Germany & Austria: Winter Ski and Snow

Germany & Austria: Winter Ski and Snow

Questions? Call (440) 975-9691 for an admissions counselor

2025 Travel Dates

Dec. 27, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026 Available Enroll Now

Explore the winter wonderland of Bavaria! You’ll visit amazing sights in Munich and Salzburg to enjoy the holiday period, then get into the mountains to enjoy the famous snow. This program will give you a chance to see a side 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 Profile
Program Profile

Accommodation


Students will begin their program with a stay in a centrally located Munich hotel, offering comfortable, gender-separated rooms with easy access to the city’s historic sites and markets. The Munich accommodation provides a safe, welcoming environment for students to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

For the remainder of the program, students will stay at a cozy guesthouse in Bad Reichenhall in the Bavarian Alps, exclusive to the Rustic Pathways group. Rooms are separated by gender and feature bunk beds, with shared bathrooms and plenty of communal spaces for group activities. The property is conveniently located near program sites in Germany and Austria, providing a comfortable and supportive base for student travelers.

We are so excited to have you join us in Germany! Below is a recommended packing list based on what past students and staff used most during their time in Germany & Austria. Keep in mind that this is a recommendation and you should factor in your personal preferences and habits when it comes to items like socks, underwear, etc. We recommend packing for cold weather! 

Most importantly, each student will need to be able to carry their luggage. Throughout the program, you will be moving your bag through the airport, loading and unloading from the cars, up and down stairs, and short distances across uneven terrain.

Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:

Personal Item Bag

A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for daily activities and outings.

Travel Items

  • Passport and Wallet
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Consent to Travel Letter (for students under 19, recommended by the U.S. State Dept. but not required)
  • Copy of health insurance
  • Refillable Water bottle

Personal Items

  • Medication
  • Extra pair of clothing (shirt/sweater, pants, underwear)
  • Sunglasses
  • Book and/or journal & pen

Electronics

  • Phone, Camera & Headphones
  • Chargers
  • Electrical adapter/converter Type C (European two-round pin plug)
Carry-on Luggage (Or checked)

A 40-50 liter duffel bag/backpack is ideal. Remember, you’ll need to be able to carry all your luggage.

Clothes

  • Socks (6-7, recommend wool socks and at least 1-2 thick pairs. For skiing, either ski socks or knee-high socks )
  • Underwear (7-8)
  • T-shirts (2)
  • Long-sleeved shirts (2-3)
  • Fleece / Sweaters (2-3)
  • Pants (3-4)
  • Snowpants (1)
  • Coat (1-2)(One for winter activities, one for city seeing. One for both is great too) 
  • Thermal Underwear/base layers (2-3)
  • Pajamas
  • Shoes (Comfortable & warm walking shoes for city seeing)
  • Boots (Waterproof for winter activities)
  • Gloves (1-2 pair, one insulated)
  • Scarf
  • Hat (toque/beanie)
  • Ski goggles (if you prefer)
    Toiletries

    (Travel-size bottles in Ziploc bags)

    • Shampoo
    • Conditioner
    • Body wash
    • Face wash
    • Toothbrush
    • Toothpaste
    • Deodorant
    • Sunscreen
    • Feminine hygiene products
    • Contacts & solution or spare glasses
    • Foam earplugs/eye mask
    • Wet wipes
    • Razor/shaving gel
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Chapstick
    Pro Travel Tips:

    ✅ Travel light. Pack only the essentials. We strongly encourage only carry-on-sized luggage.

    ✅  Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on.

    ✅ Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home

    ✅  Pack clothes that are acceptable for cold weather. This includes appropriate footwear.

    ✅ Typically, the temperature is between 20-40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, we will be outside for extended periods of time, it will be cold.