be icy — wind gusts of up to 150 km/h, temperatures well below zero. Dress warmly. But the sight of the steaming train in the white landscape makes up for every cold ear.

Tip: If it's snowing at the summit, don't skip the Brockenhaus — warm inside, with an exhibition and café.

Winter hiking: Quiet trails through the forest

If you prefer it calm: winter walks around Bad Harzburg are doable even in snow. Some paths are cleared; spikes or light snowshoes can help. The Burgberg loop trail works in winter too, as do sections of the route to the Rabenklippe.

Tip: Check current trail conditions with the tourist information office before you set off.

Wellness is the perfect Plan B in winter

When the weather doesn't play along — or as the perfect end to a ski day — the Ettershaus has everything you need:

• Indoor and outdoor pool, heated to 31°C, 16 metres long
• Outdoor pool heated in winter too — swimming with a view of the snow-covered forest
• Whirlpool integrated into the pool
• Three saunas: soft sauna, Finnish sauna (min. 80°C), steam bath
• Ice fountain to cool off

Alternatively, the Sole-Therme Bad Harzburg (5 minutes from the hotel) with four saltwater pools and a sauna world — including a snow sauna at –10°C.

What else there is to do in winter

• Cross-country trails around Hohegeiß and Sankt Andreasberg
• Snowshoe hiking with guided tours in the national park
• Christmas markets in Wernigerode and Goslar (Advent season)
• Mountain-hut fun at the ski areas — mulled wine, hearty snacks, great atmosphere

What to pack

• Sturdy footwear for snow and ice
• Warm layers — the onion-look always works in the Harz
• Hat and gloves — even if the sun is shining down in the valley, it can be stormy at altitude
• Ski gear can be rented in Braunlage
• Swimwear for the pool and thermal spa

Getting there in winter

The A7 and A2 motorways are passable year-round. Bad Harzburg is not at 500+ m altitude — the drive itself is usually problem-free. Take extra care on the last kilometres towards Wurmberg or Sankt Andreasberg, where the roads become more winding and steeper. Winter tyres are mandatory in Germany.

Read more

• Brocken hike from Bad Harzburg
• Family holidays in the Harz
• The complete Harz guide

Winter wellness at the Ettershaus

From the snow straight back into the warmth. Discover our wellness and pool and book your winter stay directly.