Rooms booked in Garmisch!

I have rooms booked at Gästehaus Hohe Tannen for 21-28 December, in anticipation of at least one night in Munich on the back side of the trip before departure.  I have also booked one extra room which will go on a first come - first served basis.  I'm not sure if other rooms will be available later at Hohe Tannen, as they seem to be filling up quickly.  I'm still confident that rooms will be available at other guesthouses / hotels until much later in the year, and in close proximity to Hohe Tannen.  Guesthouse Maria Anna is on the same street and looks like a wonderful place to stay.  If more people (4) become interested later and want two rooms together, I can give up the two at Hohe Tannen to them.  The extra room available at Hohe Tannen is-

Double room with shower/ WC, hair-dryer and Satellite-TV and
telephone. Price is 43,00 EUR per person per night
including breakfast buffet but excluding visitor's tax (2,00 EUR per adult
and night).

Trip Dates

In order to get a jump on reservations at Gastehaus Hohe Tannen I need to firm up trip dates.  I'm tentatively planning on the following dates for the trip-

20 December -         Departure
21 December -         Arrival (AM)
21 - 27 December - Garmisch (7 nights)
28 December -         Munich (1 night)
29 December -         Depart from Munich

Naturally, I'm entirely flexible on the dates.  I am in no hurry to depart Germany, and could easily stay longer.  As a matter of fact, locking in reservations for Hohe Tannen based upon these dates would still enable flexibility for additional days (nights) in Munich.  I have selected the dates above on the assumption that most people cannot get away too long, but it would take about a half second to convince me to extend the trip on either or both ends.  I need a little feedback here!   Flight reservations and hotel accomodations in Munich are not nearly as time sensitive as reservations in Garmisch - these can wait until a couple months before the trip.

Estimated Cost of Trip

Happy New Year!  I am excited at the arrival of the new year and my plans for returning to Germany for Christmas this year.  It was great to see family over the holidays, but I am more resolved than ever to continue my new tradition of spending Christmas in Germany.  I have made contact once again with Gastehaus Hohe Tannen to ensure availability of the separate apartment and several rooms in the main house.  I will be making reservations soon, based upon tentative commitments from individuals.  In the meantime, I'm attaching a basic estimate of expenses for the trip.  This is only an estimate, as prices AND exchange rates fluctuate.  Lodging costs are averaged and based upon double-occupancy.  Food costs are based upon individuals eating the provided breakfast, simple lunches and snacks, and modest evening meals.  Cost of alcohol is not included, although beer runs only slightly more than soft drinks.  I suggest early and often searches for airfares to MUNICH to ensure the best fares.  Please don't make the mistake of booking into Frankfurt am Main, as this will add considerable time and expense to the last leg of your trip to Garmisch (and possibly a rescue mission performed by ME!).  Skiing and snowboarding costs are estimated below; activities abound for those who do not wish to ski or snowboard.  I expect to firm up my dates in the next few weeks, although yours my vary.  Tschuss!
John

Estimated Costs of basic expenses - minus extraneous expenses (souvenirs, etc.)
Airfare to Munich				$900.00
Lodging (based upon dual occupancy)				$225.00
Transportation (trains, buses, auto)				$100.00
Skiing / Snowboarding (based upon two days)				$150.00	(not applicable to all persons)
Food				$250.00
Side Trips (castles, tours, etc.)				$100.00
Total (estimated)				$1575-$1725