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    Germany, Europe

    Belchen

    Open in the app

    Live Belchen conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

    Open in the app

    Live Belchen conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
    Season 2026 - 2027
    Opens
    19 Dec 2026
    Closes
    29 Mar 2027
    Days open
    100
    Annual snow
    1.2m
    Snow record
    12cm
    2026-27 so far
    10% of a typical winter121cm
    Explore 10 winters of snowfall→
    The Overview

    Belchen delivers a quintessential Black Forest skiing experience with 9km of diverse slopes catering to all ability levels. This historic resort occupies one of the most prominent peaks in the southern Black Forest, offering spectacular 360-degree views extending to the Alps, Vosges Mountains, and even the distant Bernese Oberland on clear days. The uncrowded pistes and authentic southwestern German character make Belchen particularly appealing for those seeking quality skiing combined with exceptional natural beauty.

    263m
    Vertical
    30
    Runs
    8 km
    Piste
    1.2m
    Annual snow
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    The Terrain

    30 runs across 8 km of piste

    Belchen is a compact Black Forest ski area reached by a single gondola from the valley at Aitern, rising to 1,363 metres from a base of 1,100 metres for a 263 metre vertical. The pistes total about 8 kilometres, and the grading is 75% beginner and 25% intermediate, with no advanced or expert terrain. That makes it one of the mellowest areas in the region. The terrain is open and mostly treeless on top, with wide views across the Rhine valley and, on clear days, towards the Alps and Vosges.

    The longest descent is a gentle run of several kilometres that suits beginners and families who want to ski a single long line rather than repeat short pitches. The intermediate piste adds a little more pace without becoming difficult. Because the gondola is the only way up, queues can build on busy weekends, and it also carries walkers and tobogganers. Belchen is best treated as a family day out in the southern Black Forest, ideal for first-time skiers and relaxed cruising. Strong intermediates and above will exhaust it quickly and should head to nearby Feldberg for more.

    Terrain split
    30
    runs
    30 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner23 runs · 75%
    Intermediate8 runs · 25%
    Advanced0 runs · 0%
    Expert0 runs · 0%
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    Time it right

    When to visit Belchen

    Belchen 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 the snowiest regions of the Black Forest, receiving substantial natural snowfall supplemented by strategic snowmaking on key runs. The varied slope aspects include north-facing sections that maintain excellent snow quality throughout the season, often preserving good skiing conditions when lower areas struggle with thawing conditions.

    Season 2026 - 2027
    19 Dec 2026
    Opens
    29 Mar 2027
    Closes
    100
    Days open
    1.2 m
    Annual snow
    The record

    Historical snowfall at Belchen

    Daily snow reports at Belchen go back to 2017, 10 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.

    50 cm
    Snowiest day
    29 Dec 2017
    12 cm
    This winter · 2026-27
    so far
    121 cm
    Typical winter
    average of complete seasons
    Explore historical snowfall →
    Winter totals
    cm
    Past wintersThis winter
    Getting there

    Getting to Belchen, and where to stay

    Located in Baden-Württemberg approximately 150km south of Stuttgart and 40km from Freiburg, Belchen offers an accessible mountain escape in Germany's beautiful southern Black Forest. The resort sits within the stunning Belchen Nature Reserve, surrounded by pristine woodland and traditional farmhouses. This convenient location makes it easily reachable for day trips and weekend visits from major cities. The surrounding Black Forest region offers exceptional cross-country skiing, winter hiking trails, and access to traditional villages known for their distinctive architecture and cuisine.

    Where to stay

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    Hotels and lodges near Belchen, powered by Stay22.

    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

    View all news →
    Val Gardena to Alpe di Siusi Lift Link Back in Play After Court Ruling

    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

    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 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

    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 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 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 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

    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

    Belchen Trail Map

    Downloadable Belchen trail map

    Open in the app

    Live Belchen conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

    Open in the app

    Live Belchen conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
    Belchen trail map↓ Download PDF
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    Terrain split
    30
    runs
    Beginner75%
    Intermediate25%
    Advanced0%
    Expert0%
    8 km of piste
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    Resort Stats
    Elevation
    Base1100m
    Summit1363m
    Annual snowfall
    1.2m
    Season
    2026 - 2027
    19 Dec 2026 - 29 Mar 2027
    Trail coverage
    30 runs
    8 km
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    About Belchen's trail map

    Explore Belchen's full trail map with 30 runs across the mountain, colour-coded by difficulty and shown alongside the terrain split. Use it to plan a day that matches your ability, find lift-served pockets of your favourite grade, and see how the resort links together. Download the piste map (PDF) ↗

    More Belchen intelligence: snow report, lift system, webcams, resort overview.