Winter Sports in Munich: Ice Skating and Ski Trips
Discover winter activities in and around Munich, from ice skating at Nymphenburg Palace to day trips for skiing in the Bavarian or Austrian Alps.
culture • practical-tips • 3 min. read
Winter sports in the city: ice skating
You do not need to leave the city limits to enjoy the winter season in Munich. For the simplest form of winter fun, grab a sled and head to the hills; the Olympiaberg and the Luitpoldpark offer excellent slopes for sledding right in town. If you prefer gliding on ice, the city offers two distinct experiences depending on the weather.
When temperatures drop low enough, the Nymphenburg Canal freezes over, offering a picturesque outdoor skating experience directly in front of the palace. Alternatively, for a weather-proof option, visit the new SAP Garden in the Olympic Park. This modern indoor venue offers public ice skating and even hosts lively "Disco-Schlittschuhlaufen" events with music and lights.
The Bavarian Alps: Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the surrounding area
For a full day of skiing or snowboarding without crossing the border, Munich serves as an excellent base. The most popular destination is undoubtedly Garmisch-Partenkirchen. As one of the largest ski areas in Bavaria, it offers enough variety to fill an entire day and is easily accessible by train or bus. It is the premier choice for those seeking a "big mountain" feel within Germany.
If you are looking for something quieter, more suitable for beginners, there are several smaller ski areas nearby that are convenient to reach. Brauneck in Lenggries and Spitzingsee are fantastic alternatives. These smaller resorts are generally less crowded than Garmisch and offer a more relaxed atmosphere perfect for families or those just getting back on the slopes.
Day trips to Austria: Ski buses to larger ski resorts
If you crave the vast pistes of the Austrian Alps, a day trip is entirely possible, though it involves a very early start and a long day. The most convenient way to manage this is by booking a dedicated ski bus. Providers like Autobus Oberbayern or Skibus München offer excellent packages where you purchase your transport and lift pass together. This means you hop on the bus in Munich, sleep during the ride, and arrive directly at the lifts ready to ski.
Popular destinations for these express trips include the massive SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental or the ski areas in the Zillertal. While the travel time is significant, the comfort of the bus and the convenience of the combo-ticket make it a viable option for serious enthusiasts wanting to maximize their time on world-class snow.
Planning guide: Costs, season, and snow reliability
When planning your budget, keep in mind a tiered pricing structure. The large Austrian resorts are generally the most expensive option. Garmisch-Partenkirchen sits in the middle, being slightly cheaper than its Austrian neighbors. The most affordable options are the smaller Bavarian fields like Brauneck, which are particularly friendly on the wallet for beginners.
Regarding timing, the standard season runs roughly from December to March. However, if you travel at the very beginning or end of the season, snow reliability drops significantly. To guarantee good conditions during these shoulder months, or even year-round, your best bet is to visit a glacier ski area in Austria, such as the Hintertuxer Gletscher, where the ice ensures skiing is possible regardless of the season.
