Winter sports Germany: The Ultimate Guide

Germany is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to get to know winter sports in beautiful surroundings. Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, delicious food and enjoy the German coziness. It's all possible at our eastern neighbours. Winter sports in Germany is ideal for beginners and children. However, there is also plenty to do for advanced skiers. In addition, the German ski resorts are often cheap and easily accessible.

The ski resorts in Germany are almost all easily accessible by car. The mountains in Germany are not too high. In other words, no busy mountain passes and hairpin bends! Especially Winterberg and Willingen-Ettelsberg in western Germany (Sauerland) are very close to the Netherlands. Already after a few hours drive you are on the slats! Several German ski resorts can also be easily reached by train or plane.

1. Ski slopes in Germany: blue, red, black

In the ski resorts of Germany you will find pistes in three colours:

• The blue slopes are easy slopes for beginners;
• Red slopes are slightly steeper and suitable for advanced skiers;
• The most challenging are the black slopes for experts.

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In general, the pistes in Germany are a bit easier than pistes of the same colour in, for example, Austria, France and Italy. A piste is also more difficult when there is heavy snowfall, when ice is forming and when it is very busy. Narrow pistes or very long pistes are also extra challenging.

2. Top 12 Ski resorts in Germany

In winter sports you probably immediately think of France and Austria. However, our eastern neighbours also have plenty to offer in terms of winter sports. In this article we have made an overview of the most beautiful ski areas of Germany. For all ski areas in Germany a map is included and the most important features are discussed. Winterberg and Willingen-Ettelsberg are ski resorts in Germany that are close to the Netherlands. Ideal if you want to get acquainted with winter sports. Oberjoch and Feldberg are very child friendly. And for cozy après-ski you have to be in Oberstaufen again. Each ski area has its own qualities.

The German ski resorts are fairly low, especially when compared to other winter sports countries. A lot of snow is therefore less common in Germany. There is therefore everywhere invested in snow cannons to increase snow security. Because the ski areas are quite small, there is often an umbrella ski pass available. So you still have a large ski area at your disposal.

2.1. Winterberg: one of the cosiest ski areas near the Netherlands

Skiliftkarussell Winterberg in Germany is one of the cosiest ski areas and is close to the Netherlands. As you can see on the map, you will find the Winterberg ski area just below Dortmund. The distance from Utrecht is only about 300 kilometres.

Winterberg is a nice village to get acquainted with winter sports. The area in Sauerland offers excellent opportunities for beginners and children. Enough blue slopes and practice slopes. Children up to 5 years also ski for free with a parent. Winterberg is also good for tobogganing, a beautiful winter hike or cross-country skiing. The various routes of the Winterberg ski area are of course put on a map for you (see table for the link).

For experienced skiers, the ski area does not have much to offer. The red pistes are easy and black pistes are almost non-existent. On the Kappe you will find some nice and challenging pistes. Great for a day of snow fun! What Winterberg does not lack is fun and good food. In the ski area you will find several nice huts. Here you can for a good price delicious food and drink. Après-ski can of course also, for example in Bei Möppi.

Would you like to enjoy the German snow for a week? Then choose a Wintersport-Arena Card. This ski pass is also valid in 7 other ski areas in the area. So you have a choice of 70 kilometres of pistes. Wintersport in Winterberg is cheap. Prices for accommodation, restaurants and ski rental are low. Because the area is close to the Netherlands, you will also spend little money on travel costs. However, it is often busy and the snow is not very good. The many snow cannons in the area solve this problem largely.

2.2 Ostallgäu: Child friendly, perfect for beginners and cheap

The Ostallgäu ski area in southern Germany is a fine ski area for beginners. Lots of easy blue slopes and nice and quiet. Also for children the area is a nice snow playground. Especially Nesselwang offers a beautiful children's area and excellent practice slopes. For children there is also a reduced ski pass rate.

For advanced skiers, the ski area is very small. In Nesselwang you will find some nice slopes to entertain you for a day. By the way, you can easily increase the possibilities with a multi-day ski pass. The Vitales ski pass (from 2 days) and the Super Schnee ski pass (from 4 days) give access to several ski areas in the area. The Vitales Land ski pass gives access to 126 extra kilometres of pistes and the Super Schnee ski pass gives access to 373 extra kilometres of pistes. In both areas you will find several red and black slopes for advanced skiers.

Ostallgäu is very easy to reach. The prices for accommodation, food and the ski pass are lower than in most other ski areas in Germany. Après-ski, you don't have to be in Ostallgäu for that. Fine if you like peace and quiet. The area is low and the snow security is poor. Snow cannons fortunately provide a nice white blanket. Füssen is a somewhat larger village about 23 km from Nesselwang. Officially Füssen is not part of the ski area but can be a good place to find accommodation.

2.3. Hörnerdörfer: family fun in the snow

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The Hörnerdörfer ski area is a true paradise for beginners and children. Here you have beautiful blue slopes and various children's countries. As an advanced skier or snowboarder you won't find much challenge in the area. There are some nice red and black pistes. Great for a day of entertainment.

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The Super Schnee ski pass (from 4 days) gives access to several ski areas nearby. Thanks to this pass you can choose from no less than 373 kilometres of pistes. For advanced skiers, the possibilities are suddenly much greater with various red and black runs. Hörnerdörfer is very quiet, easily accessible and cheap. The ski area is quite small and has hardly any après-ski.

Snow security is moderate due to the low location. However, in January and February there is almost always snow. And there are plenty of snow cannons.

2.4. Berchtesgadener Land: low prices, quiet slopes and good food

The Berchtesgadener Land ski area is a small but fine ski area near Salzburg. Ideal for anyone who wants to get acquainted with winter sports. There are a number of blue slopes where you can practice in peace and quiet. For children there are several practice slopes in the area. However, the possibilities are limited. Also for advanced skiers there is little to do in Berchtesgadener Land. This makes it nice and quiet on the slopes for beginners.

The area is cheap, easy to reach and wonderfully quiet. You won't find après-ski here. In Berchtesgadener Land you can also make beautiful winter hikes. The snow is moderate due to the low altitude. In January and February there is almost always enough snow. When there is little snowfall, snow cannons are used. Please note that the ski pass is only available for 3 or 6 days.

2.5. Garmisch Classic: beautiful and varied ski area

In southern Germany you will find the Garmisch Classic ski area. Advanced skiers can enjoy the famous black Kandahar valley run here. You will also find some challenging slopes in the ski area. There are also beautiful off-piste routes possible. For beginners and children there are several possibilities in the ski area. There are beautiful blue slopes at the top of the ski area. On top of the Hausberg is a large children's land. Children under 6 years ski for free.

Do you want to increase the possibilities? Then you can choose for a Top Snow Card (from 2 days). This card gives you access to the surrounding ski areas. The Top Snow Card offers you 206 kilometres of blue, red and black pistes to ski on. Furthermore, Garmisch Classic is known for its excellent value for money, good accessibility and delicious food. Because of the fast train connection to Munich it can be busy at weekends. Furthermore, it is usually quite quiet on the slopes.

Really exuberant après-ski is not possible in Garmisch Classic. However, there is plenty of fun at the lifts of the Kreuzeckbahn and the Hausbergbahn. The snow is not so great and snow cannons are regularly used.

2.6. Oberstaufen: super child friendly & cozy après-ski

Oberstaufen is a very child-friendly ski area in Germany. Ideal for winter sports with the whole family. In Steibis you will find a large children's area. And there are several easy blue slopes and practice slopes. Children ski for free up to about 6 years old. Also the more experienced skiers and snowboarders have been thought of. With fresh snow Hochgrat offers beautiful off-piste opportunities. There are also a number of beautiful red and black slopes can be found in the area.

You can easily increase the possibilities during winter sports. Choose a ski pass for several ski areas. For example, the 3 Täler ski pass (from 3 days) gives access to 352 kilometres of pistes. The Super Schnee ski pass (from 4 days) gives access to 373 kilometres of pistes. Furthermore, Oberstaufen is known for its cozy après-ski, good accessibility and delicious food.

The ski area is also one of the cheapest in Germany. However, it can be very busy, especially during holiday periods. The area is quite low and therefore not very snow sure. Luckily there are snow cannons.

2.7. Oberjoch: child friendly and quiet

Oberjoch is a very child-friendly ski area in Germany. Here you will find several children's countries and hotels that are decorated in a child-friendly way. There are reduced rates for the ski passes for children. Moreover, it is almost always nice and quiet on the slopes. For beginners there are a number of beautiful practice slopes. Advanced skiers can go on the steeper red and black pistes. However, the possibilities are limited. The area is namely quite small.

By the way, you can easily expand the possibilities. The Vitales ski pass (from 2 days) and the Super Schnee ski pass (from 4 days) give access to several ski areas in the area. Here you will find several blue, red and black slopes. The Vitales Land ski pass gives access to 126 extra kilometres of pistes and the Super Schnee ski pass to 373 extra kilometres of pistes.

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Other advantages of the area are the good accessibility, the hospitality and the favorable prices. The village is also not known for its après-ski. So nice and quiet in the afternoons and evenings. All in all Oberjoch is the perfect family destination! The area is located quite low and is therefore moderately snow sure. However, in January-February the slopes are almost always nice and white. And when necessary, snow cannons are used. Along no less than 80% of the slopes you will find snow cannons.

2.8. Feldberg: quite snow sure and very child friendly!

Feldberg is a small ski area in Austria: snow guaranteed, easily accessible, child-friendly and fun for beginners and advanced skiers! Moreover, Feldberg is a real budget destination. Accommodation, food and ski passes are cheap. At many hotels you even get the ski pass for free! For beginners there is plenty to do on the various blue slopes. Especially the slope of the Seebuck is perfect for the beginning winter sportsman. You will also find a small children's school and a ski school with Dutch-speaking ski instructors. Young children up to about 5 years of age ski for free.

The ski area has a black World Cup downhill run. A great challenge for advanced skiers! There are also a number of challenging slopes in Feldberg. The possibilities for advanced skiers are limited because the area is very small. There is no lack of après-ski opportunities in Felddorp. In several bars it is very cozy and busy at the end of the day. For example at the Himalaya Lodge.

By German standards, the snow conditions in Feldberg are good. Especially in January-February there is usually enough snow. The many snow cannons are used when needed. The area can be very busy. Especially during holidays and weekends.

2.9. Mittenwald: from beautiful practice slopes to spectacular freeride routes

The Mittenwald ski area in Germany has everything you need for unforgettable winter sports! The area has a number of fun slopes for beginners. For experts there is less to experience. In Mittenwald you will find the spectacular Dammkar freeride route. Mittenwald is very child friendly. In the valley station you will find a nice children's ski park with practice slopes. Children up to 6 years ski for free with a parent. Older children can explore the area unaccompanied.

The possibilities for skiing or snowboarding can be extended with a Top Snow Card (from 2 days). This ski pass gives access to several small ski areas in the area. This gives you a choice of 206 kilometres of blue, red and black pistes. Mittenwald is a cosy village, but you won't find real après-ski there. During the holidays it can be quite busy. Outside the holidays it is usually a lot quieter. Furthermore, the ski area in Germany is easily accessible and prices are low.

The area's pretty sure of snow. When nature fails, the snow cannons are ready. Along almost all slopes are these snowmakers.

2.10. Willingen-Ettelsberg: cozy après-ski & close to the Netherlands

The Willingen-Ettelsberg ski area in Germany is close to the Netherlands. Not as well known as Winterberg, but also a very nice destination. The distance from Utrecht is about 320 kilometres. Willingen-Ettelsberg is ideal for beginners and children. Many blue slopes, simple red slopes and various ski schools. The slopes are a bit longer than in Winterberg. Children up to 5 years old ski for free with a parent.

Unfortunately there is not much to experience for advanced users. However, you can slightly increase the possibilities with a Wintersports Arena ski pass. This ski pass gives access to other ski areas in the area (a total of 70 kilometres of ski slopes). Après-ski facilities are more than enough in Willingen-Ettelsberg. And on the slopes and in the village you can enjoy delicious food. Furthermore, the Sauerland ski area is cheap and easily accessible. It can be crowded, especially if it has snowed a lot.

The snow security is not very high due to the low location. Snow cannons lend a hand when needed. Compared to Winterberg, there are fewer of these snowmakers here.

2.11. Wurmberg: fun for beginners and cheap!

Wurmberg is a ski area just below Hanover. It is one of the cheapest winter sports destinations in Germany. Especially beginners are well placed here. Enough blue slopes to learn skiing or snowboarding. For children there is a small children's area. Older children can explore the ski area on their own. Children up to 5 years of age ski for free with one parent.

As an advanced, you don't have much to look for in Wurmberg. The slopes are simple. There are no other possibilities for skiing or snowboarding in the area. Wurmberg is not known for its après-ski possibilities. Nevertheless, it is in the weekends and during holidays very cozy in the Wurmberg Alm. It can be quite busy in the ski area. The snow security is moderate due to the low location. Fortunately, snow cannons help to keep the slopes white. These can be found along about half of the pistes.

2.12. Bayerischen Wald: small and friendly

We're already closing the list with Bayerischen Wald. This ski area is located in the east of Germany, close to the Czech border. It is an excellent area for beginners. Small-scale, friendly and wonderfully quiet. Enough blue slopes for practice and a single steep slope for some more challenge. Also for children this is a beautiful ski area. The lessons are cheap, the slopes nice and wide and quiet. Children up to 6 years ski for free. If you are an advanced skier it is better to choose another ski area. There are few challenging slopes and the area is very small. For a day, however, it is fine.

By the way, you can also go winter hiking in Bayerischen Wald. The ski area is located in a national park. The walk to the Riesloch waterfall, for example, is beautiful. Want to have a drink after skiing? Then it is fine in Bayerischen Wald. However, do not count on exuberant après-ski. Furthermore, the snow security is reasonable. Snow cannons are used where necessary.

The area is easy to reach, cheap and fairly quiet. Only on weekends and holidays it can be a bit busier.

3. Delicious food on the slopes in Germany

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What is winter sports without a delicious meal? If you're going to Germany on winter sports, then you can enjoy delicious German food. A plate of fries with a sausage for example. Maybe a well-filled goulash soup, rösti or a warm apple strudel with vanilla sauce. There are also plenty of more expensive restaurants in Germany. A good choice if you prefer a more luxurious lunch or dinner. Prices vary greatly per area, per restaurant and of course per dish. For less than 5 euros you can order soup with bread. A luxury dinner will soon cost you several tens.

4. What to look out for when booking a winter sports holiday to Germany

Are you going to Germany for winter sports? Then keep the following points in mind:

• Many accommodations are fully booked well in advance during the Christmas and spring holidays. So don't wait too long to book;
• There are travel agencies where you book a ski holiday including a ski pass. This is for example the case at TUI. There are also hotels where you get a ski pass for free. So good to pay attention, because a ski pass is quite expensive.
• Check any extras from a ski pass. In some ski areas, for example, you have attractive 2 for the price of 1 deal. In Germany, many ski passes give access to several ski areas. Or you can take your ski pass to a swimming pool in the area for free.
• A travel insurance is no superfluous luxury. Winter sports is in fact not entirely without risks.
• A winter sports holiday to Germany is usually best booked between December and mid-March. In January and February the snow is at its best. In some areas there are more snow cannons than in other ski areas. It is wise to pay attention to this when booking.
• Think about your wishes regarding accommodation. A hotel in the village with a luxury room, including breakfast and dinner? If you prefer to cook for yourself, then an apartment is more suitable. Apartments are often cheaper. Are you looking for a quiet village or could it be cozier?
• Beginner? Or would you like to learn better skiing or snowboarding? Then book ski lessons or snowboard lessons at one of the ski schools. This can be done in advance or on site. Especially in busy ski areas it is useful to arrange lessons in advance.

5. Winter sports to Germany. What do you take with you?

Are you going to Germany for winter sports? Then bring at least the following things:

• A warm ski suit;
• Skipully's;
• Eventally thermal underwear;
• Tough gloves;
• A pair of goggles;
• A pair of sunglasses;
• A firm ski or snowboard helmet;
• Skis socks or snowboard socks;
• Skis, poles & ski boots or;
• A snowboard & snowboard boots;
• Tough walking shoes or snowshoes.

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Skis, poles, ski boots, a snowboard and snowboard boots can be rented almost anywhere. Count on an amount of about 20 euros per day. For a week you can assume a rent between 50 and 150 euros per week per person. The price differs per landlord and per area. Also you pay as an advanced user often a little more than as a beginner.

6. Book a winter sports holiday to Germany

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