In addition to hikes, family trips and festivities in summer as well as in winter, the Wank is also suitable for ski tours during the winter season. Relatively avalanche proof, with varied views, a beautiful downhill run and cozy places to stop for refreshments, a ski tour trip to the panoramic mountain can be made sporty but also moderately demanding.

Tour profile

Difficulty level: medium
Route length: approx. 8 km (ascent only)
ascents: 1,000 hm

07:15 a.m.: The snowfall, which was long-awaited on the one hand, also ensures that the Garmisch mountains were covered by enormous amounts of snow in a very short time. As a result, almost all ski tour routes are still impossible at the weekend due to an increased risk of avalanches.

All that remains is the wank to go on a relatively safe ski tour here. Our small group meets in the dark at the Wankbahn valley station in Partenkirchen. At this time, it is still very empty and the fresh snow is still almost untouched. The ascent route starts directly at the car park, runs first along the side of the road, then branches off to the left and climbs steeply parallel to the mountain railway for the first few meters. From here on, we're out in the wild and we turn on our LVS devices. A short time later, we have to turn left again to follow the mountain road to Esterbergalm.

7:30 a.m.: The road has already been cleared, so we keep looking for small detours through the snow-enchanted forest, where the still completely untouched snowfall delights us. The weather forecast predicts snowfall for the whole day, so avalanche equipment also makes sense on Wank. After about 40 minutes walking from the car park, we reach the famous Daxkapelle at an altitude of about 1,000 m. From here, the path becomes a bit flatter for a short time. However, after we have passed the Farchant confluence (the alternative ascent to Esterbergalm — see below), it gets very steep again — it is the steepest section of the whole route. Nevertheless, at this time of day, there are a few people who overtake us on the climb. Some people are really bursting with energy!

8:40 a.m.: Shortly before the Esterbergalm, it gets flat again and we reach the Esterberg high valley. Here we first reach the “Wank über Frauenmahd” junction. We usually like to use this climb, but today we will take the route via “Rosswank”, because given the current weather and snow conditions, the climb via Frauenmahd is not recommended due to the risk of avalanches. So we continue on the flat road and take the path right up to Rosswank just before the Esterbergalm.

When snow conditions are ideal, the Esterbergalm is a popular starting point for various ski tours. For beginners, there is a relatively relaxed ski tour trail from Krün to Esterbergalm. Depending on fitness and skiing technique, other routes are available to experienced tourers, e.g. to Bischof, Weilheimer Hütte, Hoher Fricken or Krottenkopf. The Hohe Kiste can also be reached from here.

09:00 a.m.: The difference in altitude from Partenkirchen to Esterbergalm is approx. 650 m, so we still have about 500 m to reach the Wank summit. The ascent slope runs in long loops across the former ski slope. It slowly stops snowing and I look back down at the Esterbergalm through the clouds.

9:50 a.m.: When we reach the summit, the sun also comes out and casts its warm rays over the snow-covered mountains. Crowned with the Zugspitze, the Wetterstein stands in front of us in full splendor — it's not for nothing that the Wank Panoramaberg is called. On a cleared road, we now walk comfortably over the flat wide Wank summit over to the summit cross, which is located near the Wankhaus.

10:15 a.m.: The Wank is truly popular with ski tourers, but also with winter hikers, so it is not surprising that there are already many tourers at the summit cross today. However, the strong north wind makes a leisurely break at the cross impossible today. Yet there are the tough guys who bravely defy any wind on the cross, while the others hide in the wake of the Wankhaus. I too tremble intensely, but remain on the cross with the boys for reasons of camaraderie. However, when the snowplow passes us to clear the roads from the masses of snow, it also blows icy snow dust over to us. That's enough for everyone. We've had enough, change our skis and head back down the mountain towards the valley.

10:30 a.m.: The descent down the old ski slope on Rosswank is almost a luxury: the slope is wide, moderately steep, has no trees or other obstacles and is not yet overcrowded at the early hour. The soft, loose fresh snow is a real reward for all the effort you have experienced during the climb. In just a few minutes, we reach the Esterbergalm again.

From the alpine pasture, you have to carry the ski briefly until you reach the point that leads towards the valley with enough slope. From here, it's time to go along the old ski slope, which will soon be back on Esterbergstraße. More and more people are coming to meet us - on touring skis, on foot or by sled and bob. It even happens that you meet people here who go up on winter tires with their e-bikes and have touring skis in their luggage. You save yourself the trouble and only climb up from the Esterbergalm. You then have to be very careful on the forest road, as it is not entirely safe when there is a lot of traffic. In some places, the road is also very steep and icy; you have to brake hard to prevent a collision. Fortunately, the Daxkapelle is back in sight: here I can turn left into the forest, where there are fewer tourers on the road.

11:20 a.m.: We have reached the car park again, which is now fully occupied at this time. Especially now that the sun is shining divinely from the sky, many are on their way to enjoy the Wank. The ski tour to the Wank summit was definitely very exciting again, especially as it is not as demanding as many similar ski tours with an altitude difference of approx. 1,000 — 1,200 meters. And at the end, there was also a magnificent panoramic view of the snow-covered landscape and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Alternative ascension of Farchant

Because of its area, the Wank summit receives relatively early and evenly snowing in autumn, plus the Rosswank downhill run on the northern slope and often offers an earlier ski season opening for true winter fans even in December when temperatures are right. However, the snow line often only reaches the Esterbergalm. The same applies in winter when there is a lack of snow. So it's no wonder that many people use winter e-bikes. However, if you don't have a winter e-bike, you usually have to climb up to the Esterbergalm on foot. After all, that's only for the hardened.

There is an alternative climb from Farchant. At the “Skilift am Ried — Warmfreibad Farchant” car park, take the forest road to the left just before the car park, where the narrow trail then branches off to the left again after approx. 150 m (signs for Esterbergalm). The picturesque and varied trail takes you up to Esterbergstraße in several loops. When descending, the Grödel or crampons are highly recommended due to icing.

Rise via Frauenmahd

In a relaxed avalanche location, the picturesque climb over the women's mowing covered with pine trees is a nice and quiet alternative to the bare Rosswank slope. However, there must be enough snow to do this, as the steep trail has many steps, which are unfortunately difficult to ski when there is less snow, especially in the middle area. However, this is the only downside, otherwise the tourer is rewarded several times with beautiful views of Fricken, Esterbergalm and Farchant. In addition, the small trail arrives directly at the summit cross, but across the Rosswank it is still about 20 minutes that you have to walk across the summit area before you reach the cross.

Tips & info:

• Wankbahn car park: A parking fee must be paid
• Please note that in winter, the Wankbahn only opens for 2 weeks over Christmas and New Year
• Places to stop for refreshments on the Wank: Sonnenalm am Wank
• Places to stop for refreshments on the Wank: Wankhaus
• Refreshments along the way: Esterbergalm
• Wank again: All Wank experiences in the Badersee blog
• The Badersee blog: Alps “for dummies” — safety in the mountains for beginners in winter

‍