Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden has an impressive variety of terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers
Not far from the Austrian cultural centre of Salzburg and relatively easily accessible by motorway, this ski area lies on the edge of the Berchtesgaden National Park, a region of outstanding natural beauty in both summer and winter. Berchtesgaden has an enchanting old world charm about it with its medieval marketplace, castle square and ancient winding streets that entice a visitor to explore them. Visible from the ski area is the infamous 'Eagle's Nest', Hitler's mountain refuge in the Second World War and today a destination for tour groups and sightseers.
The ski area of Berchtesgaden has an impressive variety of skiing terrain with plenty of beginner and intermediate slopes. The Jenner ski area just outside Schönau is the best known and largest of the small areas in the vicinity of Berchtesgaden and is easily reached by car or ski bus. Berchtesgaden accommodation is both in the town and in some of the surrounding countryside. An efficient ski bus service connects the towns of the area to one another and to the Jenner ski area. Due to Berchtesgaden's close proximity to Salzburg, this town is a perfect destination for a holiday, combining great skiing with sightseeing. The most convenient airport is Salzburg Airport, which is only 20 kms away from the town. Munich airport is just 200 kms away.
The Jenner ski area is located next to the Königssee lake and is served by a regular ski bus. The Jennerbahn cable car is a five minute walk from the top car park. There is a beginners lift used by the ski school at the bottom but most skiers take the two-stage cable car to access to the runs higher up the mountain. Skiers can get off at either the middle station at 1200 metres or at the top station at 1874 metres. Most of the runs in the Jenner ski area are red runs of medium grade. The top area, known as the Mitterkaser, has a couple of open cruisy runs leading to the restaurant at the base of the Mitterkaser drag and chairlift. A harder off-piste version runs through the shrubbery beside the Mitterkaser draglift.
Berchtesgaden is not as popular as the more well-known resorts of Austria, but the locals have long proved themselves as winter sports champions around the world. It is also here that world championships in bobsled and luge are held at Königssee, both sports which you can try out yourself or simply watch. The world's best snowboarders and alpine skiers make Berchtesgaden a regular stop and have even used it for their world championships and world cup.
Resort Information |
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| Altitude of resort: | 630 metres | |
| Top elevation: | 1874 metres | |
| Largest vertical drop: | 1170 metres | |
| Total length of slopes: | 170 kilometres | |
| Cross country trails: | 61 kilometers | |
| Beginner: | 50% | |
| Intermediate: | 50% | |
| Advanced: | 0% | |
| Number of lifts: | 21 | |
| Snowboard: | Terrain Park with Halfpipe |
