Best Garmisch-Partenkirchen Snowboarding

Southwest of Munich and Garmisch - Partenkirchen, there are two distinct ski regions including the Zugspitze and the Garmisch-Classic. These two ski areas are interconnected by ski bus and have a combined 21 main lifts serving 60km of pistes. Known as an intermediates paradise, the pistes are ideal for beginners and early intermediates since there are only three pistes classified as black-difficult.

The Garmisch-Classic ski area is located close to the city of Garmisch - Partenkirchen on the south side. It is accessible by bus from the train station. It has 40km of pistes served by 16 main lifts accessing a maximum descent of 1310m. The levels of difficulty range from 30% beginner to 35% intermediate to 35% difficult. It is spread across three zones over 3 peaks including Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitze. The Kreuzeck zone is perfect for advanced intermediate and expert snowboarders, and it is home to the epic Kandahar descend. The Alpspitze zone is high above treeline and offers the most challenging lines. If you are looking for some challenging off-piste snowboarding runs, try heading up the Alpspitzeilbahn and look under the Hochalmbahn.

The Zugspitze ski area is located further southwest from the city. It is interconnected to both the train station and the Garmisch Classic lifts by bus. It has 11 pistes totalling 20km that are served by 5 main lifts accessing a maximum descent of 720m. It is popular for its beginner and intermediate slopes. The levels of difficulty range from 35% beginner to 65% intermediate. If you are looking for some challenging off-piste snowboarding runs, try heading up the Zugspitzplatt, try hiking off the t-bar lifts but beware of avalanche terrain. In addition to the Zugspitz massif, there are several smaller ski areas located on the southern Austrian side of the mountain. If you want it, there is a common lift pass available that covers all the ski areas on all sides of the Zugspitz.

For the freestylers in your group, try checking out the terrain park located near the Hexenkessel lift. This 4000 square meter park has rails, tubes and kickers to session.

If you are looking for a happening apres ski scene, this is may not be the place for you. But, you can always check out either Miris Hutt'n or Becks Stadl. Otherwise, rest up and prepare for a rowdy, but very expensive nightclub scene. If you're looking for an authentic local dinner, try checking out Gasthof Schahen or Joseph Haus Stubn at Hotel Zugspitze.

Pros
• Plenty of high elevation terrain.
• Reliable snowpack on upper slopes.
• Good on-mountain huttes.
• Popular terrain park.

Cons
• Few expert pistes.
• Limited off-piste terrain.
• Crowded on weekends.
• Known to be expensive.

The best way to reach the snowboarding at Garmisch - Partenkirchen from Munich is by the hourly direct train that runs to the main train station in Garmisch. From the main station, there is a smaller train that runs right up to the lifts.

TIP: With the convenient train service from Munich, the Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski areas are very crowded on the weekends. A three-day, mid-week trip to Garmisch would be ideal.

Overall, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the 1st most popular snowboard & freeride destination of all 30 snowboarding resorts in Germany.