Skiing in Bavaria

• Bavaria brings together Alpine ski areas, foothills and winter sports resorts in its low mountain ranges.
• The pistes on the Zugspitzplatt are at around 2,600 metres; the cog railway runs up from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Grainau.
• Alpine ski areas include Zugspitze, Garmisch-Classic and Sudelfeld.
• Altitude and weather distinguish the long Alpine seasons from those on lower slopes.
• Cross-country skiing, tobogganing and winter hiking complement Alpine skiing in many regions.
• Traffic and demand can increase significantly on holiday weekends.

The Bavarian Alps are home to well-known winter resorts stretching from the Allgäu through Werdenfelser Land to Berchtesgadener Land. Higher-altitude areas generally offer better chances of a longer season, but can be harder to reach in strong winds or heavy snowfall. The foothills and low mountain ranges are closer to many parts of Germany.

For stays of several days, the resort’s facilities also matter. Restaurants, shops, ski hire and activities for bad weather can be more important than staying right beside a lift.

Families benefit from easy-to-navigate beginner slopes, ski schools and short distances. Experienced skiers tend to focus more on vertical drop, challenging runs and connections between different sectors. Resorts with winter hiking trails, toboggan runs or thermal baths are especially convenient for mixed groups.

On busy travel days, roads into the Alps, car parks and routes through towns can be congested. Trains and ski buses are an alternative, provided that timetables, luggage transport and the last connection to your accommodation work for you. When choosing accommodation, consider not only the price and amenities but also the gradient, winter road maintenance, distance to the lift and the actual travel time to the ski area.

Snow conditions vary with altitude, aspect and weather patterns. It is useful to have a backup plan in case of a thaw or storm. Cross-country skiing, winter hiking, tobogganing, museums and thermal baths can add to your stay without making every day dependent on open ski runs.

Some of Bavaria’s best-known winter landscapes include the Allgäu, Werdenfelser Land, Chiemgau, Berchtesgadener Land, the Bavarian Forest and the Fichtelgebirge. Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Reit im Winkl, Ruhpolding and Bodenmais offer different combinations of Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping and winter hiking. Individual Alpine ski areas include Zugspitze, Garmisch-Classic, Sudelfeld, Brauneck-Lenggries, Spitzingsee-Tegernsee and Winklmoosalm-Steinplatte; Jenner is another winter excursion destination, with freeride terrain. The Zugspitzplatt sits at around 2,600 metres; the cog railway runs there from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Grainau.