The lockdown in winter 2020/21 has led to a new boom in touring skiing. Since the gondolas were closed, many skiers switched to touring skiing and discovered this winter sport for themselves. The Garmisch-Classic ski area is a perfect entry point for beginners who want to try out ski tours safely and easily. Even though the ski area is a bit overcrowded.

Tour profile

Difficulty level: medium to difficult
Route length: approx. 11 km (ascent only)
ascents: 1,400 hm

On tour along the slopes

Ski tours in the ski area naturally have its advantages. In particular, ski areas are well protected, which is particularly important for beginners. Slopes are located away from dangerous crash sites; other avalanche areas are marked with a band or a sign. These markings are also available outside operating hours. The risk of avalanches in the ski area is usually low, as safety explosions occur when there is heavy snow. As a result, ski tourers usually do not need avalanche equipment and the backpack is therefore much lighter.

The downhill run in the ski area is also generally safer. The ski slopes are regularly maintained; there are no rocks or fallen trees along the way that could otherwise be hidden in the snow in the wild. If snow is not yet available all over the heights, especially at the beginning of winter, snow cannons are busy producing snow. This means that the slopes are snow-covered more or less evenly. In the ski area, you can therefore usually ski from the parking lot.

Other benefits of ski tours along ski slopes for beginners include first aid supplies, should anything happen, the opportunity to stop off or even the opportunity to return from the summit by cable car. However, as a ski tourer, you have to stay on the edge of the slopes, because you share the slopes with numerous alpine skiers and snowboarders who come to you from above.

Ski tours on slopes: 10 DAV tips

If you have no experience with ski tours yet, take the following tips from the German Alpine Association into your hand to make your ski tour safe. Otherwise, be sure to pay attention to our Safety tips for beginners.

10 DAV tips

• Climbing and descending are carried out at your own risk and responsibility, even during ski tours on slopes.
• The ascent is only allowed on the edge of the slopes. Please note: Walk one after the other and not next to each other, and keep an eye on skiing.
• Attention: Particular care must be taken against peaks, in narrow passages and on steep slopes, when icing and when crossing slopes.
• Never walk on blocked slopes! It is important to follow local information and route guidelines.
• Great care should be taken when working on the slopes. There is a risk of life when using winches — in this case, the ski slopes are closed for safety reasons.
• In the dark: Reflective clothing and a headlamp switched on are highly recommended. Freshly prepared ski slopes should only be used in the peripheral areas.
• Watch out for alpine hazards, especially avalanche risks! Do not carry out ski tours in ski areas where avalanches are expected.
• Only go on ski tours when there is enough snow! It is important to prevent damage to plant and soil cover.
• Be considerate of wild animals! Especially at dusk and in the dark, animals can feel severely disturbed by the presence of winter sports enthusiasts. Dogs may not be taken onto the ski slopes.
• Parking regulations should be heeded and parking fees paid. If possible: Travel in an environmentally friendly manner. From Hotel am Badersee, you can take the Zugspitzbahn to the local mountain. The fare is included in the tourist tax.
  
  

German Alpine Club: 10 DAV tips for ski tours on slopes - full version

Ski tour to Osterfelderkopf (2,057 m)

Tour profile

Difficulty level: difficult
Route length: approx. 11 km (ascent)
ascents: 1,500 hm

The Osterfelderkopf is a small summit that is widely known for the Alpspitzbahn mountain station and the nearby Alpspixx viewing platform. Today we decide to go on a ski tour to Osterfelderkopf as a group of three. We want to start before the ski area opens, so that we reach at least the local mountain before the busy season starts.

07:10 a.m.: The recommended parking lot for tourers is at the Garmisch Eisstadion, from there we walk about 400 m to the local mountain. At this time, it is still dark in mid-January. However, we are not the first tourers who are already on the road. A few small lights that come from headlamps can be switched off on the slopes. Sporty locals like to go up the mountain for a round before work. The ascent is on the edge of the slopes for now, but after about 40 minutes, our trail branches off to the right into the forest towards Tonihütte. It's getting lighter now, although the morning is still cloudy. We hope that the sun will still come out.

The route to the local mountain is steep, as you have to climb 650 meters in altitude here at once. However, apart from a few bare steep areas, you can make good progress on the relatively level ski slope. The route is easy to see and is adequately signposted at the forks. The last section is a bit flatter and offers a beautiful view of the Alpspitze. Here we treat ourselves to a short drinking break.

9:30 a.m.: At around 9 o'clock, we pass the local mountain and reach the Trögl Tunnel shortly. Tourers are prohibited from entering the 90-meter long tunnel. You should use the underpass for tourers below the tunnel. The Kandahar downhill is currently not passable: it is being prepared for the World Ski Championships, there is a €1,000 fine for unauthorized persons. The Kandahar Express chairlift is already fully operational: professional athletes are training here this week. We will soon reach the Hexenkessel via the lower ski trail.

10:00 a.m.: The Kreuzalm (1,600 m) is already open. From here, continue to Kreuzeck, then there is an important fork: first slightly to the left (towards Hochalm) and immediately to the right towards Längenfelder. The slope between Kreuzeck and Hochalm is relatively narrow, so it is not desirable for ski tourers to close the edge of the slope. In addition, this detour makes it possible to avoid loss of altitude when walking on the slopes to the Hochalm. The rest of the route therefore runs along a road below the Längenfelderbahn. Here we have a wonderful panoramic view of the Alpspitze, the Bernadeinkopf and other mountains. The idyllic snow-covered mountains suddenly fascinate us and we rave about it. Where else but in the Alps can you enjoy such views! Our further tour takes you across a snow-covered mountain meadow below the Alpspitze, where cows graze idyllically in summer. Behind the Hochalm (1,705 m), the Längenfelderstraße returns to the slopes.

11:00 a.m.: At the foot of Bernadeinkopf, the track bends to the right and we reach the well-known breakthrough. One of the most interesting tours for experienced mountaineers in Garmisch-Classic starts here at the bend: to Bernadeinkopf via the “Schöngänge” (see below). The Alpspitze is massif on the left side. Fortunately, the avalanche situation is relatively relaxed today. When going on ski tours, you always have to pay attention to the snow-covered rocks above the ski slope.

11:30 a.m.: After the breakthrough, you can already see the Alpspitzbahn mountain station. The last slope is particularly sweaty. The air is icy at -14 degrees, but the effort doesn't make me cold. I briefly consider how many calories I'm burning on this piece alone now for a later reward for all that effort. After several loops, I reach the upper sidewalk, where dozens of tourers and climbers usually pass by in summer.

Having arrived at Osterfelderkopf (2,057 m), we are not the first ski tourers. Others have already made the climb before us and are now enjoying a warm drink from their thermos flasks. Now that we've completed the climb, we notice the freezing temperatures and a cold wind is blowing around our eyes. The restaurant on Osterfelderkopf is full, no wonder at lunchtime. So we don't want to stay here for long, we also drink a sip of tea from our thermos flasks, peel off the skins quickly and go straight back down again.

12:40 p.m.: To get back to the Hausberg car park, we drive past Kreuzeck as usual, then turn right before reaching the Hausberg and reach the Kochelberg exit via the Adamswiesen. It was once again a nice ski tour for us and we can reach our cars safely.

More tours in the Garmisch-Classic ski area

Ski tours in the Garmisch-Classic ski area are at least as fun as skiing downhill and the area is recommended for beginners. For advanced surfers, there are also some branches that you can take advantage of, and above all, you can walk many meters in altitude.

The ski tour to Osterfelderkopf at 1,400 m is, in other words, along the “main route” — across the local mountain, Kreuzeck and Hochalm. Here are a few more suggestions on how you can spend a winter day in the Garmisch-Classic ski area with touring skis, snowshoes or on foot — and what you need to consider when doing so.

!!! Risk of avalanches!!! The Garmisch-Classic ski area is fairly flat in the ridge area, so the risk of avalanches is relatively low. The avalanche-proof ascent runs over the local mountain and continues along the “main route” to the Hochalm. Ski tourers in Garmisch-Classic must stay on the designated winter trails and comply with local regulations (e.g. restricted areas). On winter tours, everyone must assess the situation for themselves, even if the tour is considered avalanche proof. Outside the “main route” and also above the Hochalm, it is essential to wear avalanche equipment.

Climbs from the valley

• Shorten the “main route” or plan small detours. For beginners, the described ski tour of 1,400 m will be a bit too exhausting. When they reach the local mountain, most people immediately turn back. However, you can go a little further here — e.g. to the Kreuzwankl ski lift mountain station (800 m in total). At the local mountain, turn left past the Trögl lift, or straight ahead towards Kandahar and then briefly left — it's not as steep here anymore. From Kreuzwankl, you have a great view of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Anyone who has made it to the local mountain can easily make it to Kreuzeck — the rest of the route is no longer as steep (+ approx. 250 hm). Here you pass the pedestrian tunnel and the Hexenkessel ski lift and then climb the Hexenkessel downhill to Kreuzalm. At Kreuzalm, you will then be rewarded with a coffee with a wonderful view of the Alpspitze. For lunch, the hut offers excellent food.

A slightly longer tour to Kreuzjoch (approx. 1,000 m in total) runs from Kreuzalm on the edge of the slopes to the top station of the Kandahar Express ski lift. An unforgettable view of the Alpspitze awaits you at the top.

• Hut evenings on the Hausberg and Kreuzeck. The special atmosphere of a cozy evening in a hut is known to anyone who has ever dared to go on a moonlight tour in the Alps. There are usually three huts open in the evening in the Garmisch-Classic ski area: the Drehmoeser-9 Hütte on Hausberg, the Kreuzalm and the Kreuzeckhaus on Kreuzeck. The dates will be announced at the start of the season. The ascent is from the car park on the Hausberg via the designated ski slope via the Tonihütte to the Hausberg mountain station.
• Ascent from Kreuzeckbahn valley station not possible. Please note that climbing the Olympic Ski Slope and Kandahar Downhill is prohibited.
  
  

Winter tours with cable car support

The most beautiful winter tours in the Garmisch-Classic ski area lie below the Alpspitze. Especially behind the Bernadeinwand, you can find quieter ski tours for every level in a wonderful winter landscape. Here, of course, you have to pay attention to the avalanche situation and wear appropriate equipment.

In this case, a ski tour starts with the Alpspitze cable car. Tourers are also offered the ski pass - an offer from the Bavarian Zugspitze Railway, which includes only 1 ascent with the Alpspitze cable car and 1 trip with the Bernadein drag lift. This ski pass option is generally not listed among the Zugspitzbahn prices; you have to ask for it separately at the local ticket office. Once at the mountain station, tourers have the following options, among others:

• Ski tour to Stuiben (easy to medium). Ideal for beginners as a first ski tour (but you have to be good on your skis for the descent!). To reach the starting point, drive down from Osterfelderkopf towards Hochalm until you reach the Bernadein downhill run. The route starts 100 m before the Bernadeinlift valley station, here you can use the sign “Stuiben-Bockhütte-Reintal” on the right side of the slope. The trail is well signposted but very busy. From here, you have to climb approx. 200 m to the Stuibenhütte, which is only open in winter as a support point for tourers. If the tour is too short, you can also extend it, for example with a detour to Stuibenkopf and Mauerschartenkopf. Read our blog on top of that.
• Bernadeinkopf about the “Schöngänge” (difficult). This combined ski tour is an alternative climb to Bernadein for experienced mountaineers. Via a steep channel, which is partially secured (in winter, however, the protection is often useless as the rocks are completely covered with ice and snow, climbing degrees A/B), you climb directly to Bernadeinkopf (2,143 m). You have to wear the ski when you go. The tour in winter is not possible without crampons and ice axes. Here, you also have to pay particular attention to the avalanche situation. From Bernadeinkopf, you can drive down to the Stuibensee on the other side and possibly reach the Stuibenhütte via the Mauerschartenkopf, and there are also other routes available.
• Ski tour to Alpspitze (difficult). The tour also starts at the bottom of the Bernadein lift. Depending on the route, this is a difficult (S5) to very difficult (S6) ski tour, so the tour is only suitable for experienced winter mountaineers. More information can be found e.g. here.
• Ski tour to Grieskarscharte (difficult). The Grieskarscharte is located below the Alpspitze and is less well known. From the Scharte, you have a direct view of the Reintal Valley. This route is also only suitable for very experienced and experienced tourers. More information can be found here.

Tips & info

• Alps “for Dummies”Alps “for dummies”: safety in the mountains for beginners in winter
• equipment rental: If you don't have your own equipment, WN Alpin the specialist shop for ski mountaineers in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
• parking fee: A parking fee must be paid.
• Observe operating hours: If you opt for a winter tour with mountain railway assistance, remember that the ski lifts close around 4 pm.
• More winter tours in Zugspitzland: In our Leisure guide We have collected all outdoor leisure options for you.

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