HEIDI GUIDE TO
Germany
Ski Holidays
Bavaria – home to beer, bratwurst and beautiful mountains
Grab your Lederhosen, the Bavarian mountains are Germany’s best kept secret.
Pretty and traditional resorts, much like Austria, but quieter. Welcome to Germany.
For 200km between Liechtenstein and Salzburg, Germany’s southern border runs through the mountains connecting it with Austria. There’s very little to distinguish between the two regions, you’ll find the same customs, language and love for bratwurst and beer – as well as other alpine favourites. German resorts are less frequented than their Austrian counterparts, but offer good connections to the international hub of Munich airport, making it an ideal weekend hit. As for the skiing? The resorts themselves are quite small but perfect for short breaks and easy descents.
KEY INFORMATION
Good to Know
Currency
Euro
Language
German
Travel Time (APPROX)
1.5 hours
Dublin
Timezone
GMT+1
Germany ski holidays
Your questions answered by our German ski holiday expert
Alexander Blunt (Co-Founder)
What are the best family ski resorts in Germany?
Children and families are at the heart of Bavarian life, and all of Germany’s resorts are great for kids to learn, being home to easy slopes, toboggan runs and other attractions. In Garmisch there’s a large children’s area with magic carpet and funslope. Brauneck boasts three children’s areas as well as a Familienabfahrt – a four kilometre run for families while Oberstdorf has a ‘monster run and mini-park’.
What are the best beginner ski resorts in Germany?
For beginners, it's always nicer to learn to ski up the mountain where the views can be enjoyed, and not be stuck at the bottom. One of the charms of Oberstdorf is that the practice areas are all located around the middle station of the Söllereckbahn lift. The easy family run at the Söllereckbahn lift is also very popular. Balderschwang and Spitzingsee are both small resorts offering quiet beginner-friendly pistes.
What are the best high altitude / snow-sure ski resorts in Germany?
Garmisch sits at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, offering the highest skiing to be found in the country, up to almost 3,000m on the glacier. It’s the most snow-sure of Germany’s areas, if the skiing – at least on the glacier – is a little limited. Elsewhere the skiing is mostly up to around 1,500m but Oberstdorf is a bit higher, with skiing up to 2,000m, offering a bit more snow security.
What is the best skiing food and drink in Germany?
Bavarian mountain cuisine may not be known for its Michelin stars but it’s food of the gods after a day on the slopes. Think sausages and sauerkraut, venison burgers, roast pork and dumplings or steaming bowls of cheesy (pasta-like) Käsespätzle fresh out of the oven, washed down with a stein of beer or hot mug of glühwein. Breakfast is the real treat in Bavaria though. Discover next level fresh rye breads and the best pretzels.
What are the best ski resorts for après ski in Germany
The Germans aren’t all tucked up in bed by 10 o’clock but the kind of rowdy après scene found over the Austrian border is not so common here. That said, Garmisch is home to several restaurants, bars and clubs. Start off at the Irish pub or Peaches cocktail bar, then finish up club Eleven. In Oberstdorf, the focus of après is to be found in the mountain huts. In town, head to the Hörbar for live music.
What are the best ski resorts for off-piste skiing in Germany?
After a good snowfall, there are lots of options for ‘freshies’ in many resorts. In Garmisch you’ll find off piste possibilities through the trees off the Osterfelderkopf and Hochalm. In Oberstdorf there’s also some off piste potential between the trees off Nebelhorn. Backcountry skiing is also popular in Germany, where you get away from the resort to find untouched snow – but going with a guide is a must.
What are the best ski resorts for ski weekends and short breaks in Germany
Garmisch is the ideal weekend hit, being just a one and a half hour drive from Munich, itself a major international hub with several flights a day from the UK. There’s a lot going on in town, with restaurants, shops and spas so there’s plenty to keep everyone happy. Brauneck, known as Munich’s local mountain, is even closer, but it can get busy at the weekend.
What is the best time to ski in Germany?
Germany’s mountains are not as high as their Swiss and French counterparts, which means a slightly shorter season. The resorts start opening in December, which is a great time to catch Christmas festivities. The optimal time for snow cover is January through to mid March with February offering a perfect time.
Most popular ski resorts in Germany
Here are just some of our top ski resorts. To find the perfect one for you, speak to one of our specialists.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch, a charming winter sports town in southern Bavaria, offers a unique ski experience near Germany's highest mountain, Zugspitze. With 60km of slopes spread across Garmisch classic and the glacier, including a dedicated children's area, visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere reminiscent of Oktoberfest.
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Oberstdorf
Oberstdorf, a picturesque town on the edge of the Bavarian Alps, is part of a ski region that includes Nebelhorn and Söllereck. With 24km of pistes, 38 ski trails, and direct access to Nebelhorn from the town, it caters mainly to intermediate skiers and features a fantastic terrain park with a halfpipe.
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Balderschwang
Balderschwang is the third largest ski resort in Germany, offering 41km of slopes with reliable snow cover. Enjoy night skiing or indulge in local delicacies and beer for a relaxing evening.
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Brauneck
Brauneck features 32km of slopes, but with the Alpen Plus lift pass, you can access a total of 83km across four resorts. From a children's area to challenging mogul pistes and night skiing, Brauneck caters to all abilities.
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Spitzingsee
A ski holiday in Germany’s Spitzingsee is perfect for intermediates looking for laid-back fun on the slopes. Shred blue and red tree-lined pistes and enjoy picture-postcard views over the frozen Spitzingsee Lake.
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All ski resorts in Germany
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