Season 2025 - 2026
Opens
13 Dec 2025
Closes
30 Mar 2026
Days open
107
Annual snow
0.9m
The Overview
Arber stands as the Bavarian Forest's premier ski destination, offering 14.5km of diverse slopes across a spectacular natural setting. Rising to 1,456m at the highest point in the Bavarian Forest, this impressive resort combines excellent terrain for all abilities with reliable snow conditions throughout winter. The uncrowded pistes and authentic eastern Bavarian character make Arber particularly appealing for those seeking quality skiing away from the busier Alpine regions.
406m
Vertical
13
Runs
11.5 km
Piste
0.9m
Annual snow
The Terrain
13 runs across 11.5 km of piste
Arber is the main ski mountain of the Bavarian Forest, rising to 1,456 metres above Bayerisch Eisenstein and giving 406 metres of vertical from a 1,050 metre base. Its 13 runs total 11.5 kilometres, graded 39% beginner, 35% intermediate and 26% advanced, with no expert pistes. A gondola and two six-seat chairs handle the main uphill traffic, backed by T-bars and surface lifts. It is one of the larger and better equipped options in eastern Germany, though still firmly a mid-sized hill rather than an alpine resort.
The Sonnenhang is the red piste most intermediates head for, while the Damenstrecke offers a smoother blue descent. A World Cup course of about one kilometre, used for race events over many years, gives stronger skiers something steeper to test. The Familienstrecke is flat and gentle, and the ArBär Kinderland area has carpets and a practice zone for small children. Several runs are floodlit for evening skiing. Arber works well for families, beginners and intermediates after a full day close to the Czech border. Those chasing steeps or big mileage will outgrow it quickly.
Terrain split
13
runs
13 runs across 4 grades
Beginner5 runs · 39%
Intermediate5 runs · 35%
Advanced3 runs · 26%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Arber
Arber typically operates from December through March, with the most reliable conditions in January and February. The resort benefits from its elevated position in one of Bavaria's snowiest regions, receiving substantial natural snowfall supplemented by extensive snowmaking coverage. The predominantly north-facing slopes maintain excellent snow quality throughout the season, often delivering good skiing conditions when lower regions struggle. The Bavarian Forest microclimate frequently creates powder opportunities, particularly during cold continental weather patterns.
Season 2025 - 2026
13 Dec 2025
Opens
30 Mar 2026
Closes
107
Days open
0.9 m
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Arber
Daily snow reports at Arber go back to 2017, 10 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
80 cm
Snowiest day
14 Feb 2022
6.3 cm
This winter · 2026-27
so far
83 cm
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
cm
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Arber, and where to stay
Located in eastern Bavaria approximately 200km from Munich and 60km from the Czech border, Arber offers a distinctive mountain experience away from the crowded Alpine resorts. The resort sits within the beautiful Bavarian Forest National Park, surrounded by pristine woodland and crystal-clear mountain lakes. This unique location provides visitors with opportunities to combine skiing with exploration of one of Germany's most impressive wilderness areas. The nearby towns of Bodenmais and Bayerisch Eisenstein offer charming accommodation options and excellent dining serving authentic eastern Bavarian specialties.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Stays map loads when you scroll here
Hotels and lodges near Arber, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Arber's ski season?
Arber's 2025 - 2026 season typically runs from December 13 through March 30. That window is roughly 107 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Germany, Europe often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Arber have?
Arber lists about 11.5 km of piste of marked terrain spread across 13 named runs. That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Arber?
Trail grading at Arber breaks down roughly as 39% beginner, 35% intermediate, 26% advanced. The mix is balanced enough for mixed-ability groups, so learners can stay on marked green/blue (Blue/Red) terrain while stronger skiers peel off to steeper pitches.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical metres. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Arber have?
Arber operates 10 lifts across 4 lift types. The fleet includes 4 surface lifts, 3 t-bars, 2 6-person chairs, and 1 gondola.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Arber?
Base elevation at Arber is about 1,050 m (3,445 ft), with the summit around 1,456 m (4,777 ft), giving roughly 406 m (1,332 ft) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Arber get each season?
Arber averages about 94 cm (37 inches) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Where can I buy Arber lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans €32 to €45, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Contact the resort ticket office or check our lift tickets page for the latest purchase options.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Arber before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 2 live mountain webcams, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Arber so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Arber have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Arber. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Arber located?
Arber sits in Germany, Europe. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Val Gardena to Alpe di Siusi Lift Link Back in Play After Court Ruling
The Val Gardena-Alpe di Siusi lift link isn’t dead after all. A South Tyrol court has overturned Santa Cristina’s rejection of the new Monte Pana-Saltria link on procedural grounds, after the council skipped required public information sessions. Opponents want the missing sessions held and a fresh vote, and nothing has been approved. For now it’s still a bus between the two, but a plan first floated in 2017 is back in the conversation.
8 Nov 2026
Whistler Blackcomb Rockslide Zone Stays Closed Through 2026-27 Season
A section of Whistler Peak terrain will stay closed all 2026-27 season, Vail Resorts has confirmed, with rockslide mitigation work continuing into summer 2027. Peak Express is still expected to run this winter, but locals are already arguing about what’s actually off limits, whether the Whistler Bowl is gone, and why the news landed after pass sales wound down. Here’s where things stand.
7 Nov 2026
Loveland Ski Area Opens for 2026-27 and Marks 60 Years of Snowmaking
Loveland is open. The Colorado ski area started Chet’s Dream turning on Saturday 7 November to kick off 2026-27, with $60 adult lift tickets to mark 60 years of snowmaking. Expect three runs, nearly 1,000 vertical feet (about 300 metres) of top-to-bottom skiing, live music on the Basin Patio and no beginner terrain yet. Here’s what’s open, what it costs and when Loveland Valley follows.
7 Nov 2026
KFC Is Coming to the Slopes at Cortina and Madonna di Campiglio
Fried chicken is heading up the Dolomites. From 5 December KFC will run two restaurants on the slopes - one at 2,123 metres at Cortina, one at 1,700 metres at Madonna di Campiglio - and the polenta-and-canederli crowd has opinions. Local politicians, conservation groups and plenty of Facebook commenters are calling it a step too far, while others just want a cheaper lunch. Here’s what’s on the menu and what’s the fuss.
5 Nov 2026
Mt Rose Aims to Open First in Tahoe on November 6
Mt Rose is going for the first-in-Tahoe title, with the Lakeview Express due to spin at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 6. One main lift, three runs and plenty of snowmaking, sitting on the highest base elevation in the region at 8,260 ft. Here is what is open, what is not (sorry, tubing fans), and how the early North American openings are stacking up.
4 Nov 2026
Europe Snow Forecast: Serre Chevalier Leads With 82 cm Over the Next 10 Days
Europe has had a quiet start to November, but our 10-day forecast has Serre Chevalier on 82 cm and Les 2 Alpes on 71 cm. Two pushes are lined up: a western Alps top-up from Friday, then a bigger, wider system on Thursday, November 12 and Friday, November 13 that reaches Italy and Switzerland. Full leaderboard inside.
4 Nov 2026
Mammoth Mountain Opens Early on November 5 With Up to 33 Inches of Snow in the Forecast
Mammoth just moved opening day forward to Thursday, November 5, eight days ahead of schedule. A snowy weekend and cold snowmaking nights did the work, and our forecast shows up to 33 inches more landing on November 13 and 14. Here is what opens, what the weather looks like and where Mammoth sits among the early Ikon Pass openers.
3 Nov 2026
Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings
Rain down low, snow up high, and a snow report full of zeros that mostly means ‘not updated yet’. Utah’s first proper storm of 2026-27 is rolling through the Wasatch, Snowbird’s snow stake is closing in on 10 inches, and Brian Head is five days from opening day. Early November snow rarely looks like much, but it is the layer every November opening date is built on. Here is where it stands.
1 Nov 2026