Germany has over 400 ski resorts from cross-counntry and easy downhill skiing in Harz to the Olympic level slopes of the Zugspitz. If you don't want to venture outside, there are several indoor skiing meccas, including the Glacier(Der Gletscher) in Berlin-
example "Der Gletscher" (The Glacier) in Berlin-Pankow which has adjustable slopes to practice on.
Whether you want the thrill of downhill skiing in the Alps or touring through Germany's countryside, you can enjoy great skiing in Germany from December to March.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Germany's oldest and most famous ski and winter resort and has been home to international competitions for years as well as the Olympics in the 1930. It will host the FIS Alpine Ski World Championship in 2011. The main ski area is above the town on the Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Osterfelder runs. Advanced skiers have delighted in the Zugspitz glacier area for a century and the charming town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers a host of great restaurants, bars and entertainment. The season opens in the middle of November with skiing on the famous Zugspitz.
Oberstdorf is a cosmopolitan ski resort with plenty of nightlife and great restaurants. Located between Munich, Stuttgart and Lake Constance, it is easily reachable from Munich or you can fly into Friedrichshafen. Obertsdorf offers fantastic spa facilities year round and attracts skiers of all levels. The largest and most popular of the ski areas include
the Fellhorn/Kleinwalsertal, located a few kilometres outside the town, which runs from a high bowl on the German side over into the Austrian valley. Closer, but smaller is Nebelhorn which is reached from cable car from the outskirts of town.
Oberammergau is renowned for its history and its wonderful painted houses - most of the visitors arrive in the summer drawn by the sights and the selection of woodcarving and Christmas shops. Easily reached by train or auto from Munich, the lovely village of Oberammergau provides a delightful setting for romance and skiing and offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a laid back ski vacation amidst beautiful scenery. <p>Oberammergau is beautiful year-round and famed for its spectacular Passion Play which is held from May to September every ten years - next time in 2010.
In the Bavarian Alps, just 20 km from Salzburg, you can enjoy skiing in the favorite land of Bavarian princes and kings as well as Hitler (Hitler's famous Eagle's Nest is here). The area is great for beginners and intermediate skiers and the scenery idyllic. Whether you come for the skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, you can enjoy a little historic touring of the famous salt mines, Eagle's Nest and the Koenigsee Lake. There are over 45 km of downhill skiing with 25 individual runs.
The charming town of Mittenwald on the old trade route between Austria and Germany offers both downhill skiing and cross country skiing as well as tobaggoning, snowboarding and winter walking. A charming Bavarian town famed for centuries of violin making, you can nurture your love for nature and your artistic side while visiting. Innsbruck is the closest airport but you can fly into Munich as well and there are great train connections should you decide not to rent a car.
Lenggries is in the valley of the Isar river and close to both Bad Tolz and Munich (about one hour from Munich). The Brauneck ski area nearby adds more options and there is plenty of downhill and cross country skiing. While it can be busy on the weekends it is often fairly quiet during the week so you have a chance to explore the ski trails or slopes without massive crowds. A ski bus takes you from the old town of Lenggries to bases at Brauneck and Wegscheid. Home to some of Germany's World Cup champions, it is definitely worth a visit.
The Sauerland Wintersport Arena is an association of six small resorts in Rhineland-Westphalia that, combined, offer 60 lifts with 31 miles of runs-artificial snow enhances the slopes and the towns of Winterberg and Neuastenberg as well as many others offer apre-ski, lodging and dining complete with great wines and the foods of Rhineland. A great place for a family vacation with plenty of slopes for intermediates and beginners, the Sauerland Wintersport Arena offers a world of choices for winter sports enthusiasts.
I particularly like Harz for the cross-country skiing - you can go from chalet to chalet and enjoy great hospitality in Harz. Much of the Harz region was previously closed to us westerners so it is a particular delight to visit some of the towns that have not been modernized and the spas in Goslar and the surrounding areas. The snow here is sporadic and not easy to count on but when you do get snow it is a delight.
