The heart of the Harz ski region is undoubtedly Skigebiet am Wurmberg in Braunlage - the largest and most extensive resort in the entire range. Located on the slopes of Lower Saxony's highest peak (971 meters above sea level), it offers as many as 13 kilometers of slopes served by six modern lifts. The history of skiing at Wurmberg dates back to the early 20th century, when local residents began using the steep slopes of the mountain for winter downhill skiing. Today, the resort boasts the longest slope in the entire Harz - a 4.3-kilometer descent with an elevation of 405 meters, which provides an unforgettable experience even for demanding skiers.

A unique element of Wurmberg's infrastructure is the snowmaking system, which, combined with natural snow, guarantees perfect conditions throughout most of the winter season. Local legend has it that when it snows on Wurmberg, the ghost of the mountain giant Brocken shakes off his white beard, providing skiers with ideal conditions.

The Skiwiese Hasselkopf, also located in Braunlage, has a completely different character. This intimate slope with one lift is a true paradise for families with children and beginner skiers. The gentle slope, professional ski school and friendly atmosphere make it the perfect place for first skiing steps. Few people know that Hasselkopf was a favorite training spot for German ski champions in the 1950s, who appreciated its perfectly groomed slopes.

Skigebiet Sonnenberg in St. Andreasberg, on the other hand, is the resort with the longest skiing tradition in the entire region. It was here that the first official ski competition in the Harz Mountains was held in 1890, making it the cradle of winter sports in this part of Germany. Today, Sonnenberg offers slopes of varying difficulty, as well as one of the best ski schools in the region. A unique attraction is the illuminated 1,500-meter toboggan run, which allows night descents under a starry sky.

Worth mentioning is the lesser-known but extremely charming Ski Alpinum Schulenberg resort. Located in a picturesque valley, this small resort offers perfectly groomed slopes that are rarely crowded, which is its greatest asset. Local skiers call it the 'hidden gem of the Harz,' appreciating the intimate atmosphere and beautiful views of the surrounding forests. According to local legend, nearby forests are home to mountain spirits who make sure there is always good snow on the slopes of Schulenberg.

In addition to the major resorts, the Harz mountains hide many smaller but equally fascinating places for winter sports enthusiasts. One such hidden treasure is Ski&Rodelcentrum Hohegeiß/Harz, located in the picturesque village of Braunlage. This small resort is distinguished by its unique atmosphere and rich history. Few people know that in the 1930s, Olympic athletes preparing for the Winter Games trained here. Today Hohegeiß offers not only a ski slope, but above all some of the best tobogganing runs in the entire region. Three tracks with a total length of 1,500 meters attract both children and adults looking for an alternative to skiing.

Slightly off the main tourist routes is Bad Sachsa - Ravensberg, a resort with a fascinating history dating back to the days when skiing was the elite sport of the aristocracy. In the 1920s, representatives of Berlin's artistic bohemia, including famous writers and painters seeking inspiration in the winter landscapes, came here for winter recreation. Today, Ravensberg has retained its intimate character, offering quiet slopes ideal for families with children and beginner skiers. A unique feature of the place is the old wooden hut at the top of the slope, where, according to local legend, a hermit lived who could predict the weather with unprecedented accuracy.

A real rarity on the Harz ski map is the Rodellift 'Brockenblick' in Torfhaus. As the name suggests, this place offers spectacular views of the highest peak of the Harz mountains - the legendary Brocken (1141 meters above sea level), which for centuries has been a meeting place for witches according to German folk tales. Goethe immortalized these legends in 'Faust,' and today skiers can admire this mythical peak while skiing downhill. Brockenblick is above all a paradise for tobogganing enthusiasts, offering perfectly groomed slopes. It is worth knowing that the historic route of the Brockenbahn narrow-gauge railroad, which has been carrying tourists to the top of the Brocken since 1899, runs nearby.

A somewhat forgotten but worth discovering place is Ski 'On the Rose' in Altenau. Located on the slope of the Rose mountain, this small resort has a unique microclimate that makes snow last longer here than in other parts of the Harz. Locals have passed down the tale of the 'Rose Lady' from generation to generation - the spirit of a young girl who appears on the slopes in winter, leaving a trail of the scent of roses behind her. Legends aside, 'On the Rose' offers excellent conditions for beginner skiers and families, as well as a cozy atmosphere away from the crowds of the larger resorts.

For those who appreciate comfort and luxury, Torfhaus HARZRESORT is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding slopes. Located 800 meters above sea level, this modern complex offers not only luxurious accommodations, but also direct access to the cross-country trails of the Harz National Park. The history of the place is as fascinating as its offerings - in the 19th century the Torfhaus was a shelter for peat mining workers, and later became a popular lookout point on the Brocken. Today, after extensive modernization, it combines tradition with modernity, offering the perfect base for skiers looking for comfort after a day on the slopes.

When planning a skiing trip to the Harz Mountains, it is worth carefully analyzing the offerings of individual resorts to choose the one that best suits our skills and expectations. Skigebiet am Wurmberg definitely leads the way in terms of size and variety of runs, offering 13 kilometers of slopes of varying difficulty. It is also the most expensive resort in the region, but makes up for it with the best infrastructure and the longest ski season thanks to a snowmaking system. Wurmberg will be especially appreciated by intermediate and experienced skiers, who will find sufficiently challenging slopes here.

Skiwiese Hasselkopf and Bad Sachsa - Ravensberg, on the other hand, are definitely less expensive resorts, ideal for beginners and families with children. They offer gentle slopes, professional instructor care and a friendly atmosphere. Hasselkopf has the advantage of being located in Braunlage, so it's easy to combine a visit here with skiing the more challenging slopes of Wurmberg.

Skigebiet Sonnenberg in St. Andreasberg stands out for its excellent value for money - it offers slopes for skiers of all levels, a good ski school and additional attractions like snow tubing and a lighted toboggan run. Prices here are moderate, and the infrastructure is well developed. An additional advantage is the picturesque location in one of the oldest mining villages in the Harz, which makes it possible to combine skiing with sightseeing of historical monuments.

Lesser-known resorts, such as Ski Alpinum Schulenberg and Ski 'On the Rose', attract visitors primarily because of their quiet atmosphere and lack of crowds. Prices here are lower than at the major resorts, but you have to reckon with fewer trails and simpler infrastructure. However, these are ideal places for those who appreciate authenticity and contact with the local community.

It is worth noting a unique feature of the Harz mountains - an extensive network of cross-country ski trails that connect individual resorts. In particular, in the area of Torfhaus and Brocken there are more than 40 kilometers of perfectly groomed trails leading through the scenic areas of the National Park. This is an excellent alternative to downhill skiing, allowing closer contact with nature and exploring hidden corners of the region.

When planning your stay, it is worth remembering local customs and traditions. In the Harz mountains, the tradition of 'Après-ski' - post-ski get-togethers over traditional German food and local drinks - is still alive. Particularly popular is 'Harzer Schmorwurst,' a local sausage, and 'Harzwasser,' an herbal liqueur that locals say has warming properties perfect after a day on the slopes.

Regardless of the resort you choose, the Harz mountains offer a unique skiing experience that combines athletic passion with the region's rich history and culture. From the legendary Brocken to ancient mining towns to picturesque villages, every corner of these mountains has a fascinating story waiting to be discovered on a winter adventure. The best time to visit is between December and March, when snow conditions are at their best and all attractions are fully accessible. However, it's worth checking the current snow conditions before you go, as they can vary depending on the specific location and altitude.