The 7 Best Ski Resorts in Germany

Germany’s Alpine region makes for some of the best skiing in Europe. Germany is often considered to be one of the most affordable skiing destinations compared to its Alpine neighbours like Switzerland and Austria, so if you’re on the search for more budget-friendly skiing, look no further. A short distance from its well-known cities like Munich and Frankfurt, Germany transforms into a ski-lovers paradise, with slopes and pistes suited to all skill levels and renowned ski resorts. Let’s take a look at the top 7 best ski resorts in Germany:

7. Obersalzberg

The Berchtesgaden Alpine ski region of Germany is one of the highest-rated skiing areas in the country, with its many small-scale ski resorts and ski villages. Obersalzberg is one of the best-rated ski resorts in the Berchtesgaden region, and a more lowkey resort with around 3km of ski terrain which makes it perfect for first-timers or beginner skiers. Obersalzberg caters to the whole family, offering other winter sports like snowboarding and tobogganing. Obersalzberg’s closest airport is in Salzberg, Austria, and is located around 16 miles away.

6. Oberammergau

Oberammergau combines beginner and intermediate-level skiing with a somewhat difficult black run that can challenge even the most experienced of skiers–don’t be fooled by the family-friendly look of the resort! Oberammergau also features a collection of winter-themed activities, such as tobogganing, snowboarding, and more. Its different slopes and pistes offer a range of ski levels and coloured runs, and the base ski village features restaurants and bars that are perfect for post-ski drinks and relaxation. The closest airport to Oberammergau is Innsbruck Airport, which is around 47 miles away.

5. Winterberg

Winterberg is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in Germany, seeing an annual footfall of just under 1 million visitors to its snowcapped pistes. Winterberg is ideal for all types of skiers, whether ski experts, beginners or complete first-timers, with a range of red, blue and black coloured pistes and slopes across 28km of skiable terrain. Located in Central Germany, Winterberg is also very accessible, so there’s no excuse for you not to visit on your next ski holiday to Germany! The closest airport to Winterberg is the Paderborn Lippstadt Airport, which is around 37 miles away. If you have access to a vehicle, the journey to or from the airport would take just under an hour. 

4. Arber

The gem of the Bavarian forest, Großer Arber ski resort is one of the most renowned ski resorts in the country. With around 14km of family-friendly and expert-level ski slopes, there really is something for everyone here. If you’re not an avid skier, don’t worry, as there are a ton of other winter sports and activities to choose from, like snowboarding, tobogganing, sledging and more. If you frequent the German ski regions, you’ll likely know a thing or two about the Arber resort, but if you’re new to Germany’s ski scene, Arber is a great place to go for top-quality pistes that are suited to everyone’s skill level. One of the closest airports to Arber is Munich Airport, which is around a 2-hour drive away. Munich is also one of the largest cities near the ski resort and the largest in the region of Bavaria. 

3. Feldberg

At an elevation of nearly 1,500 metres, you’ll certainly need to have your wits about you if you’re looking to ski at this popular resort. Feldberg features around 16 slopes of varying degrees of difficulty, which is what makes it perfect for all skiers whether first-timers or experts. Feldberg for sure deserves its spot in the top 3, thanks to its popularity with both locals and tourists alike. Feldberg's reputation helps it easily rival some of Europe’s most-known ski resorts, so if you haven’t already added Feldberg to your ski resort list, you should do so immediately. Feldberg’s closest airport is Basel Airport, which is located approximately 40 miles away and would take around an hour to drive to. 

2. Zugspitze

This is Germany’s highest peak, standing at almost 3,000 metres high– ski enthusiasts unite! The Zugspitze hosts some of the top ski resorts and slopes in Germany, but don’t let its height fool you into thinking it’s just for expert-level skiers, as there are areas that are specifically for more beginner-level skiers, as well as a children’s area. Not to mention, the Alpine backdrop offers breathtaking views as you take on the snowy pistes– what more could you ask for from a ski resort? One of the closest and main airports to the Zugspitze is Innsbruck Airport, which is approximately 40 miles away. Innsbruck is also one of the closest cities to the Zugspitze and an excellent place to visit if you want to learn more about Germany and want to venture further away from the ski resort. 

1. Garmisch-Partenkirchen 

Often cited as one of, if not the best ski resort in Germany, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a ski-lover’s paradise. The Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski town was the host of the 1936 Winter Olympic Games, and the ski resort is a favoured destination among ski enthusiasts for its 40km of ski slopes and different coloured runs. For those looking for a more challenging ski experience, the resort also hosts off-piste skiing and a wide range of black runs. When looking for skiing in Germany, head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen first, as it hasn’t earned its reputation among ski experts and locals for nothing. The closest major city to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Munich, with Munich Airport being located around 1 ½ hours away. If you want to explore after your ski trip and want to see more than just the surrounding ski resort, Munich is one of the best cities to visit and isn’t too far away.