Skiing in Germany

• The Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, the Ore Mountains, the Harz, the Bavarian Forest and the Sauerland differ in elevation and reliance on snow.
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Oberstdorf and Berchtesgaden are well-known alpine gateways, each with its own attractions.
• In Germany’s low mountain ranges, cross-country skiing, sledding and winter hiking are also important alongside downhill skiing.
• Biathlon and ski jumping are more central to some venues, such as Oberhof, than to other regions.
• Short travel times can be an advantage for day trips.

In the Allgäu, alpine access points such as Fellhorn/Kanzelwand near Oberstdorf lead to higher mountain terrain; the Sauerland offers several smaller winter sports resorts in the low mountain ranges. What matters is not just the size of the resort, but whether the terrain, your ability and the journey are a good fit. If you’re looking for an alpine setting and several mountain areas, compare destinations around Oberstdorf. For a closer day trip or weekend away, Winterberg, Willingen or Neuastenberg may be more convenient. Conditions on the specific dates of your visit are key.

For children and beginner skiers, look for designated learning areas, a ski school, magic carpets and short distances. At Söllereck near Oberstdorf, Söllis Winterwelt has magic carpets; in the Sauerland, the children’s ski area at Herrloh in Winterberg and the beginner slopes at Postwiese in Neuastenberg are specific examples. Choose based on age, ability and what is open on the day of your visit. If you’re skiing for the first time, get ready with the guide to your first ski holiday.

For a day trip, the travel time to your chosen access point should be reasonable in relation to the time you’ll have on the slopes. For a stay of several days, choosing one base saves you from making daily transfers.

Staying right by the slopes saves you time in the morning, but can be more expensive and less flexible. Accommodation in the valley often gives you more choice of restaurants and shops; however, you’ll need to make reliable arrangements for getting to the ski area.

Alongside accommodation and lift passes, compare the costs of equipment, ski lessons, parking, meals at mountain huts and tourist tax. A place to stay a little farther away may be worthwhile if bus or road connections to the ski area are convenient.

During school holidays and on busy weekends, plan accommodation and ski lessons well in advance. If you’re travelling by car, check winter road access and any requirements to carry snow chains when planning your route. Train travellers should coordinate their rail connections, luggage, ski bus and return journey to their accommodation.

If you don’t ski every day or are travelling with non-skiers, you could plan cross-country skiing, sledding, winter hiking, a visit to a local town or an all-weather attraction. You can also find ideas for winter destinations and nature experiences across Germany from the German National Tourist Board.

Which region is best for a day trip?

It depends on where you’re travelling from, road access and what is open. Compare travel times to the specific access point.

Where can beginners and children practise?

In the Allgäu, Söllis Winterwelt is at Söllereck; in the Sauerland, Winterberg has the children’s ski area at Herrloh, while Neuastenberg offers learning areas at Postwiese. Make sure the lessons, terrain and current operating status are suitable for your ability.

When are conditions most reliable?

There is no general answer. Conditions depend on the elevation, weather and current operations at the ski area you choose.

What are the alternatives to downhill skiing?

Depending on the location, options include cross-country skiing, sledding and winter hiking.