Perhaps Baden-Württemberg’s best-kept secret is the Belchenland (Belchen region), which guarantees snow throughout the ski season.
The Belchenland, located in the southern part of the Black Forest, is a scenic alternative to the hustle and bustle of the busy Feldberg region.
Not far from the Feldberg and with an elevation only slightly below it, the Belchen offers a wide variety of winter sports.
Belchen
The Belchen ski resort is located between the Belchen mountain (1,414 meters above sea level) and the Feldberg (1,493 meters). This winter sport area with the highest likelihood for snow in the German Mittelgebirge (mid-range mountains) is a major attraction for snow enthusiasts.
Almost 30 kilometers of groomed slopes and 10 ski lifts invite visitors to take their pick of downhill or mogul runs. The Belchenlift (a cable cabin) bring skiers up to almost 1,400 meters. The Hornlift in Fröhnd, not far from the Belchenlift, is one of the longest lifts in the Black Forest.
From atop of the Belchen, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. While in the area, they can also try the ski jump ramp in Multen.
The center of alpine sports in the northern part of the Black Forest is located along the Schwarzwald-Hochstrasse (Black Forest High Road).
At about 600 to 1,100 meters above sea level, skiers will find 20 ski lifts, most of them equipped with floodlights, since ski slopes are open until 10 p.m. Three of the favored slopes are the Ruhesteim with two lifts, Grenzstüble and Unterstmatt with three lifts and a t-bar lift for small children and infants.
Equipment, downhill skis, sleds, cross-country skis and snowboards can be rented at most ski lift stations throughout the valley.
Triberg
Triberg, Schonach, Schönwald, Furtwangen and St. Georgen sport 11 ski lifts in 15 kilometers, up to 750 meters of downhill slopes, floodlights and a combination lift card that allows skiers to use all ski lifts.
Aalen
Situated just above the city of Aalen, at the north face of the Swabian Alb (close to the Limes-thermal springs), you will find the Ostalb lifts.
A half-pipe for snowboarders, t-bar lifts and floodlights for night skiing are also available.
Albstadt features multiple lifts in the suburbs of Ebingen, including a 630-meter lift and a children’s practice lift.
Truchtelfingen’s lift is 250 meters, Lautlingen offers a 400-meter lift, Onstemettingen’s lift measures 200 meters, and Pfeffingen’s lift is 250 meters.
Tailfingen’s 400-meter “Skilift am Schlossberg” is the first and only International Ski Federation race course of the Swabian Alb.
All of these ski resorts offer varying difficulties of slopes, children’s ski schools and more.
The Aalen snow-phone is 073-65-5830. For more information, visit www.sport-boerse-aalen.de.
