These Are The Best Ski Areas In Germany

Whether on powder snow or artificial snow, family slopes or black runs, a relaxed after-work session or a whole skiing holiday: The ski resorts and ski areas in Germany are more diverse than ever. While some well-known classics continue to enjoy great popularity, according to BeyondSurfing, other regions are suddenly surprising visitors with their fun on the slopes. It’s time to rearrange Germany’s winter sports map.

Willingen – a Hotspot for Families and Friends

Willingen in the Sauerland region near Cologne proves that you don’t necessarily need the Alps to enjoy skiing. Easily accessible from almost anywhere in Germany, it is clearly laid out and perfect for beginners, families, and groups of friends who want to relax and enjoy the slopes together. Floodlit slopes save the day for those who can only get on their skis after work. Snow-covered slopes ensure predictability, even when the weather is not cooperating.

Kilometers of slopes: 17 km
Number of slopes: 19
Number of lifts: 16
Altitude: 578 m – 838 m

Dozens of people in winter clothing ski down a gentle, snow-covered slope into a valley. In the background on the left is a village, and on the right rises a wooded mountain. Above it all is a bright blue sky. — Image: Tourist-Information Willingen / Wolfgang Detemple

Winterberg – The King of Short Trips in the Sauerland

If you love action, Winterberg is the place for you. Also easily accessible and located in the Sauerland region, this popular winter sports area is not dependent on the weather thanks to snow cannons and offers plenty of variety on several mountains. From relaxed to sporty, from fun park to bobsleigh track. And after the slopes, it’s off to après-ski. Undoubtedly one of the most popular ski resorts in Germany.

Kilometers of slopes: 27.5 km
Number of slopes: 34
Number of lifts: 25
Altitude: 630 m – 820 m

Two people are skiing down a slope. To their left is a ski lift, and to their right, in the background, on the other side of the valley, is a small village. — Image: Stephan Peters

Winterberg and Hallenberg Holiday Region: Winter is so Beautiful Here

Balderschwang – High Up and Wonderfully Quiet

One of the highest municipalities in Germany scores with its location, alpine panorama, and plenty of space on the slopes. Located in the south of the country at an altitude of around 1,000 meters, the region is extremely snow-sure and somewhat off the beaten track, making for wonderfully relaxed conditions on the slopes. This also applies to the cross-country trails. Perfect for those seeking peace and quiet who also want to enjoy nature.

Kilometers of slopes: 42 km
Number of slopes: 36
Number of lifts: 12
Altitude: 1,000 m – 1,500 m

On a snow-covered slope in the mountains, a person dressed in winter clothing and carrying snowshoes runs downhill toward a hut on a ledge. Behind it, a mountain valley with lots of forest opens up, and the sky above is blue. — Image: Umomos / shutterstock

Feldberg – Family Fun in the Black Forest

That’s the peak of winter fun! At least in Baden-Württemberg, because at 1,493 meters, the Feldberg is the highest peak in the state. No wonder, then, that it is the sporting center of the Black Forest. Families will find perfect conditions for a successful skiing vacation on wide, easily navigable slopes. Cross-country trails, winter hiking trails, and toboggan runs provide plenty of variety.

Kilometers of slopes: 65 km
Number of slopes: 24
Number of lifts: 43
Altitude: 950 m – 1,450 m

A ski chairlift stretches from left to right across a snow-covered slope. The mountain slope behind it is half covered by fog, through which the sun shines from the right. — Image: Alex Kolodziej

Oberjoch Bad Hindelang – Allgäu With a View

Oberjoch Bad Hindelang is the Allgäu at its most relaxed. High up, with great views and pleasantly easy to navigate, skiing here feels wonderfully uncomplicated. Wide slopes invite you to enjoy carving, while families and technique fans will find plenty of space to practice. Thanks to the short distances from your accommodation to the lift, you have more time on the slopes and less time stuck in ski boot traffic. If you still have energy after your last turn, enjoy the view of the mountains and the feeling that everyday life seems so far away.

Kilometers of slopes: 35 km
Number of slopes: 20
Number of lifts: 5
Altitude: 1,130 m – 1,559 m

Close-up of several winter sports enthusiasts skiing and snowboarding down a snow-covered slope one after the other. — Image: Greg Rosenke

Sudelfeld – Tradition Meets High Standards

The classic in the Bavarian Alpine foothills. A day in Sudelfeld feels exactly like a really good day of skiing should. Around 30 kilometers of slopes alternate between wide, relaxed descents and sporty passages. The Kandahar run is particularly well known, having hosted World Cup races in the past and still offering a real challenge today. Modern gondolas and chairlifts quickly transport skiers up the mountain, making Sudelfeld ideal for day trips from Munich. Guaranteed snow thanks to snow-making equipment, rustic huts, and plenty of space on the slopes ensure that both families and ambitious ski enthusiasts get their money’s worth here.

Kilometers of slopes: 31 km
Number of slopes: 12
Number of lifts: 15
Altitude: 850 m – 1,563 m

Drone footage of a snowboard course under thick snow. A snowboarder is flying over a ramp, with a chairlift and the corresponding station visible in the background. — Image: blickwinkel2511 / shutterstock

Zugspitze – High, higher, Challenging

At 2,962 meters, Germany’s highest mountain is in a league of its own when it comes to winter sports. At an altitude of almost 3,000 meters, Germany’s only glacier ski area offers reliable snow conditions and spectacular views. Challenging red slopes, steep passages, and long fall lines are aimed primarily at athletic skiers who don’t count altitude meters, but celebrate them. Those who want to take it easier will find more relaxed slopes further down around Grainau. High alpine at the top, down-to-earth at the bottom, and in between a cable car ride that alone justifies the ski pass.

Kilometers of slopes: 20 km
Number of slopes: 13
Number of lifts: 9
Altitude: 2,000 m – 2,720 m

A child dressed in winter clothes and wearing skis poses for the camera on a ski slope. In the background, a snow-covered mountain range stretches from left to right, with blue sky above. — Image: Yating Kuo / shutterstock

Ofterschwang-Gunzesried – a Family Favorite With Heart

A ski resort that’s perfect for relaxed skiing days in the Allgäu. The Ofterschwanger Horn is clearly laid out, modern, and family-friendly, with wide blue slopes, sporty red runs, and short distances between the lifts and accommodation. A snow park, toboggan run, and winter hiking trails provide variety away from the slopes. Add to that a panorama that puts you in a good mood even while waiting in line.

Kilometers of slopes: 18 km
Number of slopes: 18
Number of lifts: 7
Altitude difference: 880 m – 1,405 m

A person with skis and poles pulls across a fresh snowfield toward a slope above which the sun is rising and shining directly into the lens. — Image: moreimages / shutterstock

Alpspitzpark Nesselwang – the Up-And-Comer

This Allgäu ski resort is surprisingly versatile and is really taking off. Alpspitzpark Nesselwang scores with wide blue and red slopes, a combined gondola and chairlift, and continuous snowmaking for stress-free skiing. Floodlights, a speed track with time measurement, and small mogul slopes provide variety, while the children’s area, zipline, and tobogganing opportunities also ensure great fun away from the slopes. Compact, clever, and perfect for anyone who wants to ski a lot in a short time.

Kilometers of slopes: 11 km
Number of slopes: 7
Number of lifts: 7
Altitude: 900 m – 1,463 m

Panoramic view over the rugged peaks of the Alps in cold, blue winter light. Several hot air balloons can be seen on the right horizon. — Image: Mary Ray

Fellhorn/Kanzelwand – Two Countries, One Ski Pass

Here, skiing becomes a borderline experience – in a positive sense. Between the Allgäu and the Austrian Kleinwalsertal, modern gondolas and chairlifts connect a vast area with long descents and panoramic views. Families enjoy blue slopes and playful fun areas, while sporty skiers enjoy red slopes, mogul runs, and fast downhill runs. Add to that rustic huts, a ski pass for two countries, and the feeling of having briefly forgotten which side of the border you are on when you stop for a break.

Kilometers of slopes: 36 km
Number of slopes: 27
Number of lifts: 13
Altitude difference: 920 m – 1,967 m

Two people in winter sports clothing ski down a gentle slope into a snow-covered valley. In the background, a mountain range stretches across the picture, with blue sky above. — Image: MoreImages / shutterstock

Brauneck – Munich’s Local Mountain With Lake Views

Munich’s favorite local mountain shows how uncomplicated a good day of skiing can be. Families in particular feel at home on the wide slopes, short lift rides, and clearly laid-out terrain, as do ski fans who want to enjoy relaxed turns. Blue and red runs dominate, with a few sporty options for those who like a little more of a challenge. With views of Lake Tegernsee, night slopes, and rustic taverns at the end of the mountain, it’s no surprise that Brauneck is on the list of Germany’s most popular ski resorts.

Kilometers of slopes: 34 km
Number of slopes: 22
Number of lifts: 15
Altitude: 700 m – 1,712 m

A child in neon yellow winter clothing is skiing down a slope directly toward the viewer. Two adults are standing at the top of the slope, with blue sky behind them. — Image: evaL miko / shutterstock

Source: The ranking is based on Google search data from BeyondSurfing.