Skiball at the Kurhaus Baden-Baden

The Skiball — Baden-Baden's Carnival Highlight

When the fifth season reaches its peak, Baden-Baden is on stage with the Skiball. It is arguably the most elegant Carnival ball in the region — a mix of a masked ball, live concert, and disco night that draws over 1,500 guests to the magnificent Kurhaus Baden-Baden every year in early February. In 2026, the event takes place on Saturday, February 7, starting at 8:30 PM. As every year, a quick sell-out is expected.

Bénazetsaal and Runder Saal

The venue is the Bénazetsaal of the Kurhaus — the historic ballroom from 1824, where Dostoevsky set his "The Gambler." Adjacent to it, the Runder Saal opens as a second dance floor. In both rooms, live bands and DJs play a mixed program of Funk, Soul, Rock, and Pop. Those needing a break from dancing will find seating, bars, and small snack stations in the foyer, salons, and surrounding rooms.

Costume Competition

The hallmark of the Skiball is the costumes — and especially the group costumes. A fixed program point is the grand costume competition in the Bénazetsaal, where both individual costumes and elaborately designed group ideas are awarded. The costume creativity displayed by the people of Baden-Baden for decades — from historical robes and caricatured group ideas to opulent show outfits — is truly an attraction in itself. Those who come without a costume are not excluded, but are definitely in the minority.

Food and Drinks

Bars serve beer, wine, champagne, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. Various snack stations offer small specialties for quick hunger — bratwurst, fries, meatloaf, pretzels. For a full dinner before the ball, the city center's hotel restaurants (including Brenner's, Hotel Belle Époque, Atlantik Park) offer special menus.

Tradition of the Ski Club Baden-Baden

The organizer is Baden-Baden Events in cooperation with the Ski Club Baden-Baden — a detail that explains the historical connection: The ball originates from a time when the skiing community met for the season-ending party on the first weekend of February, before Easter. This tradition was brought to the Kurhaus ballroom after World War II and has grown into a Carnival institution over decades.

Baden-Baden — City of International Elegance

Baden-Baden is located on the western edge of the Northern Black Forest in the Baden-Baden district. The UNESCO World Heritage city of the "Great Spa Towns of Europe" is synonymous with sophisticated spa culture, an international casino, and elegant festivals. The Skiball fits perfectly into this setting — not a plush festival tent, but stucco ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and a live band on the stage of the Bénazetsaal.