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Burning the mountain's leftover winter

April 24, 2015

On the Arber mountain in the Bavarian-Bohemian mountain ridge the members of mountain rescue service celebrate the end of the winter season with a special tradition: They melt the leftover snow with torches and fires.

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Grosser Arber Bayerischer Wald
Image: picture-alliance/Arco Images

Like every year they wait until night comes to light up a huge cross-shaped torch on the eastern slope of the peak. The cross serves as a visible symbol of the rescue team's volunteer work on the mountain and its connection with nature.

On April 25, the Arber mountain cable car offers a discounted ride up to the top at 6:30 p.m. and down at 11 p.m., allowing locals and tourists to see the snow-burning event from up close.

This ancient custom called "Schneeverbrennen" (snow burning) is a symbolic way to say goodbye to the winter. With its elevation of 1,456 meters (4,775 feet), the Grosser Arber is one of the most famous skiing resorts in the Bavarian Forest.