Skiing and Snowboarding

Garmisch-Partenkirchen was the site of the 1936 Winter Olympics, and remains Germany's premier winter-sports resort. The upper slopes of the Zugspitze and surrounding mountains challenge the best ski buffs and snowboarders, and there are also plenty of runs for intermediate skiers and families. The area is divided into two basic regions. The Riffelriss with the Zugspitzplatt is Germany's highest skiing area, with snow pretty much guaranteed from December to May. Access is via the Zugspitzbahn funicular. Cost for a day pass is €52; a two-peak pass combining it with the Garmisch-Classic is €62. A three-day pass costs €88. The Garmisch-Classic has numerous lifts in the Alpspitz, Kreuzeck, and Hausberg regions. Day passes cost €26. The town has a number of ski schools and tour organizers, and information about all of them is available from the local tourist office. The Deutsche Alpenverein is another good contact for mountain conditions.

Alpine Auskunftstelle. The best local resource for information for all your snow sports needs is the Alpine office at the Garmisch tourist information office. Richard-Strauss-Pl. 2, Garmisch, Bavaria, 82467. 08821/180–700; www.gapa.de. Mid-Oct.–mid-Dec. and mid-Mar.–mid-May, weekdays 9–5, Sat. 9–3; mid-Dec.–mid-Mar. and mid-May–mid Oct., Mon.–Sat. 9–6, Sun. 10–noon.

Erste Skilanglaufschule Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Cross-country skiers should check on conditions or book a course here. Olympia-Skistadion, Osteingang, Erster Stock, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, 82467. 08821/1516; www.ski-langlauf-schule.de.

Skischule Alpin. Skiers looking for instruction can try the Skischule Alpin, which meets at the Hausbergbahn cable car station. Reintalstr. 8, Garmisch, Bavaria, 82467. 08821/945–676; www.alpin-skischule.de.