© © Chiemgau Tourismus e.V.

Winter wonderland Ruhpolding: Discover the best day trips & holiday activities

Ruhpolding is a true winter paradise that impresses with its variety of activities and picturesque Alpine landscape . Whether beginner or advanced - there is something for everyone here. The special features of winter in Ruhpolding: from night skiing on floodlit pistes, to the 3 ski mountains, which are perfect for beginners , to the exciting Biathlon World Cup, which attracts numerous sports enthusiasts every year, and much more.

Activities for the perfect winter day

Cross-country skiing

Ruhpolding is a true Mecca for cross-country skiers. With over 130 kilometres of perfectly groomed trails , the region offers ideal conditions for beginners and professionals alike. The trails lead through the breathtaking Chiemgau landscape, past snow-covered forests, wide fields and idyllic valleys. The Chiemgau Arena, which is internationally renowned as the centre of biathlon , is particularly popular and is also a highlight for cross-country skiers. Whether classic or skating - cross-country skiing enthusiasts will find the perfect conditions for unforgettable winter experiences in Ruhpolding.

(Cross-country skiing) not groomed
  • 12.3 km
  • 130 Hm
  • 01:30 h
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(Cross-country skiing) not groomed
  • 5.9 km
  • 46 Hm
  • 00:45 h
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(Cross-country skiing) not groomed
  • 9.2 km
  • 170 Hm
  • 01:00 h
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(Cross-country skiing) not groomed
  • 5.3 km
  • 35 Hm
  • 01:10 h
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Haven't found the right one yet? Click here for all Ruhpolding cross-country ski trails.

Biathlon

Ruhpolding is a world-famous hotspot for biathlon fans and athletes. Every year in January, the prestigious Biathlon World Cup in the Chiemgau Arena attracts spectators from all over the world. Against the impressive mountain backdrop, visitors can experience the thrilling competitions up close, where the best biathletes compete against each other in cross-country skiing and shooting. The atmosphere is unique: thousands of fans cheer in the arena and along the trails as the athletes fight for seconds and hits. But it's not just professionals who can experience biathlon in Ruhpolding. As an amateur, you also have the opportunity to try your hand at biathlon! Special beginners' courses are offered in the Chiemgau Arena, where you can experience the combination of cross-country skiing and shooting for yourself. Under professional guidance, participants can learn the technique of skiing and try their hand at the biathlon laser rifles - an exciting experience for sports enthusiasts of all ages. A visit to Ruhpolding is therefore not only a must for biathlon fans, but also for all those who want to become part of this fascinating sport themselves.

All further information about the biathlon in Ruhpolding can be found here.

 

© © Chiemgau Tourismus e.V.

Skiing & snowboarding by day & night

Skiing and snowboarding in Ruhpolding offers variety and winter fun for all levels. The three ski mountains in the region - Unternberg, Westernberg and Maiergschwendt - offer gentle pistes that are particularly suitable for beginners and families . But advanced skiers also get their money's worth. Night skiing is a special highlight : Skiers and snowboarders can make their turns on floodlit pistes even after dark and enjoy the incomparable experience of gliding through the snow under a starry sky. Ruhpolding combines fun on the piste with a unique winter atmosphere.

Skigebiet Unternberg

Families and pleasure skiers feel particularly at home in Ruhpolding: the ski area on the Unternberg attracts with carefully prepared pistes, slopes of varying difficulty and a dreamlike environment.

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Skiarena Westernberg

The practice slope at the entrance to the village with floodlights and a fun park for all ski enthusiasts!

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Tobogganing

Tobogganing in Ruhpolding is winter fun for the whole family! The region offers several toboggan runs that are ideal for both children and adults. The natural toboggan run on the Unternberg is particularly popular, where you can whizz down the slope on an almost 5-kilometre-long run. You also have the opportunity to toboggan in Ruhpolding in summer. TheChiemgau Coaster summer toboggan run is always worth a visit. The 1.1-kilometre-long run takes you rapidly down into the valley.

If you would like to find out more about tobogganing in Chiemgau - you can find all the information here!

Winter hiking

Winter hiking in Ruhpolding offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the snow-covered mountain landscape in a peaceful and relaxed way. Nature lovers can enjoy the clear air and the magic of the wintry Alpine world on well-prepared winter hiking trails. The varied routes lead through snow-covered forests, over gentle hills and to picturesque vantage points that offer unforgettable views of the wintry Chiemgau.

Entlang der Urschlauer Ache

easy (Winter hiking) Open / groomed
Relaxed winter hikes along the Ache river for around four kilometers.
  • 3.6 km
  • 40 Hm
  • 00:45 h
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(Winter hiking) Open / groomed
  • 5.5 km
  • 30 Hm
  • 01:30 h
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Rund um die Seen

easy (Winter hiking) Open / groomed
Hiking in the wintry "Little Canada", the three-lake region between Ruhpolding and Reit im Winkl
  • 4.1 km
  • 75 Hm
  • 01:15 h
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(Winter hiking) Open / groomed
  • 7.0 km
  • 170 Hm
  • 02:15 h
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Haven't found the right one yet? Click here for all winter hikes in Chiemgau.

Snowshoeing

In addition to fantastic winter hiking trails, there are also two great snowshoe hikes in Ruhpolding that are just waiting to be discovered.

Haar_Alm / Haar Alm Schneid

Haar_Alm / Haar Alm Schneid

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Ice skating

Ice skating in Ruhpolding offers a perfect combination of fun and sporting activity - especially in the Ruhpolding ice rink. This modern hall, which is located in the centre of the town, offers a large and well-maintained ice rink all year round where ice skaters can do their laps. Whether families, beginners or advanced skaters - the ice rink offers ideal conditions for everyone. Ice skating events and special curling lessons also provide variety. Ice skating aids are also available for those who still need a little support. Ice skates can be hired directly on site.

All information about ice skating in Chiemgau can be found here!

© © Chiemgau Tourismus

Paragliding

Paragliding in Ruhpolding is an unforgettable experience that offers breathtaking views of the Chiemgau Alps in both summer and winter . The Unternberg in particular, which is known as a popular paragliding mountain , offers ideal take-off conditions for adventurers who want to take to the skies and enjoy the feeling of absolute freedom. In summer , paragliders soar over lush green meadows and forests, while in winter a dreamlike snowy landscape lies beneath them. Ruhpolding offers perfect conditions for both beginners and experienced paragliders to explore the region from a bird's eye view. Tandem flights also allow beginners to experience the fascination of flying up close and enjoy the beauty of the Alps.

You can find more exciting information about paragliding here .

Indoor activities in bad weather

Even in bad weather, Ruhpolding offers numerous exciting indoor activities that provide variety. The Vita Alpina Therme is a popular destination for relaxing in the spacious pool area or having fun in the wave pool and slides. For wellness fans, there is an extensive sauna area to switch off in. The Ruhpolding ice rink , where you can go ice skating all year round, is a sporting venue. For those interested in culture, the Holzknecht Museum offers interesting insights into traditional forestry in the region.

Other great excursion destinations for bad weather in Chiemgau.

 

Culture & events in winter

During Advent and Christmas, Ruhpolding is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. The Ruhpolding Advent market attracts visitors with its cosy atmosphere, traditional craft stalls and regional delicacies. Musical performances and nativity scene exhibitions bring a contemplative atmosphere to the village. A festive Christmas mass is held on Christmas Eve, attracting many visitors to the festively decorated churches. At the turn of the year, Ruhpolding offers a special experience: on New Year's Eve there are numerous festivities in the inns and hotels, which celebrate the end of the year with a cosy get-together. At midnight, an impressive firework display lights up the sky above the snow-covered Alpine scenery and ensures an unforgettable start to the New Year.

Special highlight: the Biathlon World Cup

The Biathlon World Cup in Ruhpolding is undoubtedly the special highlight of the winter and attracts sports enthusiasts from all over the world to the idyllic Alpine region year after year. The best biathletes meet in the famous Chiemgau Arena to compete in thrilling competitions. The combination of cross-country skiing and precision shooting provides pure excitement and makes the spectators in the arena and along the cross-country trails cheer along. In addition to the top-class sporting performances, visitors enjoy the unique atmosphere, which is characterised by the mountain backdrop, enthusiastic fans and a colourful supporting programme. The Biathlon World Cup makes Ruhpolding an international meeting point and offers an unrivalled sporting experience for all those who want to experience the fascination of the biathlon up close.

All information about the event can be found here.

 

Enjoy a winter holiday in Ruhpolding

Advantages with the Chiemgau Card

With the Chiemgau Card, visitors to Ruhpolding enjoy numerous benefits and exclusive experiences that make their stay particularly attractive. The card, which many accommodations make available to their guests free of charge , opens the doors to a wide range of activities and sights - often at no extra cost. Highlights include free rides up and down the mountain on the Rauschbergbahn and Unternbergbahn cable cars, free admission tothe Vita Alpina Therme or use of the cross-country ski trails. Admission to museums, such as the Holzknecht Museum or the local history museum, is also included. For sporty visitors, the card offers discounts on ski hire, guided hikes or free access to the Ruhpolding ice rink. In addition to numerous leisure activities, there are also discounts on local public transport so that you can explore the region in comfort. The Chiemgau Card makes your holiday in Ruhpolding not only varied, but also particularly good value.

 

Find accommodation in Ruhpolding

Ruhpolding offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every taste and budget. From cosy farmhouses and family-friendly holiday flats to comfortable hotels - the variety of accommodation options ensures that every guest feels at home. Many accommodations also offer special services such as breakfast buffets or the free Chiemgau Card, which offers numerous discounts in the region.

View of the snow-covered Ruhpolding
© © Ruhpolding Tourismus GmbH/Andreas Plenk

Occupancy room / apartment 1
Occupancy room / apartment 2
Occupancy room / apartment 3
© © Chiemgau Tourismus e.V.

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