Großer Arber, Bavarian Forest

Großer Arber: 5 things to know before you go

Bavarian Forest, Germany 🇩🇪

Großer Arber is the highest peak in the Bavarian Forest at 1,456 m and, by some distance, the biggest ski area between the Alps and the Erzgebirge. A modest 12 km piste system threads off the Arber-Bergbahn, alongside a serious FIS Alpine race slope, the Arber-Slalom. It is famously the cradle of German alpine racers, including former World Cup star Felix Neureuther, who first learned to ski here.

1.Is the snow reliable in Großer Arber?

Usually, with help. From 920 m to 1456 m the resort leans on grooming and snowmaking in lean spells, so check the live report before booking early or late dates (score 68/100).

2.Do you need a car, or can you ski in and out?

This is more of a valley base than a slopeside village, so expect a lift, train or shuttle to the snow each morning. Staying central, near the main lift, saves the most time.

3.How big is the ski area, and who is it for?

It is a compact area, 12 km of piste on 5 lifts, best for a short break or a focused trip rather than a full week. The terrain is balanced (0 green, 4 blue, 5 red, 3 black), which suits a mixed-level group skiing together.

4.What is the resort like?

Großer Arber stands out for a family-friendly setup and a racing and competition pedigree.

5.When is the best time to go?

The season usually runs Dec 14 to Mar 31 (about 15 weeks). For the most dependable cover, the deep-winter window of January to February is the safe bet. Conditions soften as spring arrives, so earlier in the window is the safer call.

The full Großer Arber guide

Hotels, piste breakdown, snow month by month, lift and rental info, map and more.

See the full Großer Arber guide

More questions, answered

How much vertical drop does Großer Arber have?
About 536 m of vertical, from a 920 m base to 1456 m at the top.
Is Großer Arber part of a larger ski area?
No, it is a self-contained resort with its own 12 km of piste rather than part of a linked domain.
Is Großer Arber good for beginners?
Less so: the terrain leans intermediate and advanced (0 green, 4 blue), so committed beginners are better off starting elsewhere.

Where to stay

Hotels we like for ski access and value. Prices are indicative; check live availability.

Wellnesshotel Riedlberg | Bayerischer Wald
4.7880 reviews
130
Top pick

Wellnesshotel Riedlberg | Bayerischer Wald

Excellent · 880 reviews

Why we like it

One of the highest-rated places to stay in Großer Arber, with guests singling out the service and comfort.

Guests rate this hotel as excellent (4.7/5 from 880 reviews). It sits about 5.0 km from the slopes. A mid-range option for Großer Arber, with live nightly rates shown for your exact dates so you always see the best price.

≈ 5.0 km to the slopesMid-range
From
130/ night
Check availability

Ratings and review counts from Google Places. We may earn a commission on bookings.

Live snow report