Skiing with kids · Guide 2026/27
Skiing in Germany with kids
Family ski resorts where kids ski free
The short answer: At many ski resorts in Germany, kids up to age 5 ski free, like on the Zugspitze, at Sudelfeld and in Winterberg, as long as a parent comes along. From age 6, they usually pay, but there are affordable family passes. And the trip is short, which makes it perfect for a very first day on skis.
Updated November 4, 2026. All details come from the official resort websites for the 2026/27 season.
How free lift tickets for kids work in Germany
Free up to age 5
In Germany, it usually goes by age, not birth year. Until their 6th birthday, kids ski free at many resorts.
Only with a parent
The free ticket usually only applies when a parent comes along. At Sudelfeld and in Winterberg, the adult has to pay for their own lift ticket.
Ski school costs extra
The free lift ticket often doesn't cover ski school. On the Zugspitze, your child needs a ticket for ski school, and at Sudelfeld it doesn't apply on the beginner lifts either.
Family passes from age 6
From age 6, kids usually pay. A family pass makes it cheaper: at Spitzingsee, you pay €129 for both parents and all your own kids ages 6 to 15.
Four highlights for families
Here kids ski free or at a great price in 2026/27. Every detail comes with an official source.
Bavaria
Garmisch Classic and Zugspitze
Free under age 6
Official source ↗Kids under 6 ski free at Garmisch Classic and on the Zugspitze when they're with a parent or guardian. For ski school, your child needs a ticket. On the Zugspitzplatt, you ski right below Germany's highest mountain.
Bavaria
Spitzingsee Tegernsee
Family pass €129
Official source ↗The family day pass costs €129 for both parents and all your own kids ages 6 to 15. With several school-age kids, that really adds up.
Allgäu
Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal
Born 2020 or later: €16
Official source ↗There's no free lift ticket here, but the day pass for kids born in 2020 or later is just €16. The ski areas stretch from Oberstdorf in the Allgäu into the Kleinwalsertal.
Sauerland
Skiliftkarussell Winterberg
Free up to age 5
Official source ↗Kids up to age 5 ski free with a paying parent or guardian. The Sauerland is a quick drive from the Netherlands and the Ruhr area.
Free Ski Pass List
All 6 deals in Germany
With conditions, dates and official sources, from the Bavarian Alps to the Sauerland. Unlock the full list for free with your email.
More family deals
We didn't find free weeks like in Austria in Germany. These deals are well worth a look, though.
Sudelfeld
Kids up to age 5 ski free with a paying adult. That doesn't apply on the beginner lifts or in ski school. Official source ↗
Kids on Ski in Winterberg
Beginners ages 3 to 5 get a 4-day lift ticket, 4 half days of ski school, 4 days of rentals and 5 nights in their parents' room for free when you book at a partner hotel. In select weeks from November 29, 2026 to April 2027. Official source ↗
Tips for the ticket office
Plan for ski school
On the Zugspitze and at Sudelfeld, the lift ticket for ski school costs extra, even for kids under 6.
Do the math on the family pass
With two school-age kids, the family day pass at Spitzingsee pays off fast, because all your own kids ages 6 to 15 are included.
Birth year in Oberstdorf
In Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal, it goes by birth year: for kids born in 2020 or later, the day pass is €16 all season.
Manu, dad and founder of dry movesMy tip: for the first day on skis, don't head straight to the big resorts. A short drive, a gentle practice slope and hot chocolate after two hours is all a 3-year-old needs.
Practice at home first
The first day on skis is easier when skis already feel familiar
With drySki, kids ages 2 and up learn their first steps and moves on skis at home through play, so they're perfectly prepared for their first days on the snow. Handmade in Munich.
FAQ
Up to what age do kids ski free in Germany?
Usually up to age 5, so until their 6th birthday, like on the Zugspitze, at Sudelfeld and in Winterberg. A parent has to come along, and at Sudelfeld and in Winterberg with their own paid lift ticket.
Is there an affordable family pass in Germany?
Yes, at Spitzingsee the family day pass costs €129 for both parents and all your own kids ages 6 to 15. In Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal, the day pass for kids born in 2020 or later is €16.
Are there free ski lessons in Germany?
Yes, with Kids on Ski in Winterberg. In select weeks, beginners ages 3 to 5 get ski school, a lift ticket, rentals and a stay in their parents' room for free when you book at a partner hotel.
Skiing with kids in other countries
Everything you need to plan, with a packing checklist: Family ski trip with kids
Have fun in the snow!
Cheers, Manu