Germany

In comparison to France, Austria and Switzerland, Germany doesn't always get a fair look in when it comes to a holiday in the snow.

But while it may not have as many monster peaks as its neighbours, there's some great skiing and snowboarding in Germany. Better still, much of it can be done within two hours of the fabulous city of Munich, home of Oktoberfest (need we say any more?).

Germany's most famous ski area is Garmisch-Partenkirchen, home to the 1936 winter Olympics and the country's highest peak - Zugspitze - which, at just shy of 3,000 metres is by no means insignificant. There's around 100 kms of piste, as well as a decent terrain park, while a cable car direct to the summit of Zugspitze gives you access to a network of red runs home.

Other popular ski resorts in Germany include Oberstdorf, Oberammergau, and Berchtesgadener Land, which, though not as big as Garmisch-Partenkirchen, all have decent skiing and snowboarding for riders of most levels.

Cross country skiing in Germany is popular too. The Black Forest alone has more than 600 kms of trails, many of which are floodlit, meaning there's no excuse not to get out and burn off a few calories after dinner (apart from staying for another helping of Apfelstrudel of course).

Cost

Costs in Germany are comparable with prices in neighbouring European countries. A weekly adult lift pass is on average about €170 ($US250).

Getting here

If you're looking to go skiing or snowboarding in Germany, getting here from anywhere in Europe is straightforward. Plenty of budget airlines fly into Munich, Hamburg and Berlin (it's worth checking whether you have to pay extra to take your board or skis) and many international carriers fly here too.

The roads in Germany are fantastic and trains run frequently to several resorts from Munich.

To compare ski resorts in Germany by nearest town, city or airport, see our Resort Comparison pages.