Sledding in the Bavarian Forest with Kids: Best Slopes

Sledding with kids in the Bavarian Forest: Where it's the most fun

Snow, a hill, a sled. That's all it takes for kids' eyes to light up. The Bavarian Forest delivers all of that in abundance. From December to March, snow is reliable here, the slopes are family-friendly and the speed is just right for little sled fans.

From Waldmünchen you can reach several sledding areas. Some in five minutes, others as a day trip. In this article we'll show you the best runs, give you gear tips and tell you what the perfect sledding day on a family holiday looks like.

You'll find more ideas for excursions and hikes in our Bavarian Forest Guide.

The best toboggan runs near Waldmünchen

Toboggan slope at the Althütte ski area (3 km)

The shortest path to sledding fun. The Althütte ski area is right around the corner and, in addition to the ski slopes, has its own toboggan hill. The run is easy to oversee, not too steep and therefore perfect for kids from age 3. You can keep an eye on the little ones the whole time. And if the older kids want to head to the ski slope after all: ski school and rental are available right on site.

Good to know: parking is free. It can get busy at weekends; on weekdays you often have the slope almost to yourselves.

Hohenbogen near Neukirchen b. Hl. Blut (approx. 30 km)

The Hohenbogen (1,079 m) is the sledding destination for everyone who wants something a bit longer and more sporty. The natural toboggan run starts at the mid-station of the chairlift and runs over 1.5 kilometres into the valley. The track is well groomed, has a few curves and is suitable for kids from around 6 years old.

The best part: you take the chairlift up and sled down. No climbing, no hauling. The kids find the lift ride alone exciting. At the top there's a hut with hot cocoa and a snack.

Travel time: about 35 minutes from Waldmünchen. Take the B22 towards Furth im Wald and then on to Neukirchen. The road is well cleared in winter.

Chairlift prices: kids pay less than adults. Check in advance on the Hohenbogen website, prices change from season to season.

Großer Arber (approx. 75 km)

The king of the Bavarian Forest. At the Großer Arber (1,456 m) you'll find the longest toboggan run in the region. The track runs 1.2 kilometres from the mid-station into the valley, is wide and well secured. A real adventure for kids from age 5 with some sledding experience.

Here too the gondola takes you to the top. The view alone is worth the trip. On clear days you can see all the way to the Czech Republic and Austria.

Travel time: about 90 minutes from Waldmünchen. Plan the Arber as a day trip. Set off in the morning, do three to four runs, lunch at the hut, head back in the afternoon.

Tip: at the Arber there's also an ArBär children's area with its own practice slope. Perfect if you have kids of different ages and the little ones still want to practise.

When is there enough snow for sledding?

The sledding season in the Bavarian Forest usually runs from mid-December to mid-March. At higher altitudes, like the Arber, often even longer.

Snow conditions at a glance

December: from mid-month onwards there's usually enough snow. The Christmas holidays are a safe bet, but also the most popular time.

January and February: the snowiest months. This is when conditions are at their best. In Waldmünchen at 510 metres, snow lies reliably. At the Arber, above 1,000 metres, even more so.

March: during the day it gets warmer, at night it still freezes. The slopes are hard and fast in the morning and softer in the afternoon. For families, the morning is the better time.

Our tip: check the ski areas' webcams before your trip. They show you the snow conditions in real time. That way you avoid disappointment.

What to pack for sledding

Good gear makes the difference between "That was great!" and "I'm cold, I want to go home." Here's our tried-and-tested packing list:

Clothing

• Ski suit or snow trousers with jacket: has to be waterproof. Kids sit in the snow, slide through the snow, throw themselves into the snow. Cotton gets wet and cold.
• Thermal underwear: a layer of functional underwear under the suit keeps them warm without sweating.
• Two pairs of gloves per child: no joke. One pair will get wet, guaranteed. Mittens keep them warmer than fingered gloves.
• Hat and scarf or buff: the wind on the toboggan run is colder than on the slope.
• Winter boots: waterproof, warm, with good tread. Wellies are too cold, sneakers too wet.

Equipment

• Sled: a classic wooden sled or a steerable one is best. Plastic bobs are fast but hard to steer. For small kids, the wooden sled is the safest choice.
• Helmet: strongly recommended for kids under 10. A bike or ski helmet works fine. The head is the most important thing.
• Ski goggles or sunglasses: snow reflects the sun strongly. Without protection, eyes hurt after an hour.
• Sunscreen: even in winter. UV radiation in the snow is surprisingly high.

Snacks and drinks

• Thermos with hot cocoa or tea: for the in-between break.
• Snacks: muesli bars, nuts, dried fruit. Sledding is more strenuous than you might think.

Safety tips for little sled fans

Sledding is huge fun, but a few rules make it safer. Especially with small children.

Before the run

• Check out the track: walk the toboggan run once on foot before you set off with the kids. That way you'll know where the curves, steep sections and run-out zones are.
• Kids under 4 ride with you: put the little ones in front of you on the sled and brake with your feet. Riding solo only makes sense from age 4 to 5, depending on the run.
• Helmet on: yes, even if it feels uncool. A fall on icy snow is no fun.

On the slope

• Walk back up only along the edge: never walk up the middle of the toboggan run. The riders coming down are faster than you think.
• Keep your distance: don't set off right behind one another. Wait until the person ahead has reached the bottom.
• Practise braking: show the kids how to brake with their feet. Slowly first, then on the slope. That gives them safety and confidence.
• Take breaks: kids don't always notice when they're tired or chilled. After five or six runs, a break with a hot drink is worth its weight in gold.

In case of injury

• Bring a first aid kit: plasters and a cool pack are enough. Most injuries are scrapes or bruises.
• Emergency number 112: in the mountains you have mobile reception almost everywhere. When in doubt, call rather than not.

After sledding: warming up at the hotel

You come back with red noses, wet gloves and happy kids. Now begins the second part of the perfect sledding day.

Pool and whirlpool

The indoor pool (10x4 metres) has a pleasant water temperature. Perfect for thawing chilled little feet. The whirlpool next to it is the right spot for you while the kids splash in the pool.

Sauna and steam bath (from 3 pm)

From 3 pm the Finnish sauna and steam bath are open. After a day in the snow, there's hardly anything better. The kids can spend the time at the Sonnenwolfi children's club or stay on in the pool.

All-inclusive dinner buffet

After a day in the fresh air, everyone is hungry. The dinner buffet covers everything: hot dishes, salads, dessert. And the best part: you don't have to order anything extra or pay extra. The kids help themselves to whatever they like. You lean back.

Drinks are included all evening long. Beer, wine, soft drinks, cocoa for the kids. The way it should be.

Keep reading

• Ski areas nearby
• Plan your winter holiday
• Pool & sauna

Your sledding holiday in the Bavarian Forest

The Bavarian Forest has everything a sledding holiday with kids needs: reliable snow, family-friendly slopes, short distances and a warm hotel with pool and all-inclusive afterwards. From Waldmünchen you can reach three sledding areas, from the small slope on your doorstep to the long descent at the Arber.

Pack the sleds, pull on those snow trousers and get ready for shining children's eyes. Book your winter holiday now and experience the Bavarian Forest at its best.