Indoor Ski Slopes in Germany and Around the World

Every ski season comes to an end eventually. What can you do when there is less snow on the slopes, or if you live in a snow-free region? The answer: At indoor ski slopes in Germany, you can strap on your skis and take on a run at any time of year. But indoor ski slopes can also be found in other countries—even in regions you might not immediately associate with winter sports.

The world's first indoor ski slope was built in Vienna in 1927, on the grounds of the Austrian capital's Nordwestbahnhof railway station. Today, indoor ski slopes in Germany can be found in Bispingen, Neuss, Bottrop, Wittenburg and Senftenberg. The newest indoor ski slope in the country opened in Oberhof in 2009. It offers a cross-country ski circuit almost 2 kilometers long. There are also several indoor ski slopes in the “mountainless” Netherlands, including one in Landgraaf.

Indoor ski slopes can also be found around the world beneath the blazing desert sun: They have been built in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Spain's capital, Madrid, also has an indoor ski slope in the “Xanadu” shopping center. People even ski indoors in the Middle Kingdom: There are large indoor ski slopes in Shanghai and Beijing. A modern indoor ski slope is being planned in Ryazan, Russia, 200 kilometers south of Moscow. Once built, it will be the largest indoor ski slope in the world.

Currently, the world's longest indoor ski slope, with a piste measuring 640 meters, is the “Alpincenter” in Bottrop; the longest cross-country skiing facility is in Oberhof. The largest indoor ski slope in Europe by area, with around 35,000 m² of piste, is the Dutch facility in Landgraaf, while Europe's most modern indoor ski slope is in Bispingen. The largest indoor ski slope in Germany is the “Snow Funpark” in Wittenburg. A halfpipe for snowboarders was installed here, where the first German National Championships to be held in an indoor venue took place in 2007.

Skiers can enjoy their hobby all year round at indoor ski slopes in Germany and other countries around the world. When the cold season is over, you can still ski down the slopes—at least beneath an indoor roof.