Bavaria: From Olympic Venues To Wonderful Cross-Country Skiing -
The German Alps, known as the Bavarian Alps, is home to hundreds of ski resorts. The slopes benefit from reliable snow cover and a modern lift system. An increasing number of tour operators are featuring Bavarian resorts in their brochures.
The Garmisch-Partenkirchen area offers skiing between 750-2050 metres and has some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Germany. The 75 kilometres of downhill runs are linked by 28 cable railways and ski lifts, which can transport 16,000 skiers an hour. The world-famous Kandahara and Olympic slopes are used for the annual World Cup Ski competition.
Garmisch also features 110 kilometres of cross-country skiing and ski schools that specialise in cross-country training. This Bavarian ski resort was the site of the 1936 Winter Olympics as well as the 1978 Alpine World Championships. The resort is set to host the Winter Olympic Games again in 2018. Other winter sports here include ice skating, sledding, and winter walking trails.
The Zugspitze sits south of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. At nearly 3000 metres, the Zugspitze is Germany’s highest mountain. 300 metres below the summit is the Zugspitz glacier, which can be reached by cable car. The glacier is complete with a restaurant and sun terrace in which to enjoy the views. The mountain is also home to Zugspitzgebiet – Germany’s highest ski resort. Slopes of all grades range between 2000-2830 metres. Off-piste skiing is particularly popular here and snowboarders will find a fun park and halfpipe.
Snowboarders are in their element on the Zugspitze Plateau with its wide slopes, varied terrain and natural obstacles. One of the most popular snowboarding events of the season is "Spring in the Park" with its snow park, pipes, chill-out lounge, and legendary party atmosphere. Connected to Zugspitzgebiet is the lesser-known resort of Alpspitzgebiet, with 38 kilometres of slopes ranging between 750 and 2050. The surrounding countryside is known for its outstanding natural beauty.
Hausberggebiet has been a ski resort since 1926. Once a year, downhill and SuperG skiers compete in the World Cup competitions. The resort is known for its sunny slopes and challenging descents, such as Alpspitze, Kreuzeck, and Hausberg. The Olympia descent is another challenging slope for experts. The modern Kreuzeck cable car transports skiers to the top in seven minutes. The mountain is dotted with panoramic restaurants where skiers and enjoy traditional Bavarian beer and cake.
Hochallgau Balderschwang offers 30 kilometres of ski runs for all levels, from beginners to experts. There is also 40 kilometres of cross-country runs, a halfpipe for boarders and endless après ski options. Reliable snow cover lasts from December to April.
Other ski resorts in Bavaria include: Geisskopf (1139 metres), Hohenbogen (1139 metres), Mitterdorf (1139 metres), Ochsenkopf (1024 metres), and Sonnenwald (1139 metres).
The town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is served by the A95 Autobahn and has railway connections to Munich, Innsbruck, Reutte and to the Zugspitze.
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