Skiing in Germany

Germany for skiing? Yes, this stunning country has much more to offer than you might initially think. Germany is waiting for you for the best family adventures, trips with friends and much more.

What do you think of when you think of Germany? About culture, architecture, Oktoberfest perhaps? Surely we have all heard about the Black Forest and the fact that Germany is home to wonderful nature and even some of the most beautiful mountains in Europe. This is certainly at the top of the list. Unfortunately, if you are not a German citizen, we don't think of skiing when we think of this remarkable country. But we are here to tell you. But you should!

Why you should consider Germany as a ski resort

Germany may not be home to the craziest freeride routes like France, or the most exuberant après-ski like Austria, or even internationally known for its cuisine like Italy. But what ski areas in Germany have to offer is really something special. Affordable, stunning, friendly and perfect for families of all ages or a relaxing ski holiday with friends. If you want to enjoy the peace and quiet of beautiful mountains with your friends without breaking the bank, or if you're looking for a ski resort where family-friendliness is a priority, then look no further. We've listed the top ten ski resorts in Germany to help you find the location for your next adventure.

As far as convenience goes, there's nothing better than this. Most ski resorts are located in close proximity to the airport, either in Munich or Innsbruck, making it easy and convenient. Anyway, grab a pretzel and a currywurst and let's get started!

A small note: The travel tips are aimed at those who come from southern Norway and Sweden (when we refer to the friends from the Nordic countries). When we talk about Central Europe, we have taken into account riders from Northern France, the Netherlands and Belgium. If you're reading this in the UK, we recommend you fly or plan the route more carefully (you can do it via Dover in 3 days). For Eastern Europeans, traveling by car is easy, and those from the south might also prefer to take a plane.

If you are traveling with family, it is cheaper to go by car and you can stock up on groceries as the supermarkets on the mountains are always expensive. Plus, you can explore the cities on the way back and enjoy the good of both worlds. Have a good trip!

1. Arber - Bavarian Forest

Where: Mountains Bavarian/Bohemian Forest

Nearest airport: Munich 2h. 31min. (188.4 km)

Tip for drivers: If you are traveling from Northern Europe, drive via Berlin, perhaps you can stop off in Prague on the way back. If you are traveling from Central Europe, go via Frankfurt, it can be done in one day.

Get to know the Arber ski area

This enchanting ski area is located in Bavaria and has 5km. Ski routes, 11.5km. Slopes and 6 ski lifts. A small ski area that still packs a punch. It is the modern ski area with a lot of infrastructure for families, such as: b a children's area and some magic carpets for beginners. 39% of the slopes are blue slopes, making it an excellent family ski area for beginners.

Recommendation: There are illuminated slopes for night skiing with the family!

Arber Bergbahnen - ski area

2. Geißkopf - Bavarian Forest

Where:  Arberland (Germany, Bayern (Bavaria), Bavarian Forest (Bavarian Forest)

Nearest airport: Vilshofen Airport, 54 min (53.3 km)

Tip for drivers: If you come from Northern Europe, take the E4 via Leipzig. That's only 18 hours., so why not stay there. If you are traveling from Western Europe, it will take you about 8 hours via Frankfurt. Why not go out and stretch your legs!

Get to know the Geißkopf

There are 8km at the Geißkopf. Slopes and 7 lifts to discover.Whether you're a snowboarder, skier, cross-country skier, tobogganer or winter hiker - you're guaranteed to get your money's worth in the Geißkopf family ski area!

Recommendation: The slopes are well prepared, ideal for a ride!

Geißkopf - ski area

"Fun and variety are guaranteed in the Geißkopf ski area. Whether snowboarding or skiing on the 8km. long slopes or tobogganing on the 2km. long winter toboggan run - there is no boredom here. There are floodlights on three slopes from Wednesday to Saturday. Great offer for small children in Geisslein Park on 20.000 m2 with conveyor belts and children's rope lift."

3. Herzogstand / Walchensee - Upper Bavaria

Where: Tölzer Land (Bavaria), Oberbayern (Upper Bavaria)

Nearest airport: Innsbruck 1h. 28min. (77.7 km)

Driver tip: The journey from Western Europe takes around 9 hours. If there are two of you, you could plan the trip in one day and take a short detour via Strasbourg on the way back, that would be a nice day trip. If you come from Northern Europe, you can make the trip via Berlin in 2 days!

Get to know Herzogstand - Walchensee

Herzogstand - Walchensee has 6km. Slopes and 2 lifts, which make this ski area cute and cozy! The season is very short, only in January and February and a little more in March, but when the season is on there are some incredibly dense forests that provide some pretty sweet powder skiing. In addition, the ski area is really inexpensive!

Recommendation: We know we love skiing, but given the natural beauty of the area and the full or marked trails, we really recommend spending some time hiking!

4. Steinplatte Reit im Winkl - Upper Bavaria

Where: Bavaria, Upper Bavaria, Upper Bavaria

Nearest airport: Salzburg 1h. 10min. (55.5km)

Tip for drivers: If you come from Northern Europe, take the route via Berlin. It's only 18 hours so why not spend the night there. If you are traveling from Western Europe, the journey via Frankfurt takes around 8 hours. Why not go out and stretch your legs!

Get to know Steinplatte - Reit im Winkl

Steinplatte - Reit im Winkl has 14 lifts and 42 kilometers of slopes in Germany and Austria! The Steinplatte is on the Austrian side and the Winklmoosalm ski area is on the German side. There are modern gondola lifts on both sides that take winter sports enthusiasts directly to the ski areas. The ski area is the perfect place for the whole family. It offers enchanting slopes with different levels of difficulty, beautiful panoramic views, a creative snow park and rustic mountain huts. For the youngest guests there is child care in the Tarassic Park.

Recommendation: The snow park, which is located on the Tyrolean side, is a must for freestyle lovers!

5. Spitzingsee / Tegernsee - Upper Bavaria

Where: Tegernsee-Schliersee

Nearest airport: Munich 1h. 11min. (93.6 km)

Tip for drivers: If you come from Northern Europe, take the route via Berlin. It's only 18 hours so why not spend the night there. You can also spend the night in Munich on the way back. If you are traveling from Western Europe, the journey via Frankfurt and Cologne takes around 8 hours. Why not go out and stretch your legs!

Get to know Spitzingsee

The Spitzingsee has 20 kilometers of slopes and 10 lifts - that's practical. The resort doesn't offer much other than skiing, but that's all you need. The lift system is modern and efficient, the slopes are well developed and it is only 1 hour from Munich. This is super practical. Night skiing is also available on these pristine slopes on some evenings.

Ridestore recommends: Try the Roßkopf (1.580 m), an epic and challenging descent! Race with your friends.

Spitzingsee - Resort / AlpenPlus press release

"The area high above the Schliersee is a perfect winter sports area for beginners, advanced skiers and families: the predominantly intermediate slopes are ideal for recreational skiers, but beginners and adrenaline junkies will also find their perfect moments here."

6. Winterberg (ski lift carousel) - Sauerland/DE low mountain range

Where: West German state of North Rhine-Westphalia

Nearest airport: Cologne-Bonn 1h. 30 min. (104.7 km), Düsseldorf 1h. 45min. (123.5km)

Driver tip: The journey is easy from Northern Europe, you can take a break in Hamburg and look around. Central European friends can do this trip in one day!

Get to know Winterberg (ski lift carousel)

It seems like every ski resort in Germany is modern and well equipped for skiers, and Winterberg (Skiliftkarussell) is no exception. It has 27.5km. Slopes and 21 lifts. No less than 9 snow groomers are in use every night to guarantee perfect slopes every day, and that's nice. It's ideal for all skill levels and for friendly competitions to see who can get to the valley station the fastest! There are many cozy restaurants in the village where you can sit by the fire and eat while relaxing your sore muscles.

Recommendation: Night skiing on these perfect slopes? yes please!

7. Feldberg - High Black Forest

Where:  Southwest Germany, on the border with France

Nearest airport: Zurich 1h. 37min. (94.5 km)

Tip for drivers: If you come from the north, you should drive via Hanover because the city is breathtaking. If you're from Central Europe, you can even go via Luxembourg, which would be a really cool experience.

Get to know Feldberg

Feldberg - Seebuck/Grafenmatt/Fahl has 26km. Slopes and 14 lifts. The biggest plus point is the location, nestled in the sensational Black Forest, which offers truly inspiring views. At an altitude of 1,448 m you can see all the way into the valley and, on days with good weather, even as far as the Alps! 54% of the slopes are red, the mountain is really great for advanced skiers.

Recommendation: Put your skills to the test on the freeride slopes in the trees or on the FIS World Cup slope!

Feldberg - ski area

"Nine drag lifts, five chair lifts and 16 runs with 30 km of slopes! On 1.400 meters you will find everything your alpine heart desires. From the easy beginners' run to the challenging FIS World Cup route, there is something for everyone. With a length of approx. At 3 kilometers, the Rothausabfahrt is the longest descent."

8. Zugspitze Garmisch Classic

Where: Wetterstein Mountains, highest mountain in Germany.

Nearest airport: Innsbruck 1h. 36min. (89.9 km)

Driver Tip: It's quite a long drive from Northern Europe, make the trip over 3 days, stopping in Hamburg and Frankfurt. If you come from Central Europe, go via Cologne.

Get to know the Zugspitze

The Zugspitze is a cool place, it is Germany's highest mountain at almost 3.000 m It is also cozy and cute and offers 20km. Slopes and 10 lifts. Due to its altitude, the Zugspitze is also one of the snowiest ski areas in Germany and offers snow for 7 months. A nice long winter! The cable car leads up to Eibsee and offers impressive views. The ski area is ideal for families with older children or groups of friends who focus on skiing and enjoying the slopes.

Ridestore recommends: There is also a freeride area and a toboggan area.

Garmisch Classic - ski area

"The merger of the three ski mountains Kreuzeck, Hausberg and Alpspitze creates a special ski area with 40 kilometers of slopes and 4 valley runs. Both beginners and families as well as the piste experts will find the ideal line here. Ambitious winter sports enthusiasts can venture to the world champion Kandahar."

9. Mittenwald-Kranzberg ski area

Where: Oberstdorf, Germany

Nearest airport: Munich 2h. 13min. (178km)

Driver Tip: It's a long (emphasis on long) drive from Northern Europe. If you want to make an adventure out of it, consider making a stopover in Hanover. Maybe a detour to Liechtenstein is also due? From Central Europe you can also split the trip and stop along the way. You can do the same if you come from the local area.

Get to know Oberstdorf - Kleinwalsertal

130 kilometers of slopes and 48 lifts, spread across the Fellhorn, Nebelhorn, Kanzelwand, Söllereck, Heuberg, Ifen and Walmendingerhorn areas. The question here is whether you are ready to explore all this from December to May. So much skiing area on your doorstep, one of the most exciting regions in Germany. The ski area also offers a large and varied selection of culinary offerings. Unusual restaurants, rustic and cozy huts and wonderful sun terraces offer the best of both countries. A ski and food holiday for those who love both equally!

Recommendation: There is so much to offer here, terrain parks and challenging runs, but an absolute must is the brand new snow park. It's perfect for putting your freestyle skills to the test, as every Wednesday there's a lighted session in the park and on the slopes. There are also two new lifts at Ifen this season!

Oberstorf / Kleinwalsertal - ski area

" Ifen or Nebelhorn? Riezlern or Oberstdorf? Kleinwalsertal or Allgäu? Skiing in Austria or Germany? A consideration that usually ends with booking your winter holiday. With us in the two-country ski area you can make your decision over breakfast. Depending on whether you want long, enjoyable turns or whether you are tempted by mogul slopes and fast descents: 130 kilometers of slopes in 2 countries guarantee that there is something for everyone."

10. Oberjoch (Bad Hindelang) - Iseler

Where:  Bad Hindelang, Oberallgäu

Nearest airport: Innsbruck 2h. 4min. (150km)

Driver tip: The same applies as above, don't leave out Liechtenstein.

Get to know Oberjoch (Bad Hindelang) - Iseler

Oberjoch (Bad Hindelang) - Iseler has 32km. Slopes and 5 lifts. The ski area is very quiet and is particularly aimed at families with younger children. The place is cozy and cute with idyllic cabins to relax and eat. There are also many cross-country ski trails here where you can let off steam. Oberjoch itself is the highest mountain town in Germany.

Recommendation: For children there is the Schneekinderland, the children's snow area.

Oberjoch / Bad Hindeslanger - ski area

"Since the first ski lift in Germany opened here many years ago, it has been our job to always be a few steps ahead in our ski area. Explore the new ski lifts and our diverse, modern offering for athletes and families. Tobogganing fun is also guaranteed in the Allgäu on the toboggan run and on the Hornbahn."

Get ready to ski in Germany

So, what do you think? Are you excited about the idea of ​​driving in Germany? Delicious food, perfectly groomed slopes without having to take out a small loan and the friendliest locals! Germany is calling and may be just a short drive or one-way flight from your home country.