A warm welcome in the cold season — that's how a winter holiday in Germany might be described. And don't let the city walks get in the way just yet, because, for a real winter experience, you have to go to the mountains. Ski resorts in Germany look very worthy, even against the main rival luxury Austrian resorts.
This vital position is thanks to the well-thought-out skiing infrastructure, German-style high-quality service and enviable natural surroundings.
"Can children learn to ski in Germany?" — Parents who have heard about the excellent ski schools in Austria and know nothing about the education on the other side of the Alps are worried.
Looking ahead, one of Germany's children's ski schools is considered the best in the world. For more on what else Germany's top ski resorts are suitable for tourists with children, read our featurette.
Skiing in Germany — top resorts
Germany's winter resorts need no detailed praise. Their merits are apparent: easy transport links, a vast network of hotels, quality pistes, modern ski equipment, and German order and precision. For those planning a holiday in the Bavarian Alps with children, there are excellent opportunities for excursions and a good range of children's activities within the resorts themselves.
However, it is worth briefly describing the winter resort regions. Germany's best ski resorts are concentrated in Bavaria, on the slopes of the Alps.
Skiing altitudes range from 740 to 2,720 metres, so the snow cover remains stable from December to March. The most significant influx of holidaymakers is from late December to mid-March.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, is in the Bavarian Alps. And not far from it is the famous ski (and also climate and balneotherapy) resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It is mentioned first when offering ski tours to Germany because it is a resort with an extensive profile. It is suitable for beginners, amateur skiers and those with no intention of skiing.
But you want to get into the skiing crowd, don't you? The resort's schools can help you with that. Kids have their teachers and their learning area. Inexperienced and cautious skiers try their hand at the blue slopes of the Garmisch Classic ski area. A children's amusement park, Kinderland, is also on its gentle slopes. Professional skiers head to the Alpspitze zone, home to the champion piste Kandahar.
The après-ski program in Garmisch is traditional, but the good thing is that the resort is well connected to other German and Austrian cities, which increases the options for family fun.
You can visit Munich and its most exciting family excursions, see the decorated houses of Oberammergau village, visit Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof, and drive to Innsbruck for a tour of the Swarovski Museum.
It's not hard to find a hotel in Innsbruck that caters for families with babies. However, if you have a short break, you can enjoy a taste of Bavarian cuisine and the comfort of your hotel. You can also rent an apartment.
You can learn more about holidays with children in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on our website.
Oberstdorf
Sophisticated skiers appreciate the skiing in the Austrian Tyrol. But the Germans once looked at their mountains and saw an opportunity to develop a 'German Tyrol'. The resort of Oberstdorf got that title.
In addition to its excellent ski infrastructure, it boasts an eco-friendly environment, the most extensive hiking area and a busy après-ski programme. So, you've opted for Oberstdorf when planning a family holiday in Germany — an excellent choice, no matter what your level of skiing.
'The beginners' paddock is set up in the Fellhorn ski area: once they get the hang of the ski school, beginners head off to conquer the wide blue pistes while taking their cue from the experienced skiers skiing nearby on the red pistes.
The best schools for children and the Sölli-Kinderland learning area are in the Zellereck area.
An excellent option for those who want to ski a lot is to buy a ski pass for the slopes in Oberstdorf and Kleinwalserthal. And snowboarding is also taught in Obersdorf — the Easy Park's easy obstacles are especially suitable for beginners. And for après-skiers, there's a direct link to the Fellhorn-Kanzelwand area. An excellent
For a less monotonous ski holiday in Germany, there are other winter activities to keep you entertained. An ice rink, a sledding track, sledging, snowmobile rides and dog sledding are available.
Oberstdorf hotels vary in their star rating, but the quality of service is excellent. Some hotels specialise in providing facilities for holidays with children. You can learn more about holidays with children in Oberstdorf on our website.
Reit-im-Winkl
When the salivating aromas of traditional cuisine waft through the streets of a picturesque village in the Bavarian Alps, one cannot resist the temptation to try this or that hearty dish. But what can you do with the extra calories? Spend them while skiing! From Reit im Winkl the buses will take you straight to the slopes, which are buzzing from December to March.
A unique feature of the resort is that German families with children choose it as their holiday destination.
The children's ski school in the Steinplatte area is considered one of the best in the world. The resort has other schools, and the village has a training ground for beginner skiers. If you don't know how to handle your skis yet, learn some essential tricks from the instructors.
After training, all beginners get the hang of it on the gentle slopes of the Winklmoos Alm. And from the summit of the Steinplatte Plateau, you can first enjoy a view of Austria before descending the challenging black run.
There's not much to do in the village itself, although it will be fun for children to visit the ski museum or enjoy the warmth of the water centre. The Wright im Winkle, on the other hand, is within easy reach of Salzburg, Innsbruck and Munich, where there are plenty of opportunities for family excursions.
Reit im Winkl, like many of Germany's ski regions, is very family-friendly. Babies and toddlers have plenty of activities to occupy them, while mini clubs and swimming pools are available for the older kids. Read more about holidays with children in the Reit im Winkl on our website.
Berchtesgaden
You don't have to go to the mountains just for the skiing. If you want to see the architecture of medieval Germany, a ski resort will do just as well. Berchtesgaden, for example, has preserved ancient buildings whose astonishing beauty is accentuated by nature: the Konigsee Lake and the snowy slopes of the Alps.
There are six ski areas in Berchtesgaden. They are a long way from each other, and it is unlikely that you will get to all of them. The most accessible green runs are found in the Grünstein area, and the most challenging runs are concentrated in the Jenner area. Night skiing enthusiasts prefer the Götschen area, where the slopes are lit with high-powered gates.
A professional bobsleigh run is also situated there, and everyone is welcome to try bobsleigh runs between the world championships. Even going down the hill on an ordinary sledge is a real treat for kids. You can also go ice skating on a frozen lake or take a dog sledging trip as part of the entertainment program.
A visit to the old salt mine is also recommended: Children will love the way the mine is toured. It's also an easy drive from Berchtesgaden to Salzburg, a beautiful city with many children's attractions.
Is it slushy and wet in your part of the world? Then hurry up and get your children's and ski equipment — a snowy Alpine winter awaits you! The ski season starts at the end of November in all of Germany's ski resorts.
