The Black Forest long-distance ski trail is one of the most impressive cross-country ski routes in Central Europe. It runs for a total of 100 kilometers from Schonach in the north to Multen am Ballon in the south and offers cross-country skiers a unique winter adventure through the snowy landscape of the Southern Black Forest.

The route and its challenges

The long-distance ski trail stretches over 13 stages and climbs approximately 2.800 meters in altitude. The route is marked in one direction only—from Schonach to Belchen—and should not be hiked in the opposite direction, as some climbs are not suitable for downhill use. The markings consist of orange plastic discs bearing the logo of the Ski Hiking Trails Association.

The first stages lead from Schonach via Weißenbach to St. Martin's Chapel (approx. 16 km in total) and are classified as moderate to difficult. From St. Martin's Chapel, the route continues over the Brend to Neueck (another 8,5 km) on easy to moderate sections. The remaining stages lead via Hinterzarten and the Feldberg to the end point at Belchen.

The level of difficulty varies considerably – while some sections are also suitable for less experienced cross-country skiers, the downhill sections in particular require a certain level of technical skiing skills, especially in unfavourable snow conditions such as crusty snow and ice.

The legendary backpack run

A special highlight in the Black Forest cross-country skiing calendar is the annual Backpack Run, held in February. In this unique competition, the 100 km of the long-distance ski trail (or the shortened 60 km to Hinterzarten) are completed in one go. Each participant is responsible for their own food, wax, and transportation and must carry a backpack with a minimum weight (4 kg for men, 3 kg for women).

The Backpack Race will be offered in both classic and freestyle. The next date for this special event is February 14, 2026. The course will be particularly well-prepared during the Backpack Race.

Equipment and preparation

Since the trails are largely machine-groomed, only cross-country or cross-country skis are recommended. Short skis with skins, such as those used in high-altitude tourism, are not suitable. Due to the frequently changing snow conditions, Nowax skis or scaly skis are also recommended. Skating is possible almost throughout, with the exception of the section on the Feldberg (Rinken – Grüblesattel), which is not machine-groomed.

It's essential to bring a backpack with provisions, wax, cold protection, a change of underwear, and socks. Despite numerous rest stops along the route, emergency provisions (chocolate, glucose tablets, fruit) are recommended.

The long-distance ski trail is technically demanding and requires good physical fitness. Older skiers are recommended to undergo a medical examination before attempting the trail.

Practical information

The cross-country ski trail map is available on the homepage www.fernskiwanderweg.de or at some tourist information offices and should definitely be taken along on the tour. Current information on snow reports and trail conditions can be found in the Cross-country ski trail portal (Enter “Fernski” for free text).

For planning overnight stays, numerous hosts available along the route. Since the long-distance ski trail is not a circular route, we recommend using public transport to and from the trail:

• How to Arrive to the starting pointFrom Offenburg take the Black Forest Railway to Triberg, from there take the bus to Schonach (stop: Triberger Straße).

• Departure from the destination: From Multen by bus from Aitern (stop: Multen) to Freiburg in Breisgau (main station).

Use of the long-distance ski trail is free, but donations for maintenance and marking are welcome. The association assumes no liability; DSV ski insurance is recommended.

Accommodation along the long-distance ski trail

• Gasthof Schwanen – Inn in Schonach
• Hotel Rebstock – Country hotel in Schonach
• Wilhelmshöhe Inn – Inn in Schonach
• Kolmenhof mountain guesthouse – Mountain guesthouse in Furtwangen
• Gasthof Zum Hirschen – Inn in Furtwangen
• Guesthouse Kalte Herberge – Guesthouse in Vohrenbach
• Hotel “Zur Traube” – Hotel in Waldau
• Gasthaus Sonne Neuhäusle – Inn in St. Märgen
• Hotel Schwarzwaldhof – Hotel in Hinterzarten
• Hotel-Café Imbery – Hotel and café in Hinterzarten
• Waldhotel on the Notwriting Pass – Forest Hotel in Todtnau
• Hotel-restaurant-café Belchen-Multen – Hotel with restaurant in Aitern

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)