I started at the Kreuzwankl express, which services the beginner terrain. This proved to be the perfect place to learn or, in my case, readjust to European skiing. The ski school area here offers excellent terrain with just the right pitch for progression. After a few warm-up laps to get comfortable on my skis, I ventured onto the number nine run before heading toward the Kandahar express lift, where I caught glimpses of World Cup ski racers training for the upcoming Kandahar Race. From there, I progressively made my way down the number four run - the Olympia - which led to the base of the Alpspitzbahn.
The Olympia run delivered far more intensity than I'd anticipated, reinforcing that reality check about my actual skill level. However, the wait for the aerial tram to the resort's summit at 2,057 meters was a welcome breather, rewarded with breathtaking views. While at the summit, I noticed how the ski resort feels somewhat disconnected - you can reach every area, but the connections aren't as straightforward as the trail map suggests.
The next run, number 15, stands out as probably the most scenic at the resort. It winds through a massive canyon, offering incredible views of the Alpspitze mountain, which towers at 2,628 meters. The sheer rock face feels both imposing and magnificent as you ski beneath it.
With the stunning views as motivation, I began truly enjoying the skiing experience in this remarkable corner of Germany. I explored different areas of the resort, eventually finding a small double chair serving several intermediate runs. After a few laps there, I set my sights on reaching the Kandahar express lift. The approach run was manageable, leading through an impressive tunnel, but reaching the lift meant tackling the Olympia run again - the same one that had challenged me earlier. This time, I felt more confident.
The Kandahar express, a six-person lift, climbs roughly 400-500 meters but doesn't reach the very top of the Kandahar. While the upper section was open, being just six days into my ski season and second day in Europe, with 15 more days ahead, I opted for the safer choice - the number 10 beginner trail.
From there, I used a series of lifts - a double chair, another double chair, and a pleasant run to the Hochalmbahn aerial tram - to reach the summit again. Here, I decided to attempt a complete top-to-bottom run, starting at 2,057 meters and descending to the Hausbergbahn base at 707 meters - an impressive 1,350-meter vertical drop.
This comprehensive run blends intermediate and beginner terrain, with options to incorporate advanced sections. Some intermediate portions offer engaging pitches, and the entire descent took me 27 minutes. While I'm unsure of the total distance, it's definitely the best way to experience everything the resort offers. There are some flat spots, but maintaining good speed on skis makes them manageable.
Reaching the base around 2 PM, two days of skiing had caught up with my legs. I knew I had a journey ahead, so I stopped at the base café for a well-earned beer and meal before bidding farewell to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Germany. The drive to Austria's Ötztal Valley would take about 2.5 hours, and I wanted to enjoy the mountain views while driving in daylight, especially given I'd be on the opposite side of the road from what I'm used to.
My two days skiing in the Bavarian Alps at Zugspitze and Garmisch Classic exceeded expectations. Special thanks to the Garmisch-Partenkirchen tourism body and Zugspitze.de ski resorts for enabling my exploration of this incredible region - an experience I'd dreamed of for years.
