A paradise for skiers and mountain bikers
Skiing pleasure isn't limited to the Alps. Winterberg is a small community in the centre of Germany, but the area all around the Kahler Asten mountain is internationally known for its winter sports. It has even hosted World Cup bobsleigh and luge races.
The secret to its success: there is guaranteed snowfall (by artificial installations) and several ski slopes, cross-country ski tracks and a 22-meter ski jump. It has also hosted the German Championships and the Summer Grand Prix of the Nordic Combined. The ski jump record is currently at 89.5 metres.
Winterberg has one of the largest and most modern snow-making facilities, with snow being artificially produced in 300 places. This makes winter sports possible from December until March, whether it‘s ski jumping, snowboarding, bobsleighing, luging or skeleton sledding. The entire skiing area is made up of 28 downhill slopes for all levels, with a total length of 26 kilometres. All of the artificial slopes are connected to one another. 13 chair lifts transport skiers and bobsleigh riders up the mountain. The resort offers all sorts of other activities: skiing by floodlight, fun parks for snowboarders as well as beginner, refresher and children's skiing courses.
However, the region is not only interesting for skiers. Winterberg also attracts mountain bikers, with activities for beginners and advanced bikers. There are signposted tours of various lengths and degrees of difficulty.
Winterberg Youth Hostel offers perfect accommodation for skiers and cyclists that is ideally suited to sports activities. Guests travelling on bicycles can choose to stay just for one night. The bicycles are locked up to protect them from theft, there is a technology corner and an airing room for wet clothes. For this reason the hostel was awarded a certificate from an independent organisation, the first hostel in Germany to receive such a prize.
For even more variety, the hostel offers outings to a water-skiing facility and can arrange for guests to take part in courses. Moreover, participants can rent equipment and appropriate clothing.
Winterberg Youth Hostel has recently been entirely modernised and expanded. The fantastic outside area is consistent with the sports theme – it can boast with a climbing wall, playgrounds for all ages, a low ropes course and soccer court. The hostel has room for 286 guests. The three-story new building has a large dining hall, six common rooms and comfortable rooms with a shower and toilet. The old building was recently renovated, and the interior is specially designed to convey the charm of an Alpine chalet.
