Hesse's winter sports regions are in the starting blocks
Preparations for the new winter sports season in Hesse are in full swing. With a bit of luck and frosty weather, it could start this weekend on the highest mountain in Hesse, the Wasserkuppe, said Jeremias Kümpel from Wiegand Erlebnisberge GmbH, which operates the ski and toboggan arenas on the Wasserkuppe in the Rhön and on the Hoherodskopf in the Vogelsberg, to the German Press Agency. Winter fans can find out whether the lifts are actually open at the weekend on the company's website.
"We are currently in the peak phase of preparations," reported Kümpel. "We have tested and positioned all the snow cannons on the Wasserkuppe. Now we are waiting for it to be cold enough so that we can start the technical snowmaking." It is expected to be a little colder on Wednesday night, when the snow cannons can start working.
It has already snowed heavily on the highest mountain in Hesse (950 meters). The company that operates the lifts would be delighted with a few more centimetres of snow. "We need at least 20 to 30 centimetres to operate the ski lifts," explained Kümpel. However, artificial snow is of great importance because it lasts longer than natural snow.
Unlike in the winter sports areas in the Rhön and in northern Hesse, there are no snow cannons at Hoherodskopf in the Vogelsberg for nature conservation reasons - just as there are none at Großer Feldberg in the Taunus, where there are also some ski and toboggan slopes. There, you have to rely on natural snow. According to Kümpel, winter preparations are already complete at Hoherodskopf. If there is enough snow, the operators can start preparing the slopes straight away.
"However, I see a lift start on Wasserkuppe sooner than on Hoherodskopf," said Kümpel. The Wasserkuppe is just under 200 meters higher, which is noticeable.
According to the operator, the prices for the lifts on the Wasserkuppe have been increased by one euro. The day ticket for an adult now costs 22 euros; children up to 14 have to pay 17 euros. In this context, Kümpel referred to investments in snowmaking and the complete conversion of the lighting to LED. The ticket prices at Hoherodskopf have reportedly not been increased.
Willingen in North Hesse (Waldeck-Frankenberg district) is also in the starting blocks. "We are currently in the final phase," said ski resort spokesperson Jörg Wilke. The final tests of the snowmaking system are currently underway. "If the weather conditions turn out as forecast, we will be able to start producing snow in the course of the week."
When the season can start depends on the cold and wind in particular. "If the conditions are ideal, we can build a ski slope on the green meadow within two or three days," explained Wilke. Over the course of the coming week, it will probably be possible to say more precisely when we can actually start. "Maybe we can go into operation for the second Advent."
Inflation is also driving up operating prices in Hesse's largest ski resort. Energy costs in particular are significantly higher this year than in previous years, said Wilke. "But we won't be passing this on to our customers in full." The price of a day ticket will rise from 36 to 38 euros. "That is within the range of normal price increases that we have. We will still be able to offer an affordable range."
Overall, Willingen is looking positively towards the coming season. "We are in a good position," said Wilke. The technical conditions are now so good that many weather fluctuations can be compensated for. Wilke is not worried that guests will stay away due to price increases and crises. "Of course, we also have that in mind. But in our experience, people usually take time out anyway, at least to a certain extent," he explained. "You don't have to spend a whole week with us, you can ski right on our doorstep at an affordable price. We therefore believe that we will be able to inspire skiing enthusiasts again this year."
Tourists looking forward to their leisure time in Hesse's winter sports regions will hope for favorable weather conditions. With colder temperatures, the ski lifts on the Wasserkuppe could potentially open this weekend, providing opportunities for winter enthusiasts to enjoy the slopes.
Source: www.dpa.com
