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When the first snow falls, ski resorts begin to open, and in Germany, this is a sport many look forward to. In fact, skiing made its mark in Germany in 1891, “The birth year of German skiing,” directly on the slopes of Feldberg Ski resort by a Frenchman named Dr. Pilet with his wooden skis. The trend caught on and next year, Feldberg will celebrate 125 years of skiing.
Today, Feldberg, located in the Black Forest, is one of seven resorts that now covers 61 kilometers of easy to difficult ski slopes with 35 total ski lifts. This year, Feldberg will open in the beginning of December.
Katje Schwoerer, marketing assistant for Feldberg, said the location is one of many reasons the resort is so unique from the others.
“The highest mountain is in southwest Feldberg,” Schwoerer said. “It’s a favorite because it’s located in southwest Germany, close to Switzerland and France. They all like to come here.”
About 500,000 visitors come to the resort every winter whether they want a challenge or they are a newbie looking for some easy, fun slopes followed by a cup of hot Glühwein. The highest elevation point is at 1,450 feet and the lowest is at 915 feet, which is low compared to other ski slopes located in the German and Swiss Alps.
Families love Feldberg because of it’s beginner slopes and its variety of year-round activities. If skiing or snowboarding isn’t on your agenda, there are plenty of other options.
Try a guided snowshoe walk through the mountains while sipping on a steamy beverage, for example. Only taking a chair lift up to Feldberg’s highest mountain point to gaze at the scenery is enjoyable all in itself.
“The chair lift is easy to sit on, especially for beginners,” Schwoerer said. “Winter is great weather (for it). You can see a great view of the Alps at the top.”
A last-minute family weekend trip to Feldberg is possible. It is easily accessible access by bus or train coming from Germany, Switzerland or France, plus your ticket can be used as your ski-lift ticket.
If you’re driving, some hotels, such as the Feldberger Hof, offer the Black Forest Card, which includes a free lift ticket (normally €31) if you room with them two or more nights.
At Feldberger Hof, one of Feldberg’s oldest hotels, you have easy access to the cable car to take you up the
mountain. From there you can walk around to enjoy the beautiful scenery, go up one of Feldberg’s historic towers or test your moves on some of Feldberg’s easier ski slopes. Children ages 3 and older can learn to ski and snowboard at ski school. School isn’t for everyone, so if you’re ready, hit the slopes, or skip it altogether and take the kids sledding.
Another day, take a hike on one of the “winter ways” or head to the Fun Park. Included in the lift ticket, the Fun Park is an area for anyone to freely do tricks and jumps on their skis or snowboards and just have fun.
Zip lining is another option great for ages 10 to 25 years, that is, “if they are brave enough,” Schwoerer said. After a long day of skiing, sledding or zip lining, take the family to one of Feldberg’s restaurants for a relaxing dinner.
On Dec. 6, enjoy a special event where Santa Claus jumps from the sky, bringing free lift tickets to anyone dressed as Santa.
Feldberg’s opening day party is set for Dec. 13 with DJ battles and free snowcat rides. And in the new year, Ladies Day is scheduled for March 14, when women can enjoy a ski-day with snow shoe walks, tubing, lunch and musical entertainment.
For more information and details on event times, ticket prices and more, visit www.liftverbund-feldberg.de.
