Garmisch riding guide - World Snowboard Guide

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Freeriding

Freeride: In the Classic area, from the top of the Alpspitzseilbahn cablecar you can head off-piste under the Hochalmbahn which will avoid the very flat 15 run. Then as you head over to Kreuzeck and Hausberg, its a case of learning where you can drop in to the tight trees, in order to avoid some of the slow narrow paths that litter this area.

Up on the Zugspitzplatt, some easy hiking from the t-bars will afford you some good virgin snow. But always be aware of the avalanche risk.

On the way down, dont take the train all the way. Instead, get off after the tunnel and either take the 5km run, or you can drop in to the tight trees and pick up the trail later on. Things do get narrow and flat later, so tuck 'em in and go for it.

Freestylers

Freestyle: Theres a terrain park situated on the Zugspitz, running parallel to the two Number One t-bars. The lack of snow over the past few seasons means there is no longer a halfpipe up there, although there is a decent long regular & pro line containing various kickers and rails, which is also used be the GAP1328 summer camp.

Away from the park,theres little natural freestyle terrain. You will often see the locals building small jumps around the extremely picturesque Kreuzalm.

Pistes

Pistes: Garmisch is famous for its notorious Kandahar descent, a 3.5km black run starting from the top of Kreuzeck. Its a testing run, blighted by the number of trails that cross over it at the top section adn it can often be bullet ice the further down you head. 2mins is the time to aim for.

Most of the trails in the classic area are narrow skier paths where boarders will struggle for speed. Contrast this to the Zugspitz area, where wide treeless, non-icy pistes are the norm.

Beginners

Around the top of the Hausberg area is most suited for beginners, with some wide slopes serviced by a chair and some poma lifts, but this isnt a good beginners' resort. You may be best heading to nearby Mittenwald or Seefeld.

Resort Statistics

Resort Type: Alpine
Winter: Dec to April
Summer: None

Lifts

Total Lifts: 36
Cable cars: 6
Gondolas: 1
Chair lifts: 5
Drag lifts: 24
Other lifts: 1 Track Railway
Max people per hour: 50,000
Board Leashes required: Yes

Mountain

Total pistes/trails: 34
Total ride area: 60km
Longest run: 2.5miles (3km)

Top lift: 2830m
Vertical drop: 2000m
First lift: 830m

Piste suitability

Green runs: 49%
Red runs: 49%
Black runs: 2%

Lift Passes

Lift Passes:
Zugspitz
Day pass 36 euros
Classic area
Half-day 23.5 euros
Day pass 29.5 euros
Lift times:8.30am to 8.30pm

Snowfall

Artificial snowmaking coverage: 15%

Facilities

Snowboard Schools: 6 days with 3 hour lessons from 110 euros
Snowboard Hire: Board & boots 20 euros a day
Night Riding: : Until 8:30pm