Accommodations in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen were merged into one town for the Olympics in 1936 and remain one entity today.  The only visible separation between what used to be the two towns is the river bisecting the town.  For the purpose of discussion, both are referred to here as they are in most conversation, by just calling them "Garmisch".  I contacted Gastehaus Hohe Tannen several months ago to inquire about rooms for Christmas 2011.  They have changed management in the last few months, and they requested I contact them in January 2011 for reservations.  As you can see, that's just around the corner!  I plan to try to stay at the Hohe Tannen becuase I found it a relaxing and traditional place to stay (with good breakfast and complimentary lebkuchen!), but there are plenty of other places to stay in Garmisch.  Some people may prefer more up-scale digs, and there are plenty of those also.  I made my reservations at the Hohe Tannen for December 2009 only a few months in advance, but the various hotels and guesthouses will begin filling up quickly by summer 2011.  I'm planning ahead.  Anyone wishing to get in on my reservation can let me know by January 2011 and I'll include you.  Hohe Tannen offers rooms for two, three, or four persons, and they have a small apartment available which offers accommodations for at least six people plus a common area.  I've attached the link to Hohe Tannen below, as well as a few other links for Garmisch.  Please view them at your own leisure.  If you'd rather make your own reservations - c'est la vie!  No problem!  I only ask that you talk to me ahead of time so I can give you some words of advice about the layout of the town, transportation, etc.  I don't want anyone unknowingly getting stuck on the outskirts of town.  Christmas is nearly upon us this year, and I'm excited at returning to Germany again soon.  Not soon enough!  Frohe Weihnachten!

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

Christmas in Germany 2011

  Welcome to the inaugural posting of my Christmas in Germany 2011 blog.  This is meant to be an information and discussion board for what I hope is a sequel to the highly successful Christmas 2009.  That trip was such an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend Christmas that I decided to make it a tradition and repeat it in 2011.  This may seem like long-term planning, but it is important to get a jump on things and it makes the final experience all the more enjoyable.  As before, I welcome all who wish to participate in a traditional and relaxing Christmas to join me.  I hope to make Christmas 2011 a trip to remember, set in the beautiful Bavarian Alps and filled with the spirit of Christmas.  This blog will provide you with up-to-date information about my plans, and provide you with the opportunity to help shape the experience.