Location: Germany

We often underestimate Germany as a winter destination. The variety of ski areas is great. In the south of Germany, the Alps naturally offer a wide range of ski areas that will delight fans of high alpine sports. There are also small, familiar ski areas in the Harz Mountains, the Black Forest, the Thuringian Forest and even in the North Rhine-Westphalian Sauerland.

Where can you ski in Germany?

If you ask winter sports enthusiasts where they can ski in Germany, most of them think of one place: the Zugspitze. The highest mountain in Germany in the very south of Bavaria is widely known as a natural border with neighboring Austria and is also very popular as Germany’s highest ski area. The slopes on the Zugspitze plateau reach up to 2,720 m, the summit cross stands at 2,962 m, and there is enough snow here for almost unlimited skiing enjoyment until May. With the Allgäu or the Fellhorn-Kanzelwand border area, the Bavarian Alps have further natural pearls with attractive ski areas to offer. For example, Oberstdorf, located on the Nebelhorn in Oberallgäu, is world-famous as the venue for the Four Hills Tournament. With a whopping 128 kilometers of slopes, which extend to the neighboring Kleinwalsertal on the Austrian side, it is also one of the larger connected ski areas on German soil. The Berchtesgadener Land is also an attractive region with its six ski areas in the face of the majestic Watzmann (2,713 m).

Far away from the edge of the Alps, Germany has a lot more winter sports places to offer: officially, the Federal Republic has over 600 ski areas! Many of them are cute little areas with only one or two lifts and manageable slopes. But some areas are also of a respectable size and accordingly varied. After all, there are magnificent low mountain ranges in all parts of the country, which offer every opportunity to find fun in the snow. The Bavarian Forest, for example, the part of the Bohemian Forest in eastern Bavaria, is not only the largest forest landscape in Central Europe, but also an extensive low mountain range and home to beautiful ski areas. Popular destination and highest ski mountain in the Bohemian Forest is the Great Arber (1,456 m), On which 10 kilometers of slopes meander and which, with the Arbär children’s area, is also attractive for families. In addition, the Bohemian Forest extends over the border to the Czech Republic, where it is called Sumava and also represents a unique recreational area. The Black Forest enjoys a worldwide reputation. In addition to Bollenhut and Kirschtorte, the ski areas there are also known far beyond the country’s borders. Above all, the Feldberg lift network should be mentioned here, which with 63 kilometers of slopes is one of the larger ski areas in Germany. In addition to Bollenhut and Kirschtorte, the ski areas there are also known far beyond the country’s borders. Above all, the Feldberg lift network should be mentioned here, which with 63 kilometers of slopes is one of the larger ski areas in Germany. In addition to Bollenhut and Kirschtorte, the ski areas there are also known far beyond the country’s borders. Above all, the Feldberg lift network should be mentioned here, which with 63 kilometers of slopes is one of the larger ski areas in Germany.

Smokers, Schwippbogen and mining romance – the Ore Mountains in the east of the republic not only offer tradition-conscious flair, but also versatile driving fun for all winter sports enthusiasts. A fascinating mountain and cultural landscape as well as cross-border ski areas make Saxony a very popular winter holiday destination. In addition, Nordic athletes get their money’s worth in the Ore Mountains: the Ore Mountains ski artery runs over the entire mountain ridge and across the border to the Czech Republic. One section runs around the Fichtelberg and thus past the health resort Oberwiesenthal, the highest place in Germany. It’s hard to believe, but in Germany skiing is possible in all directions: In the relatively flat west lies the Hochsauerland with the Winterberg ski lift, which unites 27.5 km of slopes. The middle is mainly characterized by the Thuringian Forest and the Oberhof ski center on the Rennsteig, which became popular with the Biathlon World Cup. Finally, in the north is the Harz, the northernmost low mountain range in Germany.

Why ski vacation in Germany?

The nice thing about the winter sports regions in Germany is their versatility. If the altitude and the area capacity do not allow for a large ski area, the alternative sports program is all the greater. In many places, the terrain is wide and relatively flat, so that, for example, cross-country skiing centers have been set up with an extensive network of trails. Nordic sport is still a big trend, especially in the new federal states such as Thuringia and Saxony. In addition, there are the unique cultural and natural landscapes that make Germany an interesting travel destination for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet. If you want to experience a relaxed holiday in a snow-covered winter wonderland with many options on and off the slopes, the German low mountain range is the right place for you.

What is special about Germany?

A wide range of leisure activities, flat slopes and manageable ski mountains with blue slopes – German ski areas are the ideal terrain for families with ski children. The smaller areas are manageable and offer extensive child care. But beginners and slightly advanced learners of all ages will also find the right area here. The somewhat larger ski areas also have fun slopes, timing trails and quite respectable snow parks, so that youngsters and sports cracks also get their money’s worth. In the low mountain ranges between 900 and 1,600 m, many of the slopes are below the tree line, so that winter sports enthusiasts will find romantic forest runs in many places.

How long can you ski in Germany?

Due to the lower elevations, there is sufficient snow in German low mountain ranges, especially in the core months from December to March. The Ore Mountains and the Black Forest are often blessed with a relatively large amount of snow, as are some parts of the Allgäu and the regions on the edge of the Alps such as the Berchtesgadener Land and the Zugspitze region. The Zugspitz area has the longest ski season in Germany thanks to its altitude of 2,000 to 2,720 meters. The ski area is usually open from December to early May. The sun often shines up here when the valley and the lower-lying ski areas disappear under a blanket of clouds.