Unrelated developments in German winter preparations

The Kolben ski area in Oberammergau, Bavaria, has announced the termination of its winter operations. After 15 years, the facility will no longer prepare slopes or utilize artificial snowmaking. Operators cited changing weather patterns and significant financial losses, noting that the area has experienced a loss of over one million euros across the last three winters. The decision is driven by increasing rainfall instead of snow and shorter windows of low temperatures required for snow production. Additionally, low water levels in the Ammer river have restricted water extraction for snow cannons, while rising costs for electricity, diesel, and personnel have further strained the business.

In Berlin, the BVG is implementing new technologies to prepare its public transport network for winter weather. To prevent ice buildup on tram overhead lines, the company will deploy special grinding strips made of brass to clear ice. The BVG is also maintaining approximately 500 heated switches for trams and heating rods for all above-ground U-Bahn switches. To keep power rails ice-free, specialized trains will use brushes and biodegradable de-icing agents on lines U1 through U3.