Bavarian way of life Feb 08, 2017

Winter in Bavaria – much more than just alpine skiing

Winter has the whole of Germany firmly in its grip, leaving some shivering from the cold while the Bavarian people in particular are thrilled with the masses of snow. At the end of the day, the Free State of Bavaria offers almost endless possibilities to enjoy the many different aspects of winter. Anyone who is just thinking about spending the winter in the Alps with their snowboard or downhill skis, is doing the variety of winter sports activities an injustice as Bavaria has far more to offer than just wide slopes for downhill fun. Whether it’s a weekend outing or a long-planned winter holiday – we show you what you can look forward to during the Bavarian winter.

Fun on the slopes for everyone

 

Snow fans really get their money’s worth in Bavaria. This is guaranteed by the numerous ski resorts where pros and beginners can swish down the slopes or round off the day with a glass of mulled wine or Jagertee. Fans of winter can spend many hours in the fresh air away from the ski and snowboard slopes too though, whether it’s cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or tobogganing.


Not all tobogganing is the same though, and this is particularly true in Bavaria. This really classic family fun is of course exactly the right thing to whizz down the slope on a good old wooden sledge or modern high-tech equipment too. Anyone who likes things a bit more unusual, has the option of getting their adrenaline pumping in many Bavarian locations. With snow tubing you slide down a snow-covered channel on special tyres – floodlit night tubing in particular is a really special highlight.

 

Snow and ice – an outstanding combination

 

The icy cold not only ensures masses of snow in the Bavarian mountains but also lots of frozen lakes in the Free State. A winter paradise for anyone who likes strapping blades under their shoes and skating a few laps – only if the ice rink is safe of course. Besides classic ice skating there is another traditional kind of sport with runners in Bavaria. No, we’re not talking about ice hockey but curling. People have been drawn onto the ice in Bavaria in the winter to compete with ice stocks and targets since the 16th century. By the way, don’t make the mistake of comparing traditional Bavarian curling with modern curling. The best thing is to give it a go yourself, you will quickly notice the differences. But speaking of ice hockey: anyone who would rather remain a spectator than being active on the ice themselves, can cheer along one of the many Bavarian ice hockey teams.

 

Leisurely or adrenaline-fuelled

 

All the winter sports activities where you literally lose the floor from under your feet provide a very special kind of adrenaline rush. Whether it’s snowkiting or ski jumping in the Bavarian Forest or ice climbing.
Anyone who would rather keep warm, can also watch the cold temperatures from inside and visit one of the numerous Bavarian spas. There’s then also time for a leisurely snowshoe hike without any real action – even more beautiful if combined with a visit to the sauna afterwards.