January is just around the corner and winter really gets going after Christmas. One of the best leisure activities: skiing! If there’s one region that perfectly embodies the Munich way of life, it’s the Brauneck ski resort in Lenggries. Located just under an hour’s drive (or a relaxed train ride on the Bayerische Regiobahn) south of the state capital, the 1,555-metre-high peak offers a wonderful mix of down-to-earthness, sporting challenges and a legendary mountain hut culture.
Variety of slopes: from the first turns to the World Cup slope
Brauneck is not a huge labyrinth of pistes, but it makes perfect use of its space. With around 34 kilometers of pistes, it offers the right terrain for every type of skier: down in the valley, especially in the Wegscheid district, beginners will find ideal practice slopes.
Those who take the gondola to the summit then have a choice. The red family run is a classic for wide turns, while the infamous World Cup slope or the Garland run will give even professionals burning thighs. Skiing greats such as Hilde Gerg and Martina Ertl have already practiced their first turns here!
The “hut mountain”: Gastronomy as a way of life
What sets the Brauneck ski area apart from almost all others in Germany is the density of managed huts. Over 15 rustic inns and mountain huts are spread across the area. Here you can still stop off in real parlors. Whether it’s a hearty snack at the Stie-Alm, cheese dumplings in the panorama restaurant or sunbathing on the terrace of the Quengeralm – the culinary delights at Brauneck are at least as important as the skiing itself.
A huge plus point for anyone living in Munich is the accessibility. The Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB) runs every hour from the main train station directly to Lenggries. From there, a free shuttle bus will take you to the Brauneckbahn valley station in just a few minutes. If you use the combined ticket, you not only save money, but also the notorious traffic jams on the A8 or B13.
Even though winter is the main season, Brauneck remains a year-round destination. When the snow melts, it turns into a paradise for hikers and paragliders.