The ski resort at Fichtelberg, located in picturesque Oberwiesenthal, is the true pride of Saxony's Ore Mountains. At 1,215 meters above sea level, Fichtelberg is the highest peak in the eastern German part of the range and offers some of the best skiing conditions in the entire region. The history of skiing on Fichtelberg dates back to the early 20th century, when the first ski competition was held here in 1911. Since then, the resort has undergone a remarkable transformation, but has retained its unique historical character.

Today, the Fichtelberg ski station has an impressive infrastructure, with 6 modern lifts, including a gondola lift, express 6-passenger couloirs, 4-passenger couloirs, 3-passenger couloirs, and drag lifts. The total length of the slopes is about 15 kilometers, making this resort the largest in the Saxon part of the Ore Mountains. The slopes range in difficulty from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging descents for advanced skiers. Particularly noteworthy is the FIS slope, which hosts European Cup competitions, testifying to the high standard of slope preparation.

One of the most fascinating aspects of skiing at Fichtelberg is its rich history. Few people know that in the 1950s the first ski school in the GDR was established here, which trained generations of instructors. On the other hand, the 'Fichtelbergbahn' gondola railroad, launched in 1924 and modernized in 2012, is the oldest installation of its kind in Germany and is a tourist attraction in its own right. According to local legends, during a full moon on the slopes of Fichtelberg you can meet the 'Berggeist' - a mountain spirit who helps lost skiers find their way to the hut.

The resort is also famous for its excellent snowmaking system, which guarantees good skiing conditions even in capricious weather. Thanks to this, the ski season on Fichtelberg usually lasts from December to the end of March, and in favorable conditions even until early April. It is worth mentioning the region's unique microclimate - its location on the German-Czech border means that Fichtelberg often enjoys better snow conditions than other surrounding resorts.

For families with children, there is a special 'Fichti-Park' ski park, where the youngest can take their first steps on skis under the guidance of experienced instructors. There is also a 'Zauberteppich' - a magic carpet, or moving sidewalk, which makes it easier for children to ascend a gentle slope. A pricey attraction is the possibility of buying family passes, which offer favorable discounts for parents with children. The cost of a full-day pass for an adult is about 30-40 euros, which puts Fichtelberg in the category of moderately priced ski resorts in Germany.

The ski resort at Fichtelberg is not only about excellent slopes, but also about a wide range of additional attractions and amenities that make it a comprehensive destination for winter sports enthusiasts. One of the most distinctive features of the landscape is the historic 'Fichtelbergschanze' ski jump, which, although not currently used for international competitions, is an important part of the region's sports heritage. According to local accounts, in the 1930s the hill hosted the legendary Norwegian ski jumper Birger Ruud, who, enraptured by the beauty of the area, called Fichtelberg 'a little Scandinavia'.

For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, there is an extensive network of trails with a total length of more than 75 kilometers, leading through the picturesque terrain of the Ore Mountains. Particularly popular is the 'Kammloipe' route, running along the ridge of the mountains along the German-Czech border, offering breathtaking views of both countries. Less well-known, but equally attractive, is the so-called 'Mondscheinloipe' - a specially illuminated section of cross-country skiing trail that allows night skiing in the moonlight, a unique experience even for experienced skiers.

Fichtelberg also offers excellent conditions for snowboarders. The snowpark is equipped with a variety of obstacles, jumps and handrails to suit different skill levels. Interestingly, the snowpark on Fichtelberg was one of the first of its kind in the former GDR and helped popularize snowboarding in East Germany after the country's reunification.

The resort's food and beverage infrastructure deserves special attention. There are several distinctive mountain huts and restaurants on and near the slopes, serving regional specialties of Saxon cuisine. The most famous is the historic 'Fichtelberghaus' chalet, located at the top of the mountain, which has been in continuous operation since 1889. According to local tradition, drinking hot chocolate with rum at this chalet brings good luck for the entire ski season. Slightly less famous, but equally charming, is the 'Bergstation' restaurant, offering not only excellent food, but also a panoramic view of the entire area.

Ski rental shops on Fichtelberg offer complete equipment for skiers and snowboarders in various price ranges. The cost of renting a ski set for the day is about 25-35 euros, which is a competitive price compared to Alpine resorts. It is worth mentioning the local 'Ski-Sharing' initiative, which allows you to rent equipment from Oberwiesenthal residents at lower prices, which is not only a savings, but also an opportunity to get to know the local community.

For those looking to hone their skills, the Fichtelberg ski school offers individual and group lessons taught by certified instructors. An interesting feature is the opportunity to take special courses in 'Telemark,' a traditional skiing technique that was born in Norway and is currently experiencing a renaissance. A three-hour lesson with a private instructor can be purchased for about €58 for adults and €48 for children, an attractive deal compared to other German ski resorts.

Oberwiesenthal, as the highest town in Germany (812 meters above sea level), offers much more than just skiing. Dating back to the 16th century, when it was an important silver mining center, this charming town impresses with its authentic atmosphere and architecture typical of the Bullion Mountains. Strolling through the town center, look out for colorful wooden houses in the regional style that have stood the test of time and bear witness to the region's rich history. According to local tales, some of these houses conceal in their basements the entrances to former mining adits, which formed a vast underground labyrinth.

One of Oberwiesenthal's most iconic attractions is the historic narrow-gauge railroad 'Fichtelbergbahn', which runs between Cranzahl and Oberwiesenthal. This historic railroad, which opened in 1897, is one of the last active steam railroads in Germany. A trip on the historic train through the picturesque valleys and hills of the Ore Mountains is an unforgettable experience, especially in winter, when the landscape is covered in snow. A little-known fact is that during the particularly harsh winters of the 1960s and 1970s, this railroad was the only reliable means of transportation connecting Oberwiesenthal with the outside world.

History and culture buffs should visit the Ski Museum (Skimuseum) in Oberwiesenthal, which documents more than a century of winter sports in the region. The exhibit includes unique artifacts, including the first wooden skis used in the Ore Mountains, historic ski outfits and medals won by local athletes at international competitions. Of particular interest is a collection related to Jens Weißflog, a legendary German ski jumper from nearby Erlabrunn, who won the Olympic gold medal three times.

The short distance from the Czech border (just a few kilometers) makes it worth planning a visit to the Czech part of the Ore Mountains during your stay in Oberwiesenthal. Particularly recommendable is the town of Boží Dar, nicknamed 'God's Gift,' which is famous not only for its ski slopes, but also for its charming market square and traditional Czech cuisine. There is a local tradition of crossing the border on cross-country skis along the 'Krušnohorská magistrála' route, giving you the opportunity to ski explore both countries in one trip.

For those seeking relaxation after an intense day on the slopes, Oberwiesenthal offers the 'Aqua Magia' wellness complex, complete with pools, saunas and relaxation areas. Less well-known, but equally noteworthy, is the local tradition of 'Kräuterbad' - herbal baths prepared according to old recipes using herbs harvested in the Ore Mountains, which have a restorative effect on tired muscles.

Also worth mentioning are the local culinary specialties, which are an important part of the region's cultural heritage. Oberwiesenthal is famous for 'Erzgebirgischer Kartoffelpuffer' - potato pancakes served with apple mousse, and 'Neinerlaa' - a traditional Christmas dish consisting of nine different ingredients, which according to local beliefs ensure good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Local restaurants such as 'Zum Alten Brauhaus' and 'Ratsherrenstube' serve these specialties in an authentic atmosphere, often accompanied by traditional mining music, a perfect complement to a skiing holiday in this charming corner of Saxony.