The small Kolbensattel ski area in Oberammergau attracts winter sports enthusiasts of all kinds around the clock.

Tour profile

Difficulty level: easy to medium
Route length: approx. 3 km + 2 km to Zahn (ascent only)
ascents: 450 hm + 250 hm to the tooth

The large “blue” ski slope is particularly popular with families, ski schools and beginners during the day. Ski tourers also get their money's worth here thanks to the designated ski slopes and extensive ski routes — to Zahn above Kolbensattelhütte and on to Pürschling and Teufelstättkopf. The hiking route across the Saddle to the August-Schuster-Haus am Pürschling and to Unterammergau is also accessible as a snow hike in winter. After the end of skiing, ski tourers and sledgers take over the slopes.

On the slopes

Wide, moderately steep and always perfectly groomed — the easy ski slope on the piston saddle is perfect for learning. The chairlift takes you slowly to the top. The only downside is that the ski lift is not particularly fast. At the Valley Station, there are numerous entertainment options available for skiers, especially children: small easy slopes on the Wankbahnen for the youngest, the fun park for snowboarders and freeskiers, a ski school and, of course, ski rental.

The terrain on the piston saddle is relatively flat and well secured, meaning that the risk of avalanches is very low. If you like, you can try out deep snow skiing off the slopes or go on your first ski tour on the ascent route parallel to the ski slopes. For safety reasons, tobogganing on the slopes is not allowed during skiing.

The first choice for a stop is the Kolbensattelhütte (1.270 m), which is known for its excellent Bavarian cuisine and great atmosphere with views of Oberammergau throughout the Zugspitze region. At the Valley Station, the Umbrella Bar is open for a short break in between. Kolbenalm (1,000 m) located off the slopes and the beautiful Wankalm pizzeria near the valley station are currently not open to the public.

On a ski tour

Ski Tours on the Piston Saddle are perfect for beginners or for everyday fitness. The “Kolben Ski Tour Route” was the first snow-covered ascent route in the Alps. The ski slope is maintained for a very long time at the end of the season and is carefully prepared every day so that you can walk it until at least the end of March, even if there is no more snow in the forest off the slopes. The difference in altitude from the valley station to the saddle is approx. 400 m.

The upper section from Kolbensattel to Zahn (1.615 m) has an extra 300 m and is one of the easiest outdoor ski tours in our region. However, it is only for experienced skiers — this means that you should be very good on the ski and remember that you need avalanche equipment off the slopes. This also includes avalanche training and knowledge of avalanche science. If you have no experience and would like to try out ski tours, you are welcome to book a ski tour course for beginners at a mountain school. In addition, the General Safety Tips For all guests in our region who want to enjoy the snow in the Alps.

The steepest section is directly above the piston saddle and is clearly visible from the hat. These first 150 m become a mogul slope relatively quickly, which is often icy under suitable weather conditions. This allows you to easily assess from below whether the ski route is feasible for all participants. After the steep climb, you reach a plateau and continue the route through the forest to the rocks. Here, the path turns left and immediately becomes narrower and stonier, so you have to watch out for oncoming traffic. As a rule, this section is only accessible after the heavy snowfall. Then it turns right again through the wide slope onto the home straight to the rocky “teeth.” When snow conditions are favourable, you can reach the upper rocks directly by ski. Here, everyone should assess their strength for themselves whether a further ascent by skiing and, in particular, the final descent is safe and useful in terms of skiing technology. In any case, you can leave your ski at any time and climb the remaining altitude difference on foot to take a look over the rocks into the Graswang Valley. The panorama is absolutely overwhelming and always worthwhile. Of course, the descent requires a lot of skiing technique, especially in the upper steep area.

The cottage evening

After skiing is over at 5 pm, the snow fun starts for ski tourers and sledgers, who are then allowed to have the slopes to themselves until they are groomed with the snow caterpillar. During the 2022/23 ski season, the Kolbensattelhütte remains open until 22:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a cozy evening in the hut.

A hut evening on the piston saddle is certainly recommended, regardless of whether you only manage the slopes from Oberammergau to piston saddle or the entire route to the tooth. Be sure to bring a good headlamp! After sunset, the snow slowly becomes drier and a bit lighter. Especially when the moon is full, the majestic rocks and the snow-covered forest are enchanting. Here outside the city, there are myriads of stars shining in the sky, which you can identify with an app on the go. On clear nights, it is sometimes so bright that you don't need any light even for the departure. And in severe frost, fresh ice crystals are formed on the surface of the snow, which shine like diamonds in the moonlight. In bad weather, on the other hand, it can be extremely windy, which is not harmless in the upper area. That is why you should check the weather forecast immediately before the ski tour.

From the Tooth Back to the Saddle, You Can Already See the Inviting Glowing Kolbensattelhütte and the Tourers Taking a Break or Changing Their Skis Next to the Hut with Their Powerful Head Lights This mix of warm and cold light in the middle of brilliant white snow is simply unforgettable. Numerous sledgers are also present at the hut evening and then ride down the slope with their pointed bobs with head light. The Hut offers its own hut evening menu with many delicacies from the region. Pure alpine experience!

Tips & info:

• Family Paradise piston caliper: Webpage
• The Kolbensattelhütte: Webpage
• Arriving by public transport: From the Hotel am Badersee, take the Eibsee bus or the Zugspitzbahn to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The 9606 regional bus to Oberammergau starts from the train station. From Oberammergau train station, it takes 10-15 minutes on foot to the Kolbensattel ski area.
• Arriving by car: From Hotel am Badersee, drive to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and continue on the B2 towards Ettal and Oberammergau. You pass Oberammergau and after the two tunnels, turn right into the village. Just after 50 m on the right, there is a marked turn-off to the piston saddle. Parking fees must be paid. A refund of parking fees is provided for skiers.
• DAV rules for ski tourers on the slopes in the Badersee blog
• Equipment rental for ski tourers: If you don't have your own equipment, it's for WN Alpin The specialist shop for ski mountaineers in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
• Excursions nearby: A day at Kolbensattel is also easy to combine with a visit to Linderhof Castle or the Center of Oberammergau. If you like, you can also use the Laber cable car Drive up - for an all-round experience of Oberammergau.

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