Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Winterberg and Willingen Wintersports Fun Close to Home

Welcome to skiing and snowboarding in the heart of Germany: the Hochsauerland region.

At just 1 hour and 20 mins drive time from Sennelager. These two resorts make winter sports accessible whilst you are in Germany.  They offer a mix of Ski slopes and family focused sledge hills (with lifts).

Far from the crowded peaks of the Alps, this area offers a charming and accessible winter wonderland, with a variety of resorts perfect for families, beginners, and even seasoned piste hunters.

The entire network of slopes forms the Wintersport-Arena Sauerland you can find nearly 60 km of Ski slopes, sledding runs, Hundreds of Km's of Cross country ski trails.

Willingen hosts World Cup Ski jumping. In Winterberg you find the Veltins Eis Arena which has a World cup Bobsled and Skeleton track.

Here is a breakdown of the key areas and a map to help you plan your perfect winter getaway.


The Main Ski Areas
Winterberg
 and 
Willingen
, each offer a different Ski experience.
This is the largest and most modern area, spanning across seven mountains and offering 27.5 km of slopes. It's a lively World Cup venue known for its reliable snowmaking, varied runs, a fun park, and excellent night skiing options.
Known for its longer runs, including the longest descent in the Sauerland,
Willingen has 17 km of slopes and a gondola lift, providing excellent views. It's ideal for families and offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to
Winterberg.
The Hidden Gems: Smaller, Charming Areas
For those seeking a quieter experience, the Hochsauerland is dotted with smaller, family-friendly resorts that offer great value and a peaceful environment.
Altastenberg
Located on the slopes of the Kahler Asten, this area is known for its range of ski and toboggan runs and cross-country trails. It is generally less crowded and perfect for families.
Postwiesen Skidorf – Neuastenberg
A true "ski village" with 9 km of slopes and a professional fun park, it also offers exciting options like night tobogganing.
A great spot for beginners and families, known for its friendly environment and dedicated toboggan runs.
This resort features the longest and highest-located lift in the Sauerland, offering great views and diverse runs.
A family ski area in the Hochsauerland district with easy and intermediate slopes and a fast snow tubing track.
Find Your Way Around:
To help you find these fantastic locations, here is a Google Map of the region. The major resorts are al easily accessible by car, and some offer a ski bus service.
Plan Your Visit
With reliable snow conditions thanks to extensive snowmaking capabilities, the Hochsauerland resorts are a great option for a spontaneous weekend trip or a longer family holiday.
Travel: Ski slopes can be in very high demand at peak times including weekends. So it is important that you plan your journey time and parking. 
  • Accommodation: Options range from hotels right on the piste to charming local apartments and even a large Center Parcs resort nearby. Links here for Winterberg and Willingen.
  • Beyond Skiing: When you're not on the slopes, the area offers cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikes, and cozy mountain huts for that essential après-ski hot chocolate.
  • Ski lift Passes: There are a whole range of options when it comes to your Ski Pass. You can buy single or multi lift passes, half or full day options. Check the websites for full details. 
  • Stay Updated: For the most current snow depths, open lifts, and daily conditions, always check the official resort websites or the Wintersport-Arena Sauerland portal.
The Hochsauerland provides a perfect blend of winter adventure and German hospitality. Pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable time in the snow!
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