Winter Sports in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

I spent Christmas 2009 in the twin villages of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Garmisch is best known for hosting the 1936 winter Olympic games, as well as sitting at the foot of Germany's highest mountain - the Zugspitze.  Naturally, downhill skiing is the most popular sport in the area, but not the only one.  Nearby is the bobsled training area for the German Olympic team, and cross-country skiing is very popular among the locals.  The town still operates a skating rink from the 1936 Olympics, which is open to the public for use.  Below is a link to the Winter Activity Guide for Edelweiss Lodge and Resort.  I'm attaching it as a reference guide to what is available, but one should not construe activities as limited to what's in the guide.  Additionally, I will attach some basic ski and snowboard information for lessons, rentals, and lift tickets.  In general, a day of alpine skiing to the best parts of the Alps, including lift ticket, equipment, and clothing if necessary, will cost about $75-$80.  I'm planning for two days of skiing during my trip, with the option of another day of skiing or another sporting activity.  I've always wanted to try cross-country and I may take this opportunity to do it.  The information below is directly from the Armed Forces Recreation Center website in Garmisch, and it is intended to be used as a guide only.  Many civilian rental facilities are available also.

Rental ski and snowboard equipment is only available during the winter season. The Hausberg Sport Lodge is planning to open during the Thanksgiving weekend.

Local German Lift Ticket Prices Winter 2009 - 2010
are subject to change based on Euro Exchange		Daily
Zugspitze Adult		$55
Zugspitze Youth		$42
Zugspitze Child		$35
Zugspitze Family Youth*		$25
*children 6-18 yrs old when accompanied by an adult.
Classic Valley Adult		$47
Classic Valley Youth		$37
Classic Valley Child		$30
Classic Valley 1/2 Day Adult		$40
Classic Valley 1/2 Day Youth		$33
Classic Valley 1/2 Day Child		$27
Berg-Tal Adult (One Round Trip)		$27
Berg-Tal Youth (One Round Trip)		$21
Berg-Tal Child (One Round Trip)		$19
This is valid only for one trip up and down the Hausberg Bahn.
*prices subject to change. Price includes a $3 refundable deposit once the ski card is returned.
Private Hausberg Lodge Ski Slope Lift Ticket Prices 2009 - 2010
Hausberg Backyard Adult		$20.00
Hausberg Backyard Child		$15.00
Hausberg Backyard 1/2 Day Adult		$15.00
Hausberg Backyard 1/2 Day Child		$12.00
Ages: Adult 19 and up, Youth 16 - 18, Child 6 - 15, 5 and under Free. Ticket prices are subject to change based on Euro exchange rate.
Alpine Ski Equipment	Daily	5 Day
Ski / Boots / Poles, Adult	$27	$110
Ski / Boots / Poles, Child	$24	$100
Ski Package with Clothing, Adult	$32	$130
Ski Package with Clothing, Child	$29	$125
Snowboard Package (Boots, Board)	$32	$130
Snowboard Package Child (Boots, Board)	$32	$130
Snowboard Package with Clothing	$37	$150
Snowboard Package with Clothing (Child)	$37	$150
Skis / Snowboard	$20/$25	$80/$100
Boots	$12	$50
Poles	$7	$25
Ski Jacket, Adult	$9	$35
Ski Jacket, Child	$9	$35
Ski Pants, Adult	$9	$35
Ski Pants, Child	$9	$35
Helmets	$9	$35
Other Equipment	Daily	5 Day
Sleds	$12	$45

Beginner Special (1 or 2 day lessons)
Learn the basic fundamentals of skiing or snowboarding at
a leisurely pace on our private slope. One day not enough?
Sign up for a 2-day lesson to practice even more. The
Beginner Special includes a 4-hour beginner lesson taught
by a certified instructor, equipment rental and a Hausberg
Backyard pass for the duration of you lesson. Please
contact the Vacation Planning Center, Hausberg Sport
Lodge or Alpine Adventures to sign up. 2-day lessons are
available starting Mondays and Saturdays. Helmets are now required for daily lessons are are available for rent at the Hausberg Lodge.

One Day Adult $99
One Day Child $99
Two Day Adult $189
Two Day Child $189

http://www.edelweisslodgeandresort.com/images/winter_GUIDE_A5