Exploring the Northern Limestone Alps for Winter Sports

Rippling over from southern Germany into Austria, the Northern Limestone Alps are some of Europe’s most phenomenal mountains. When the first flakes fall, their heights hum with skiers and boarders. Whether you are seeking challenging black runs and vibrant après-ski atmospheres or a culture-rich winter getaway, there is a city and slope with your name on it.

Excellent transport connections make transitioning from city hubs to serene slopes a breeze. Therefore, you can be schussing down runs on Germany’s highest peak, 2962m Zugspitze, in the morning and enjoying yourself in stein-swinging medieval beer halls in Munich by evening. Alternatively, you can soak in the splendor of Innsbruck’s Hapsburg palaces one moment and racing down the Nordkette slopes the next. Here is a look at skiing on both sides of the border.

Innsbruck, Austria

As cities nestled against the Alps go, Innsbruck, capital of Tyrol, is tough to beat, thanks to the dramatic Nordkette Alps. A funicular designed by Zaha Hadid transports you from the city to the slopes in no time. The panorama opens up at 2300m Hafelekar, where you can ski above the spires and rooftops of Innsbruck.

Moving beyond the city, Tyrol boasts some of the most varied skiing in Europe. To the west lies the wild Arlberg region, home to St Anton am Arlberg, where the first ski club in the Alps was launched in 1901. Experienced skiers frequent this area for the challenging downhill runs along with sublime boarding opportunities. After a long day on the slopes, slopeside bars lure patrons with some of the hottest après-ski in the Alps.

Moreover, within just an hour from Innsbruck, you’ll find picturesque resorts like Mayrhofen in the charming Zillertal and luxurious Kitzbühel, famous for hosting the legendary downhill ski race in January: the Hahnenkamm-Rennen.

For thrill-seekers, you might dare to leap into the heart-stopping Hafelekar-Rinne in Innsbruck, the Harikiri in Mayrhofen, or the knee-trembling Streif with its 85% gradient in Kitzbühel.

Beyond the Slopes

Combine skiing with sightseeing in Innsbruck. High on your agenda should be a visit to the Gothic Hofkirche and the medieval lanes of the Altstadt, where the shimmering Goldenes Dachl awaits.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna may not be the first place that comes to mind for skiing, but the Austrian capital is bordered by hills that rise abruptly to mountains in Lower Austria. A mere hour-and-a-quarter by car or train will take you to Semmering, where many locals take to the downhill slopes in winter. This area has hosted numerous World Cup ski races and features grand peaks that rise dramatically from the valleys below.

One ski pass covers 14 lifts and 25 miles (40km) of slopes ascending to 1774m, primarily catering to beginners and intermediates. Besides downhill skiing, the area features a freestyle park, night skiing, tobogganing, ice skating, snow tubing, and curling. An additional must-ski attraction is Stuhleck, the highest peak in the Eastern Alps at 1782m.

Beyond the Slopes

Vienna seems particularly inviting in winter when Christmas markets (December to January) sparkle festively, coffee houses come alive, and the ball season brings excitement (January and February). Pair skiing with a visit to the city’s renowned galleries and opulent imperial palaces.

Salzburg, Austria

Remember those mountains near Salzburg where Maria twirled down in the opening of The Sound of Music? Well, those same hills resonate with the sounds of swishing skis in winter. Salzburg serves as an excellent base for venturing into the region of Salzburgerland. Spanning a whopping 470 miles (760km) of pistes, with 270 ski lifts and 25 resorts, Ski Amadé is one of Europe’s largest ski regions, offering everything from gentle, tree-lined runs to exhilarating off-piste options.

Some moderate downhill skiing and excellent cross-country skiing await right on the city’s doorstep at the wooded, 1853m Untersberg, which straddles the Austrian-German border. However, further afield, the dramatic limestone peaks of the Dachstein range provide fantastic family options such as Filzmoos, known for its quaint Alpine charm and few lift lines.

Head towards Zell am See and take a cable car to the 3029m Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, where skiing and boarding opportunities extend for 10 months of the year. Experience breathtaking views of the Hohe Tauern National Park and the impressive silhouette of Austria’s highest peak, 3798m Grossglockner. Relax with a cool drink served at its Ice Camp igloo.

Beyond the Slopes

Make sure to explore Salzburg’s impressive hilltop fortress, elegant squares, Mozart residences, and the UNESCO World Heritage baroque Old Town.

Munich, Germany

On clear days, enticing views of the Bavarian Alps tease skiers in Munich to venture into the slopes. Fortunately, accessing these mountains is convenient. Just over an hour south of the city, the picturesque hills rise over charming, chalet-laden villages and lush forests dotted with onion-domed churches along the German-Austrian border. The region offers some of Germany’s most extensive skiing opportunities, with postcard-perfect scenery.

Incredible skiing can be found at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, featuring 25 miles (40km) of challenging runs, abundant charm, and an exceptional snow record. This place has not only hosted international races but also Olympic ski jumping events. Just a stone’s throw away, Germany’s highest peak, 2962m Zugspitze, can be reached via a cogwheel train and a steep cable car ride, offering breathtaking views.

Beyond the Slopes

Munich is rich in history and culture, from Old Master paintings at the Alte Pinakothek to luxurious treasures at the Residenz palace, as well as state-of-the-art motors at BMW Welt. Additionally, the city’s beer halls are always a popular destination.

Stuttgart, Germany

While Stuttgart may not be a conventional choice for skiing, the nearby Black Forest, or Schwarzwald, spreads across the region with beautiful valleys, fir forests, and half-timbered villages. Although snow isn’t guaranteed due to lower elevations, when it does fall, the region transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland. This low-key vibe is perfect for families and beginners.

The downhill skiing options are limited, primarily featuring easier slopes. However, cross-country skiing, known locally as Langlauf, provides a fantastic experience. Gliding through snowy forests amidst sunlight streaming through the treetops offers a uniquely tranquil thrill.

Moreover, one can reach the bald summit of Feldberg, the highest peak in the region at 1493m, via a cable car, which provides stunning views extending to the Vosges and the French and Swiss Alps. For those who do not ski, snowshoeing tours are readily available.

Beyond the Slopes

In Stuttgart, you can enjoy an impressive baroque square, Schlossplatz, along with numerous art galleries. Those craving Black Forest cake and wishing to see Germany’s highest waterfall and biggest cuckoo clock should consider a detour to Triberg.