Went to Oberwiesenthal on a day trip from Berlin. I thought it was a great place to go for 1 or 2 days for a beginner or intermediate skier. The ski area is small but there are some beautiful runs through the trees and the slopes were really empty on a Sunday in February with very small queues for the lifts. We had some great powder snow. If you are a proficient skier then you won't find any challenge here and you have to put up with a few T-bar drag lifts but for a cheap day's skiing it's great.
January 02, 2012
mick from Newcastle
from
United Kingdom
Skiing 19 Feb 2011.
We, as a family, had not skied for a lot of years, after a lot of looking around we decided to try Oberwiesenthal, booking a local apartment, then flying into Prague. The trip is 2 hours in a luxury minibus (£100 each way).
The ski area is not big, but with two sons one who had not skied before, it was a ideal choice, great skiing and having fun as a family, very nice locals, and a lovely apartment (could not believe the price, so cheap).
There are some beautiful runs; most of the tows are T bars!
We are going back 12 Feb 2012, the snow already looks great.
The snow is super. I came to Oberwiesenthal in March when there was no snow on any hills, then I came 'round the corner and there was a white mountain! The snow is very reliable and there is something for everyone at Oberwiesenthal if beginner or expert.
I went to Oberwiesenthal about 4 years ago in March and last year, once again I had a lot of fun. The snow is usually there because Oberwiesenthal sits in a position where a good basis can build up. This is very rare in Germany outside the Alps. The ski area consists of 2 very thickly forested hills (1206 and 1205m). The larger hill has a gondola and a 3- seat chairlift, whilst the smaller one is supplied by two T-bar drag lifts. There are also two T-bars running down on the backside of the mountain. The slopes are mainly red. But this is not true, because the reds are very easy and suited for beginners too. The black run under the gondola lift is steep and in thaw conditions can get very icy. On the edges of this slope there is some interesting deep snow terrain for freeriders.
The village of Oberwiesenthal is pretty but quiet, only with a few restaurants and simple guesthouses. Most happens in the ski stations from which the lifts depart, a 5 minute walk from the village center. Here one can find snack bars, at least 3 places renting out ski equipment, hotels and a ski school.
Oberwiesenthal is one of the best resorts in mid-Germany. It is within easy reach of Berlin and it usually has deep snow from December to April. The slopes are rather easy (except the black under the gondola lift). Most of the tracks run in forests. Lift equipment is mainly new and of high standard. But the resort itself is quite small and after a couple of days of skiing you might get bored.
Never the less Oberwiesenthal is a great place for beginners! For snowboarders there is a halfpipe and a few jumps.