What could be better than heading to the foothills of the Alps in winter and enjoying the snow in the mountains? There are several ski resorts right on Munich’s doorstep. A little further afield, you’ll find superlatives such as Germany’s highest ski region. And if you can’t decide between challenging and easy, we have another tip for you: visit the Oberammergau ski resort in the Upper Bavarian Alps! It is divided into two parts and therefore offers the right activity for two completely different target groups: the family-friendly AktivArena am Kolben and the challenging Laber for professionals.
AktivArena am Kolben: For families and beginners
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This area is the heart of relaxed skiing and is particularly popular with beginners and families. Most of the slopes here are blue. The runs are gentle, wide, and well-groomed. A special highlight is theLange Talabfahrt: an approx. 2.5 km long, family-friendly run leading from the Kolbensattelhütte to the valley.
If you want to try something other than skiing, the Oberammergau Snow Park also offers various lines for snowboarding. Tobogganing is also guaranteed fun: a year-round toboggan run takes you down the mountain with plenty of action. A day ticket for skiing costs around €23.00 for adults and around €17.00 for children this season. Flexible hourly tickets are also available .
Laber: For experts
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The Laber is the opposite of the Kolben and is known for one of the steepest descents in Germany. With a gradient of up to 42°, the north slope is an official but unprepared ski route. It is monitored by the avalanche commission but is only suitable for very experienced skiers. You can ascend the mountain with a special nostalgic factor: the ascent is made in a rustic, historic gondola lift.
Incidentally, you can also enjoy a lot of other sports in the Oberammergau ski area. The Ammer Valley is a paradise for cross-country skiers with over 100 km of trails. In addition, the Kolbensattel is a popular meeting place for ski tourers and there are numerous cleared hiking trails and a 2-kilometer-long natural toboggan run from the Kolbensattelhütte hut down to the valley. There is something for everyone here!