Germany is popular with visitors in the summer and winter seasons, the former offering good hiking opportunities and the latter offering excellent Alpine ski conditions. Situated at the foot of the Alps is Bavaria, an especially beautiful region with many resorts set amid scenic lakes and forests. The Bavarian ski season generally runs from December through to March.
The Berchtesgadener Land ski resort in southeastern Bavaria is a popular family ski centre on account of its good children’s facilities and its plentiful slopes for beginners and intermediates. Berchtesgadener Land comprises the six ski areas of Berchtesgaden, Götschen, Hochschwarzeck, Jenner, Rossfeld and Zinkenkogel.
Nestled at the base of Zugspitze Mountain is Germany’s most famous ski resort, Garmisch-Partenkirchen. There are some great beginner training schools and a plethora of runs aimed at beginner and intermediate skiers as well snowboarders. The unique charm of the villages of Garmisch and Partenkirchen adds to the appeal of this superb resort.
Sixty miles south of Munich is the resort of Oberammergau, offering a combination of picturesque surroundings, great cross-country terrain and a range of beginner and intermediate ski slopes. With well attended beginner slopes, a great ski school and excellent childcare facilities, Oberammergau is another appealing family option. With its wide range of shops and visitor amenities, the town is a popular year-round holiday destination.
Frankfurt is Germany's busiest airport, providing connections to most major international destinations, while alternative connections can be found at Hamburg, Stuttgart, Berlin and Munich. The country's rail network is both efficient and reliable and is the most convenient way of arriving at most resorts. Travel by ferry from the UK to Germany is a possibility, followed by a rail and road connection; Germany's autobahn road network is also extensive and reliable.
While skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports are enjoyable, they can pose the risk of injury. Travelling in an unfamiliar environment also puts you at risk and we strongly advise you take out travel insurance before going on a German skiing holiday.
