Germany is home to many piste-rich and diverse ski resorts that welcome skiers and snowboarders with open arms. Germany’s winter paradises are large and have plenty to offer away from the alpine ski slopes. In addition to cross-country skiing, biathlon, winter hiking and ice skating, there are many cultural offerings to make all winter holidaymakers feel at home in and around the German ski resorts. SnowTrex knows German ski resorts very well and presents the 10 largest ski resorts in Germany.
The 10 biggest ski resorts in Germany at a glance:
| Skiing area | Kilometres of piste | Highest point |
|---|---|---|
| Ski area Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal | 118 | 2.224 m |
| Ski area Liftverbund Feldberg | 63 | 1.493 m |
| Ski area Garmisch-Classic, Zugspitze | 60 | 2.720 m |
| Region Berchtesgaden | 60 | 1.800 m |
| Ski area Oberstaufen | 42 | 1860 m |
| Ski area Winklmoosalm-Steinplatte | 53 | 1.708 m |
| Ski area Balderschwang | 40 | 1.500 m |
| Ski area Oberjoch/Bad Hindelang | 32 | 1.560 m |
| Ski area Brauneck-Wegscheid | 32 | 1.712 m |
| Winterberg ski area | 27.5 | 820 m |
Overview: All ski resorts in Germany
1. Ski area Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal
Slopes: 118 km
Altitude: Up to 2,224 m
The Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal ski area takes the title for the largest German ski area with a full 118 kilometres of slopes. Oberstdorf is the southernmost municipality in Germany and, together with the Austrian ski region of Kleinwalsertal, forms the Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal ski area. With 56 blue, 50 red and 12 black downhill kilometres, the ski area is particularly suitable for beginners and families, but advanced and expert skiers also feel at home on the German and Austrian slopes. In addition, the skiing area convinces skiers and snowboarders with the night skiing offer, several snow parks and, of course, the World Cup slope on the Ofterschwanger Horn.
Even away from the alpine ski slopes, winter lovers in the Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal ski area have the opportunity to discover various sporting winter activities for themselves. In addition to winter hiking, sledding, airboarding, snow biking and curling, the ski resort of Oberstdorf itself is particularly well known as a German stronghold for cross-country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic combined. Since the 2014/2015 season, the international cross-country skiing team has paid an annual visit to Germany’s southernmost town to compete in the World Cup. The ski jumpers also come once a year and open the Four Hills Tournament in front of around 25,000 fans in the Erdinger Arena. In addition, the ski area was the venue for the Nordic World Ski Championships for the third time in the 2020/2021 season.
So snow lovers who like to be active, enjoy action on and off the slopes and want to watch the world’s best in some winter sports are in good hands in the Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal ski area.
2. Ski area Liftverbund Feldberg
Slopes: 63 km
Altitude: Up to 1,493 m
The Feldberg is the highest mountain in the Black Forest and also the heart of the local winter sports region. A total of 14 lifts and 63 varied kilometres of slopes await skiers and snowboarders in the Liftverbund Feldberg ski area. Of the 63 kilometres of pistes, 20 are artificially snowed so that skiing and snowboarding is possible during the entire cold season. The slopes of this paradise have different levels of difficulty, so that everyone from beginners to professionals gets their money’s worth. The ski area Liftverbund Feldberg also offers many special highlights, such as the MINI Snowpark on the Feldberg. This is one of the top snow parks in Germany and delights skiers and snowboarders alike. The slope attraction convinces with many different boxes, rails and kickers on which aerial acrobats can let off steam. The snow park on the Feldberg is a hit with the skiing world and is therefore also a regular venue for regional and international freestyle events.
3. Ski area Garmisch-Classic, Zugspitze
Slopes: 60 km
Altitude: Up to 2,720 m
In the Garmisch-Classic, Zugspitze ski area, ski and snowboard fans have 60 kilometres of pistes at an altitude of up to 2,720 metres. 40 kilometres of slopes are located in the Garmisch-Classic ski area and the remaining 20 kilometres in the Zugspitze ski area. Together, the ski areas form a German mecca of alpine skiing.
The Garmisch-Classic ski area delights winter sports enthusiasts with its varied and diverse slopes. Especially the valley runs, the snow park and the beautiful forest slopes attract many snow lovers to Garmisch every year. Not to forget, of course, the world-famous and challenging Kandahar downhill run. This is 3.3 km long, has been part of the Ski World Cup since 2009 and, with a gradient of up to 92 percent, is even the steepest of all World Cup courses.
The skiing area at the Zugspitze shines with wide and mostly easy to intermediate slopes on which winter sports enthusiasts feel at home. Experienced piste riders and especially freeriders can also expect fun runs on Germany’s highest mountain. The extensive area above the tree line offers perfect conditions for all those who want to experience powder fun off-piste. The trip to the Zugspitze is also a highlight for many winter sports enthusiasts. Snow lovers have the choice between the Bavarian Zugspitze Railway, which opened in 1930 and is considered a historical landmark, and the ultra-modern Zugspitze cable car from 2017.
4. Berchtesgaden region
Slopes: 60 km
Altitude: Up to 1,800 m
The Berchtesgaden region is located in the Bavarian Alps against the fantastic and impressive natural backdrop of the Berchtesgaden National Park. It combines a whole six ski areas and thus offers around 60 kilometres of downhill skiing at an altitude of up to 1,800 metres. Each ski area has its own charm and is particularly suitable for a specific target group. For example, those who want to hit the slopes with the whole family will feel particularly at home in the Rossfeld ski area. In addition, the individual ski areas offer a wide variety of piste highlights such as snow parks, former World Cup pistes or floodlit runs.
In addition, the Berchtesgaden region also offers many winter activities away from the alpine ski slopes. Winter enthusiasts can enjoy cross-country skiing, ski touring, winter hiking, tobogganing or snowshoeing in the breathtaking nature, while enjoying the beautiful time out in the fresh air of Berchtesgaden.
5. Ski area Winklmoosalm-Steinplatte
Slopes: 42 km
Altitude: Up to 1,860 m
The Winklmoosalm-Steinplatte ski area is located in the Chiemgau Alps and offers winter sports enthusiasts the opportunity to experience very special ski days. With 42 varied kilometres of pistes, there are some great challenges for beginners, experienced skiers and even experts. In addition, all active winter enthusiasts who are interested in cross-country skiing or winter hiking will also get their money’s worth in the skiing area. With over 100 kilometres of trails, cross-country skiers have an even bigger playground than skiers and snowboarders.
And there is another special feature worth knowing about the Winklmoosalm-Steinplatte ski area. If you’re out on the slopes, you’re not only skiing on German soil, but you’re also repeatedly on beautiful and charming hills in Austria.
6. Ski area Oberstaufen
Slopes: 53 km
Altitude: Up to 1,708 m
With 53 kilometres of pistes at an altitude of up to 1,708 m, the Oberstaufen ski area is also one of the largest ski areas in Germany. The four smaller Allgäu ski areas of Sinswang, Hochgrat, Hündle/Thalkirchdorf and SkiArena Steibis have been merged to offer winter sports enthusiasts a wide choice of pistes. The slopes of the Schneewelt are varied and diverse, so that all skiing enthusiasts get their money’s worth. Children and beginners feel particularly at home on the wide, gentle and perfectly groomed slopes at Thalkirchdorf-Hündle, while experts can carve down the slopes in Steibis or at Hündle, where a Ski World Cup has already been held.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the Oberstaufen ski resort comes up trumps with other winter activities. Above all, tobogganing makes many snow hearts beat faster here. There are several natural toboggan runs for young and old in the skiing area. The toboggan run on the Hochgrat in particular is a lot of fun. In addition, the ski area shines with some breathtaking winter hiking routes, the ice rink in Steibis and around 100 kilometres of cross-country ski trails.
7. Ski area Balderschwang
Slopes: 40 km
Altitude: Up to 1,500 m
The Balderschwang ski area is located in the Allgäu and welcomes its guests with open arms. On the 40 kilometres of pistes in the ski area, winter sports enthusiasts of every skiing level and especially skiing beginners will find the perfect route for them. Families in particular feel very much at home in the ski area. In addition to slopes for young and old, the ski area also offers seven practice slopes, a toddler care centre and a ski kindergarten, so that the ski tots can make friends while the parents whizz down the slopes on their own.
In addition, snow is always guaranteed at Balderschwang. If the up to 1,500 m high slopes are not sufficiently covered with white powder, snow cannons ensure that 80% of the slopes remain skiable thanks to artificial snow.
8. Ski area Oberjoch/Bad Hindelang
Slopes: 32 km
Altitude: Up to 1,560 m
The Oberjoch/Bad Hindelang ski area is one of the oldest ski areas in Germany. It has existed since the beginning of the 20th century and impresses with downhill runs at up to 1,560 m. The winter wonderland offers a total of 32 kilometres of pistes, which are divided into 6 blue, 24 red and 2 black downhill kilometres. This makes the ski area well suited for advanced and expert skiers, but also for beginners, who can practise their first turns on the blue piste kilometres in the valley. Another very practical feature is that visitors can access the snow paradise via different lifts.
The Oberjoch/Bad Hindelang ski area offers winter enthusiasts other activities besides fun on the slopes. Among other things, there are three toboggan runs in the snow world, trails for winter hiking and snowshoeing, 36 cross-country ski trails, trails for ice skating and curling as well as various cultural and wellness facilities.
9. Ski area Brauneck-Wegscheid
Slopes: 32 km
Altitude: Up to 1,712 m
If you are in Munich, you only have to drive 60 kilometres to experience fun on the slopes. To the south of the Bavarian capital lies the Brauneck-Wegscheid ski area. This piste paradise is known for its rapid downhill runs, which can be reached very comfortably with 15 lifts. The Brauneck-Wegscheid ski area comprises 34 kilometres of slopes and impresses with a maximum altitude of 1,712 metres. With 2.5 blue, 21 red and 7.5 black downhill kilometres, the ski area is particularly suitable for advanced skiers and snowboarders, with beginners getting their money’s worth on the easy slopes on the Streidlhang.
Also on the Streidlhang, winter enthusiasts can experience skiing fun even at late hours. 12 floodlights illuminate the approximately 500 m long slope, extending the skiing pleasure of the day into the night. The gently undulating piste, which is suitable for all levels of skier, creates some very special and unforgettable experiences.
10. Ski area Winterberg
Slopes: 27.5 km
Altitude: Up to 820 m
The Winterberg ski area is located in the Sauerland region and is spread over a total of seven mountains. It is popular because of its 34 varied slopes, which offer a total of 27.5 kilometres of piste. The skiing area in the west of Germany is also one of the largest connected skiing areas in the area of the upper Main. The slopes of the skiing area are very wide and therefore also well suited for beginners. In addition, children will find a very extensive children’s area with a magic carpet in the Schneepaardies, which makes it easier for little ski dwarves to learn how to use the lifts.
Those who also want to let off steam on the slopes in the evening are in good hands in the skiing area, which is up to 820 m high. For night owls, 8 kilometres of snow-covered and floodlit pistes are opened several times a week.
FAQs about skiing in Germany
Which is the largest ski area in Germany?
The largest ski area in Germany is the Ski Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal ski area. It is located on both German and Austrian soil. The ski area has 118 kilometres of slopes and reaches an altitude of 2,224 metres.
What is the largest ski area that is only in Germany?
The largest ski area that is exclusively on German soil is the ski area Liftverbund Feldberg. On the mountain of the same name in the Black Forest, skiers and snowboarders can expect a whole 63 kilometres of varied pistes at an altitude of up to 1,493 metres.
How many ski areas with more than 40 kilometres of piste are there in Germany?
There are a total of three ski areas in Germany with more than 40 kilometres of piste. These include the ski areas Liftverbund Feldberg, Garmisch-Classic, Zugspitze and Winklmoosalm-Steinplatte.
Are there Ski World Cup slopes in Germany?
There are also slopes in German ski resorts that have already been skied within a Ski World Cup. The ski areas of Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal and Garmisch-Classic, Zugspitze are examples. The Kandahar downhill run in Garmisch is the most internationally famous German World Cup course.
Where did the Nordic World Ski Championships of the 2020/2021 season take place?
The Nordic World Ski Championships of the 2020/2021 season were held for the third time in the German-Austrian ski resort of Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal. The ski resort is also a fixed stop on the Nordic skiing World Cup circuit outside the World Championships.
Where is the Kandahar downhill run located?
The Kandahar downhill run is located in the Garmisch Classic, Zugspitze ski area. The Kandahar is around 3.3 km long and has a gradient of up to 92%.
