Unusually high temperatures in Germany have left many traditional winter holiday spots without much snow. On the slopes of Oberwiesenthal, near the border with the Czech Republic, only small patches of snow and ice could be seen on Thursday. This is causing increasing difficulties for ski lift operators, with many lifts at a standstill. Unlike the US and Canada, which have been hit by bitter cold and snowstorms, much of Europe is experiencing unseasonably warm winter weather.
