← All Programs

Germany

Germany & Austria: Winter Ski and Snow

8 days | Ages 14-18 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

1 / 18

Explore the winter wonderland of Bavaria! You’ll visit Munich and Salzburg to enjoy the holiday period, then travel to the mountains for a real alpine adventure in the snow. This program offers the opportunity to experience aspects of Germany and Austria you can’t see in our summer programs. Bundle up and grab something hot to drink while you ring in the New Year in this one-of-a-kind program!

Program Tuition

$3,395

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

No departures scheduled

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic since 2018

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Gute Reise

Gute Reise means "safe travels" and we hope today's travels are smooth. Fly to Munich to start your adventure!
2

Welcome to Munich

Settle into your accommodations and dive right into the city. Visit Marienplatz to see the charming Glockenspiel show. Then, wander through the Viktualienmarkt, and try some artisanal cheeses and other treats. Over the two days, you’ll discover Munich’s history and culture.
4

Into the Alps

The real adventure begins as we head to Bad Reichenhall, our base for the rest of the program, where we’ll ring in the new year. Spend the day snowshoeing on alpine trails and even try tobogganing with your new friends.
5

New Year in Austria

Kick off the New Year with a trip to Salzburg. Stroll through the Old Town, visit the Mirabell Gardens, and shop at one of Europe’s oldest Advent markets. Handmade crafts make great souvenirs, and the market offers plenty of food and warm drinks to try.
6

Bad Reichenhall

Explore the town of Bad Reichenhall. Unleash your inner marksman in an archery lesson, and learn how to build an igloo or craft beautiful ice sculptures. End the day off with a short hike from the base house to get some fresh mountain air.
7

Ski Day!

Spend the morning skiing in the Bavarian Alps with local instructors. After a morning on the slopes, we’ll take a break at Schlegelmulde, a charming alpine hut on the Predigstuhl. We’ll visit the Ortovox avalanche training center and get an opportunity to practice using avalanche rescue equipment, like transceivers, probes, and shovels.
8

Auf Wiedersehen

Today we will wake up and travel back to Munich to catch your flight back home or on to your next adventure!

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Germany

What Do Parents Ask?

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Germany offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

Included:

  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support

Not included:

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?