
Hörnle-Bad Kohlgrub delivers a charming Bavarian skiing experience with 8km of diverse slopes perfectly suited to families and intermediate skiers. This accessible resort combines excellent learning terrain with several more challenging runs, all set against spectacular Alpine panoramas. The uncrowded pistes and authentic character make Hörnle particularly appealing for those seeking quality skiing without the commercialization and crowds of larger destinations.
The Hörnle above Bad Kohlgrub is a small, traditional ski hill in the Ammergau Alps, with six runs and nine kilometres of piste between 915 metres and 1,400 metres, a vertical of 485 metres. Two thirds of the terrain is beginner-graded at 67%, with the remaining 33% intermediate, and nothing advanced or expert. Access is by a nostalgic double chairlift plus a T-bar, so capacity is limited and the pace of the day is unhurried. Anyone expecting a big lift network will be disappointed, but anyone wanting a quiet local mountain will feel at home.
Runs include the family descent, the Tannenbankerl piste and the Stockhang, along with a standard route that has a steeper section and is typically ungroomed. The top station has a mountain hut with a sunny terrace, which is half the appeal for many visitors. The Hörnle suits beginners, parents with young children and relaxed intermediates who like a calm, old-school atmosphere. A long toboggan run also starts from the summit, so mixed groups can split the day easily. It is not a destination for advanced skiers, who will find little here beyond a couple of steeper pitches.
Hörnle-Bad Kohlgrub typically operates from December through March, with the most consistent conditions in January and February. The resort benefits from its elevated position and north-facing aspects, which maintain good snow quality throughout the season. The strategic snowmaking capabilities supplement natural snowfall on key runs, ensuring reliable skiing throughout winter. The relaxed atmosphere makes it particularly appealing during weekends when larger resorts face overcrowding.
Located near Bad Kohlgrub in Upper Bavaria, Hörnle sits approximately 80km from Munich and 40km from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The resort enjoys a spectacular position within the Ammergau Alps, surrounded by impressive limestone peaks and Alpine meadows. This accessible location makes it perfect for day trips from Munich while maintaining an authentic mountain atmosphere. The spa town of Bad Kohlgrub provides excellent accommodation options and traditional dining serving authentic Bavarian specialties in a truly picturesque setting.
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Europe’s ski season is open, technically. After a record-warm summer, glaciers in Austria, Switzerland and Italy are running a few pistes apiece, Sölden, Stubai and Kitzsteinhorn started late, Titlis has pushed back to 24 October, and Zermatt reopens a few lifts on 14 October after more than two months shut. Finland’s Levi and Ruka are skiing on stored snow. Here is what is open, and what you actually get at each.

Zermatt is having another crack at a World Cup downhill, and this time nobody has to cross a border. Around 13 million Swiss francs is going into rebuilding the Gornergrat piste, including a jump fed by a roughly 300-metre in-run across the roof of the Gornergrat Railway gallery, with the Matterhorn lined up behind it for the TV cameras. First men’s race is pencilled in for March 2028, pending FIS homologation.

Lake Tahoe’s highest base elevation is paying off early: Mt. Rose has started making snow for 2026-27 after the first flurries and a cold snap. The Nevada resort is backing it with nearly US$2 million in upgrades, including a replacement snowmaking main line, a new PistenBully groomer and restraint bars on every lift. Opening day is yet to be confirmed, though Heavenly and Northstar are already eyeing 20 November.

Utah is still building flat out. For 2026-27, Powder Mountain opens a steep new Skytrac chair into more than 1,000 acres of advanced terrain, Deer Valley adds 200 acres on Hail Peak, Sundance gets a new quad and Park City adds a gondola from its new parking structure. Snowmaking is expanding almost everywhere, Eagle Point stays closed after the Cottonwood Fire, and the 2034 Games are setting the pace. Here’s what’s new, resort by resort.

Mt Hutt is getting busier, and its base lodge is about to catch up. NZ$12 million goes into a heated sun deck roughly three times the current size (430 m² to 1,300 m²), plus a new toilet block, heated steps down to snow level, extra storage and a new food and beverage outlet. Building starts after the 2026 season, with everything due for winter 2027.

Vermont's season is slow to take shape. Stratton is tentatively targeting 18 November and Sugarbush 21 November, while Pico has Friday 11 December on the calendar. Killington never sets a date and opens when the snowmaking allows, and Vail Resorts has yet to name days for Stowe, Okemo and Mount Snow. The forecasts disagree about snow, and the main El Niño worry for the Green Mountains is warmth.

Less than four months out from the Crans-Montana 2027 World Championships, the man running the organising committee has stepped down. Claude-Alain Schmidhalter resigned as Swiss-Ski vice president and OC president after being indicted over a business dispute unrelated to skiing. He denies the allegations and faces court on October 27. Interim leaders are in place for the February 1-14 event.

Kelly Canyon had a rough 2025-26, and the Idaho resort has spent the summer making sure it doesn’t repeat. Snowmaking now reaches the top of Goldrush, the terrain park is doubling in size with a stereo system, lights and a snack shack, and the car park is getting bigger. Grooming is stepping up too. Target opening is December 4, conditions permitting.
Opening day for the winter 2026 - 2027 season is scheduled for Dec 23, 2026 (subject to change). Lift tickets at Hörnle – Bad Kohlgrub typically go on sale well before the start of the ski season.
Day passes start from €23, with peak rates up to €39.
Full day lift ticket for adults
Full day lift ticket for children
More Hörnle – Bad Kohlgrub intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.