Germany
Ski Holidays
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Germany ski holidays – beer, bratwurst, and beautiful Bavaria
Skiing in the Bavarian mountains is 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
Heathrow
Timezone
GMT+1
Germany ski holidays
Your questions answered by our German ski holiday expert
Alexander Blunt (Co-Founder)
Does Germany have good skiing?
Yes. Germany has some great ski holidays on offer in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. While resorts here are much smaller than neighbouring Austria, Switzerland, and France, they’re scenic, accessible, and perfect for short family ski breaks and ski weekends.
Where to ski in Germany?
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Oberstdorf, and Balderschwang are some of Germany’s most popular ski resorts, offering varied slopes, beautiful alpine scenery, and great-value accommodation and lift passes compared with elsewhere in the Alps.
How many ski resorts are there in Germany?
Germany has hundreds of smaller ski areas, though most of these are only local hills. For bigger ski resorts, you're looking at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Oberstdorf, Balderschwang, Brauneck, and Spitzingsee.
What is the highest ski resort in Germany?
The Zugspitze Glacier ski area - connected to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - is Germany’s highest ski area at nearly 3,000 meters. It offers reliable snow, Germany’s most extensive slopes, and can extend Germany’s ski season from March all the way to May.
What months can you ski in Germany?
December to March is Germany’s official ski season. Though depending on the country’s snowfall, high-altitude ski areas like Zugspitze - connected to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - can extend slope access as far as May.
What is the best time to ski in Germany?
February half-term is the ideal time for families to catch Germany's best snow totals, while December offers up a whole host of fantastic Christmas festivities and winter markets.
What are the best family ski resorts in Germany?
- Garmisch has a large children’s area, complete with a magic carpet and funslope, ideal for first-timers and beginners.
- Brauneck boasts three small children’s areas as well as a 'Familienabfahrt', a four-kilometre run for families.
- Oberstdorf, as well as being one of Germany's most popular resorts, is also home to the kid-friendly ‘monster run and mini-park’ - a must to let kids burn off some slope steam!
What are the best beginner ski resorts in Germany?
Oberstdorf is great for beginners wanting to practise on decent high-altitude snow, with the nursery areas all located around the middle station of the Söllereckbahn lift, complete with an easy family run.
Balderschwang and Spitzingsee are both small resorts offering heaps of quiet, beginner-friendly pistes, ideal for families.
What are the best high altitude ski resorts in Germany?
Garmisch sits at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze. At almost 3,000m high, this glacial ski area offers the country's highest ski slopes, and is home to Germany's most snow-sure pistes.
What is the best skiing food and drink in Germany?
Bavarian mountain cuisine is akin to the food of the gods after a day on the slopes. We're talking 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 a steaming mug of glühwein.
What are the best ski resorts for après ski in Germany
- 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 weekends in Germany?
- Garmisch is the ideal ski weekend in Germany, being just a one and a half hour transfer from Munich Airport, with several flights a day from the UK. A lot is going on in town here, with restaurants, shops and spas, as well as fantastic skiing (obviously!)
- Brauneck, known as Munich’s local mountain, is even closer than that, but because of this, it can get busier with locals at the weekends.
How expensive is skiing in Germany?
Ski holidays to Germany tend to be cheaper than elsewhere in the Alps, with lift passes, accommodation, and food and drink tending to be more budget-friendly and affordable.
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
Why book a Germany ski holiday with Heidi?
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