Located in North Rhine-Westphalia, this mountain resort has 28 ski lifts and more than 40 downhill slopes. The bobsleigh track hosted multiple World Cup races since 1977.
At 841 meters above sea level, Winterberg sits at the meeting point of the Ruhr and Lenne rivers in North Rhine-Westphalia's Hochsauerland district. You'll find families skiing down illuminated slopes at night, adventurers zipping across the 439-meter panorama bridge, and hikers following the spring waters of the Lenne river. Each winter, 900,000 visitors come to ski, snowboard, and experience the Olympic bobsleigh track.
Winter Sports Facilities and Equipment
You can access 23 kilometers of slopes via 26 lifts at Skiliftkarussell Winterberg, where snow machines keep 95% of runs covered throughout the season. Two eight-person and six six-person detachable chairlifts take you quickly across the resort. Night skiing runs on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. At Veltins-EisArena, you can experience the Olympic bobsleigh track with a professional driver guiding you down the course.
Mountain Activities in Summer
Ride the downhill bike tracks at Kappe mountain, from gentle beginner flows to challenging technical trails. Test your balance on high ropes courses at different heights, or glide seated through the forest on the Fly-Line system above the bike park. The "Astenkick" zip line at Altastenberg sends you down a 1000-meter course, reaching speeds of 70 kilometers per hour.
Marked Trails and Natural Areas
Walk the 82-kilometer Winterberger Hochtour circular route connecting all 14 town districts. The trail takes you past the Lenne river's source and up to Kahler Asten's summit at 841 meters. In Niedersfeld, follow the "Goldene Pfad" nature therapy paths. Cool off at Hillebachsee lake, where you can wakeboard on the cable system or swim in the designated area during summer.
Health and Wellness Facilities
The high-altitude climate helps with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Local medical centers run specialized terrain therapy walks and sun exposure treatments. Visit the salt caves, which stay at 20°C year-round, for salt-infused air sessions targeting respiratory health.
Transportation and Access
Take direct trains from Dortmund to Winterberg's central station. In winter, ski buses connect different parts of the resort. The Kappe Express tourist train circles the main sites in 45 minutes. The closest major airport is in Cologne, 110 kilometers from Winterberg.
