The 7 best ski resorts in Germany
With Switzerland, Austria, and France bordering Germany, you might think it’s slightly pointless to ski it. But you’d be wrong. It’s home to awesome resorts, epic landscapes, amazing food, and even better people. So, let’s get into the best ski resorts in Germany, shall we?
Looking to change up your ski plans and do something different? Why not check out Germany? Okay, it doesn’t have hundreds of resorts to choose from. But these small, local gems are totally underrated and super quiet.
Germany also has plenty of snow and terrain on offer. We’re talking zero lift lines and more laps than your legs can handle. And what’s better than capping it all off with some German barbeque and a stein of the local brew? Sounds pretty awesome, right? Oh, and between you and us, the Germans have truly epic après. Just saying…
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Top ski areas
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Total trail length: 25 miles / 40 kilometers
- Number of trails: 40
- Number of lifts: 17
- Top elevation: 6,725 feet/2,050 meters
- Average annual snowfall: 6.6 feet/2 meters
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the best known resorts in Germany. Nestled in Bavaria, near the Austrian border, this resort has gentle groomers perfect for families. But you’ll also find steeper slopes aimed at more advanced riders. The twin town hosts the FIS World Cup downhill racing, with the race-ready Kandahar course open to anyone looking to feel some speed.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s resort town is charming and dripping with Bavarian history. It’s beautiful to stroll through (especially around Christmas!). The traditional ATLAS Grand Hotel is our top lodging pick, offering amazing views of the mountains. When it’s après time, check out Peaches, a lively bar with live DJ sets. Just prepare for techno — this is Germany, after all!
Zugspitze
- Total trail length: 12.4 miles/20 kilometers
- Number of trails: 14
- Number of lifts: 10
- Top elevation: 9,718 feet/2,962 meters
- Average annual snowfall: 16.4 feet/5 meters
Germany’s snowiest resort (and the highest), Zugspitze is the most snow-sure spot during an early or late season trip. It also forms part of the pass for Garmisch-Partenkirchen, so you can explore both at once! Zugspitze Glacier is the freeride capital of Germany, so expect ungroomed runs, lots of touring routes, and tons of gnarly lines. Still, you’ll have multiple groomers to enjoy for a warmup or cool down!
If you’re hitting the Zug, stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and take the resort bus (it’s not lift-linked) to the base in the morning. Alternatively, rest closer to the base at Grainau or Obermoos, which have direct cable car access to the mountain. Our top pick is the Zugspitz Resort. It’s a beautiful, modern four-star hotel oozing Alpine charm.
Oberstdorf
- Total trail length: 81 miles/130 kilometers
- Number of trails: 48
- Number of lifts: 26
- Top elevation: 7,051 feet/2,149 meters
- Average annual snowfall: 8 feet/24 meters
Oberstdorf (also in Bavaria) is the biggest resort on this list by a good margin. With 48 groomed trails, there’s a ton of riding on offer. Lower down, you’ll discover plenty for beginners. And for the hardest terrain? Head up to the Nebelhorn to access the blacks and off-piste.
If you choose Oberstdorf, you’re in for a treat as its traditional village is stunning. We recommend the Hotel Oberstdorf, known for its eco-friendly design and top-notch wellness facilities, including a pool, sauna, massages, and all that zen stuff. When you’re ready for a post-ride drink, take in American-inspired Music Bar Mühle with its epic live music. Or hit Joselito Cocktail Bar for slick cocktails and local pilsners.
Feldberg
- Total trail length: 31 miles/50 kilometers
- Number of trails: 41
- Number of lifts: 14
- Top elevation: 4,898 feet/1,493 meters
- Average annual snowfall: 5.5 feet/1.7 meters
Next, we head out of Bavaria and into the mythical Black Forest. There, we find Feldberg, a sizeable resort renowned for its easy groomers and excellent beginner facilities. Solid snowmaking and an impressive snow record combined with wide, gently graded runs make this a dream destination for achieving your first turns. And it’s just about the prettiest resort in the world, too!
For the widest range of accommodation, say in nearby Titisee-Neustadt. And take a look at the Maritim Titisee Hotel, right on Lake Titisee. It has the best views and a wonderfully peaceful setting. For après on the mountain, check out the Himalaya Lodge at the bottom of the Grafenmatt lifts. Want to do something unique? Hit the Badeparadies Schwarzwald, a huge indoor lagoon for kids and adults ready to kick back.
Berchtesgaden
- Total trail length: 37 miles/60 kilometers
- Number of trails: 30
- Number of lifts: 16
- Top elevation: 6,496 feet/1,980 meters
- Average annual snowfall: 8.2 feet/2.5 meters
We return to Bavaria with Berchtesgaden, a stunning and historic town full of charm and heritage, just begging to be explored. Like most resorts on this list, Berchtesgaden is more ideally suited to families and beginners with its wide-open, gentle groomed slopes. But those with a little more experience can still soak up a good amount of fun – especially if you tackle the number 6 drag lift. That’s because it gives you access to some pretty awesome powder field riding.
We recommend staying in Berchtesgaden proper and the Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden, a luxury spa retreat with stunning rooms, fantastic food, a wonderful spa, and panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps! For food and drinks, hit KS Alps Bowling GmbH. Terrible name, great bar!
Brauneck
- Total trail length: 21 miles/34 kilometers
- Number of trails: 22
- Number of lifts: 16
- Top elevation: 5,367 feet/1,636 meters
- Average annual snowfall: 7.2 feet/2.2 meters
Brauneck is next up on our list. This small resort is super quiet, ideal for a get-away-from-it-all getaway, and truly picturesque — and that’s saying something for Bavaria, considering the whole place is a postcard. Dedicated beginner areas are perfect for learners, while those with more experience can unlock fun terrain up high, especially off the Latschenkopf high point. Beware the buttons here, though, as 10 of 18 lifts are surface lifts.
Snowmaking is also a big plus in Brauneck, with most of the slopes covered by snow cannons. This makes it a solid choice all season long. Our favorite accommodation pick is the Arabella Brauneck Hotel, with its traditional Bavarian-style rooms (with modern comfort, don’t worry!). Need a drink? Hit JAEGERS, a vibrant little après bar at the foot of the slopes.
Arber
- Total trail length: 7.1 miles/11.5 kilometers
- Number of trails: 9
- Number of lifts: 6
- Top elevation: 4,780 feet/1,456 meters
- Average annual snowfall: 5.2 feet/1.6 meters
Arber is the final resort on our list and another smaller spot. However, its petite size packs a punch. There’s a family park, a dedicated learner zone, and lots of green runs winding from the top. And for something more exciting? You’ll find long, fast blacks alongside epic off-piste (if the snow gods are kind). Our pick? The ‘G’ trail winds from top to bottom and is a sure-fire leg burner on even your best day.
For lodging, head to Bodenmais or Bayerisch Eisenstein, both pretty close by. We like the Hotel Mooshof, a lovely spa hotel to rest your sore bones. It’s renowned for its wellness facilities, including its massive sauna, dreamy pool, and exquisite dining. All you could want, really!
Wrapping up
Well, that’s it! It’s perhaps not as white-knuckled as Verbier or as expansive as the Three Valleys. However, Germany is criminally slept on for skiing. And it’s a pretty excellent choice for a unique type of getaway. If you like beer and bratwurst, oompah and lederhosen, and, of course, the best chocolate, there’s no better place to kick it this winter than Bavaria.
Know something we don’t or just want to get in touch? Hit us up at crew@montecwear.com and let us know where you’re heading this winter.
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