If your family is not traveling to a warm place for a winter vacation, consider going to one embracing winter and its potential for outdoor sports. Germany’s snow-covered mountains and forests are ideal for downhill and Nordic skiing, as well as snowshoeing and winter hiking. Whether your family enjoys winter sports or just reveling in snow-covered mountain scenery, Germany is the place to be.
Germany’s biggest and best-known ski resort is Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in the Bavarian Alps south of Munich. The majestic Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, rises above the idyllic valley town, where houses are decorated with colorful frescos.
Ride the cable car to the summit to ski its trails or enjoy the 360-degree panorama that stretches to mountain peaks in four countries. Skiers can ride lifts to ski on the glacier at nearly 9,000 feet altitude; brave courses used in the 1936 Olympics; and find trails for all skill levels in the Garmisch-Classic ski area, which stretches across three linked mountain domains.
Snowshoe and hiking trails wind through the valley, surrounded by Alpine views, and skaters can use Olympic Ice Stadium. Skiers will find cozy mountain huts to warm up with hearty Bavarian food.
Smaller, but with ample ski terrain for a week’s vacation, Feldberg is in the heart of the Black Forest, south of Stuttgart in southwest Germany. Nearly 40 miles of ski slopes and trails include long, gentle runs for beginners, and a variety of more challenging trails for experienced skiers. Toboggan hills are a favorite for families and non-skiers.
Cross-country skiers have even more choices throughout Germany, where parks and forests are webbed with trails. The gentle terrain of the Harz Mountains is popular for its well-groomed trails.
Along with public rinks in most cities, ice skaters can enjoy a special treat on the canals of Munich’s glittering Nymphenburg Palace, and in Ludwigsburg, near Stuttgart, the lake at Monrepose Palace becomes a skating rink in winter. Warm up with après-skate hot chocolate at a conditorei in the lovely old Baroque town square.
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