Willingen ski | ski holidays in Germany

Afbeelding - Willingen — © Facebook Skigebiet Willingen

Willingen in short

Willingen is set in a beautiful natural landscape of mountains, forests, rivers and lakes. Many visitors say it feels like a miniature version of the Alps, thanks in part to the stunning views. The village of Willingen is nestled in the heart of this scenic setting. It’s a charming place, with cosy streets, a wide choice of restaurants and cafés, and a lively après-ski scene. Willingen also boasts an indoor ice rink, swimming pool, and a panoramic viewing tower. The Mühlenkopfschanze ski jump – which you can also visit – hosts a World Cup ski jumping event every year. Willingen is smaller than nearby Winterberg, which gives it a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

Willingen: beautifully situated

Willingen is the second-largest winter sports centre in the Sauerland and an ideal destination for a weekend ski break or a short winter holiday in Germany. Although the ski area can’t be compared to the large Alpine resorts, it does offer the longest slopes in the Sauerland. On the Ettelsberg (838 metres) and Hoppernkopf (800 metres), you’ll find runs just over two kilometres in length. Willingen is also home to the region’s only gondola lift. Winter hikers can enjoy 40 kilometres of marked trails, while cross-country skiers have access to 100 kilometres of tracks. Combined with its beautiful surroundings and vibrant ski village, Willingen is a fantastic winter sports destination. For a change of scenery, you could also spend a day skiing in one of the other nearby resorts: Winterberg, Snow World Züschen, or the Schmallenberger Sauerland.

Review of Willingen

Winter hiking
Cross-country skiing
Aprés-ski
Family/children
Price level

Willingen Ski Area

The Willingen ski area is located just outside the village, and you can park for free in one of the large car parks near the lifts. The modern 8-seater Ettelsberg gondola lift takes you comfortably and quickly to the highest point of the ski area (838 m). This is where the longest downhill run in the region begins, at just over 2 km. The slopes on the Ettelsberg start off gently and become steeper halfway down, which can be challenging for novice winter sports enthusiasts. They can instead head to the practice slopes at the Dorfwiese.

The slopes on the Köhlerhagen and Hoppernkopf (800 m) are more consistent in steepness, wide, and offer beautiful views. Several children's areas are available, and ski lessons are offered in Dutch. The Willingen ski area has over 100 snow cannons, ensuring that more than half of the slopes can be covered with artificial snow. Night skiing is also available.

Snowboarding and Freestyle

Beginner snowboarders can easily master their first turns in Willingen. At the Dorfwiese, there’s a small fun park with a few simple kickers and rails for practising freestyle skills.

Cross-Country Skiing in Willingen

Willingen is considered the cross-country skiing capital of the Sauerland. The wooded, hilly landscape surrounding the village is ideal for the sport. Willingen itself offers nearly 50 km of trails, with another 50 km in the immediate area. The 9.4 km Hochheideloipe, accessible from the top station of the Ettelsberg gondola, is the most snow-sure trail. The trails are located between 580 and 843 metres in altitude and range from flat and easy to steep and challenging. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, you'll find plenty of variety to suit your level – and cover some serious distance!

Hiking in Willingen

More than 40 km of prepared or snow-free winter hiking trails criss-cross Willingen’s stunning landscape. The trails are clearly marked both on maps and in the terrain. Looking for more adventure? You can hire snowshoes and a GPS for extended exploration.

Family Holidays in Willingen

Willingen offers several children's areas and ski schools with excellent facilities for first-time skiers. At most practice slopes, even children not enrolled in lessons can try skiing for the first time – although ski school is, of course, the best way to learn and have fun. The three conveyor belt lifts are a family favourite, especially for those with younger children. On the Waldpiste, children who have outgrown the beginner areas can enjoy more adventurous runs.

Après-Ski in Willingen

The Ettelsberghütte – better known as Siggi’s Hütte – is legendary in Willingen and far beyond. Parties here happen not only in winter but even in summer! By late morning, the first 10-litre beer kegs are already being served. Other great après-ski spots include the Seilbar and the umbrella bar at the base station of the gondola. For drinks or dancing later in the evening, head to C’est la Vie.