Ofterschwang: a small, world-class ski resort in the Allgäu

Winter sports in Ofterschwang at a glance

• Skiing and snowboarding on slopes ranging from easy to challenging
• Beginners’ lift and children’s play area
• Tobogganing on a natural toboggan run
• Winter walking on the Ofterschwanger Horn
• Cross-country skiing on the network of trails in the Hörnerdörfer

Skiing in the Ofterschwang-Gunzesried Two-Valley Ski Area

Just a few kilometres from the well-known winter sports resort of Oberstdorf, near Sonthofen, lies the Ofterschwang-Gunzesried Two-Valley Ski Area. Around 18 kilometres of varied slopes are spread across the hillsides of the Ofterschwanger Horn. International ski racers have competed against one another on the World Cup course on numerous occasions. At the same time, families, beginners and anyone who prefers to enjoy the winter with a few relaxed turns will feel right at home here.

The runs range from wide, easy family slopes to the challenging World Cup course. Steeper sections can be bypassed on easier runs. This means winter sports enthusiasts of all abilities can spend a day in the snow together.

Modern cable cars on the Ofterschwanger Horn

From Ofterschwang, the Weltcup-Express takes you up to the mountain station in just a few minutes. On the Gunzesried side, the Ossi-Reichert cable car provides access to the ski area. Thanks to its slower boarding and alighting process, this modern 8-seater gondola lift is also well suited to families and less experienced winter sports enthusiasts. Finally, the Gipfel 6er takes you up to the highest point of the ski area on the Ofterschwanger Horn.

Around 90 per cent of the slopes can be covered with artificial snow when temperatures are suitable. However, as operations still depend on snow, weather and temperature, you should check which lifts and runs are open before your trip.

Ski resort for beginners and families

A practice lift is available for beginners at the valley station of the Weltcup-Express. At the mountain station, there is also a children’s play area where the little ones can try out their first turns in a fun way. Ski schools and hire shops offer courses as well as the right equipment.

Wide slopes, predominantly easy and intermediate runs, and easy access to the mountain railways make Ofterschwang a versatile destination for families. More experienced skiers, on the other hand, can test their skills on the steep World Cup run.

A refreshment stop with views of the Allgäu Alps

The Weltcup Hütte is the perfect spot for a lunch break. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the top station of the Weltcup Express. From the sun terrace, the view stretches out over the snow-capped peaks of the Allgäu Alps. The menu features Allgäu specialities, cakes and a selection of hot and cold drinks.

Tobogganing and winter walking on the Ofterschwanger Horn

Ofterschwang also offers a variety of winter experiences away from the ski slopes. From the mountain stations of the Weltcup-Express and the Ossi-Reichert-Bahn, a natural toboggan run around one kilometre long leads down to the middle station of the Ossi-Reichert-Bahn. Wooden toboggans and Zipflbobs are available for hire.

The toboggan run is not artificially snowed. Whether it is open therefore depends on the current natural snow conditions. It’s best to check its status before your visit.

Things are a bit more peaceful on the panoramic winter walking trail around the Ofterschwanger Horn. The circular route, which is about 2.5 kilometres long, starts at the mountain station, runs at an altitude of around 1,300 metres and takes about an hour to walk. Along the way, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the wintery Allgäu mountains.

Cross-country skiing around Ofterschwang

In the valley, you’ll find several options for cross-country skiing. The short village trail on the southern edge of the village is particularly suitable for beginners. On the roughly 3.7-kilometre-long Sonnenalp trail, you’ll glide through the Tiefenberger Moos and across the grounds of the Sonnenalp golf course. Both trails are groomed for classic-style skiing and skating when conditions are suitable.

Via connecting trails, you can continue on towards Bolsterlang and Fischen. In total, the network of trails across the five Hörnerdörfer villages spans more than 110 kilometres. You can find out which trails are currently groomed and open in the Hörnerdörfer winter sports report.

Explore two ski resorts with one ticket

With the HörnerDUO ski pass, you can access not only the Ofterschwang-Gunzesried ski area but also the Hörnerbahn Bolsterlang ski area. Together, the two resorts offer 35 kilometres of slopes and 13 lifts. During the main winter season, a shuttle bus connects the valley stations in Ofterschwang and Bolsterlang. The journey takes around seven minutes. Please check the current timetable and terms of the service before your visit.

Discover Ofterschwang in summer

Ofterschwang, together with Balderschwang, Bolsterlang, Fischen and Obermaiselstein, is one of the five Hörner villages in the Oberallgäu. Situated at the foot of the Ofterschwanger Horn, this former World Cup village also offers a variety of excursion options during the warmer months.

Hiking trails lead through the Allgäu mountain landscape and to vantage points around the Ofterschwanger Horn. Those looking for a more active experience can, weather permitting, ride a downhill scooter down into the valley from the mountain station of the Weltcup-Express. The varied route is around 3.6 kilometres long. Before your visit, you should check which summer activities are currently available.

Travelling by train to the Ofterschwang ski resort

Take the train to Sonthofen station. There, board bus number 47 towards Ofterschwang and Bolsterlang. Get off at the ‘Ofterschwang Lift’ stop, right next to the valley station of the Weltcup-Express.

If you’d like to go cross-country skiing on the Sonnenalp trail, travel to the ‘Ofterschwang, Tiefenberg Abzw.’ stop. From there, walk about 150 metres towards Tiefenberg to reach the start of the trail. As timetables and connections may vary depending on the season, you should check your journey before setting off.

You can find the latest information on open lifts, slopes and winter activities in the GO! Ofterschwang winter sports report.