Garmisch-Partenkirchen

There are innumerable spectacular walks on 300 km (186 miles) of marked trails through the lower slopes' pinewoods and upland meadows. If you have the time and good walking shoes, try one of the two trails that lead to striking gorges (called Klammen). More expert hikers and climbers will find plenty of opportunities to explore, from the Herrgottschrofen and Gelbe Wände for all levels to the Jubiliäumsgrat, which will test even the best climbers' limits. Before heading out, it's best to check with the Alpine Association for passable routes and avalanche conditions; they can also assist with finding free mountain huts for multiple-day hikes and climbs.

Deutscher Alpenverein. The country's leading climbing and mountaineering organization, based in Munich, has all the details on hiking and on staying in the mountain huts and keeps updates on mountain conditions for climbers as well. Von-Kahr-Str. 2–4, Munich, Bavaria, 80997. 089/140–030; www.alpenverein.de.

Höllentalklamm. This route starts in the town and ends at the Zugspitze mountaintop (you'll want to turn back before reaching the summit unless you have mountaineering experience). You can park in the villages of Hammersbach or Grainau to start your tour. Olympia Str. 27, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria. 08821/8895; www.hoellentalklamm-info.de. May–Oct. (depending on weather).

Partnachklamm. The Partnachklamm route is quite challenging, and takes you through a spectacular, tunneled water gorge (entrance fee), past a pretty little mountain lake, and far up the Zugspitze; to do all of it, you'll have to stay overnight in one of the huts along the way. Ride part of the way up in the Eckbauer cable car, which sets out from the Skistadion off Mittenwalderstrasse. The older, more scenic Graseckbahn takes you right over the dramatic gorges. Tickets for the country's oldest cable car cost €6.50 one way (or less, depending on how far you want to ride and time of year). There's a handy inn at the top, where you can gather strength for the hour-long walk back down to the Graseckbahn station.

Horse-drawn carriages (€16 for up to four passengers, €4 per additional person) also cover the first section of the route in summer; in winter you can skim along it in a sleigh. The carriages wait near the Skistadion. Or you can call the local coaching society, the Lohnkutschevereinigung (0172/860–4105; www.kutschenfahrten-garmisch.de), for information Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, 82467. www.eckbauerbahn.de.

Zugspitze Mountain railroad terminal. From the Zugspitze terminal, you can access a number of hiking trails or take one of the gondolas up the mountain and hike or ski your way down. Besides the Zuspitze itself, one of the most popular routes includes Wank, which at a height of 5,740 feet is a day-long challenge. Olympiastr. 27, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, 82467. www.zugspitze.de.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen was the site of the 1936 Winter Olympics, and remains Germany's premier winter-sports resort. The upper slopes of the Zugspitze and surrounding mountains challenge the best ski buffs and snowboarders, and there are also plenty of runs for intermediate skiers and families. The area is divided into two basic regions. The Riffelriss with the Zugspitzplatt is Germany's highest skiing area, with snow pretty much guaranteed from December to May. Access is via the Zugspitzbahn funicular. Cost for a day pass is €52; a two-peak pass combining it with the Garmisch-Classic is €62. A three-day pass costs €88. The Garmisch-Classic has numerous lifts in the Alpspitz, Kreuzeck, and Hausberg regions. Day passes cost €26. The town has a number of ski schools and tour organizers, and information about all of them is available from the local tourist office. The Deutsche Alpenverein is another good contact for mountain conditions.

Alpine Auskunftstelle. The best local resource for information for all your snow sports needs is the Alpine office at the Garmisch tourist information office. Richard-Strauss-Pl. 2, Garmisch, Bavaria, 82467. 08821/180–700; www.gapa.de. Mid-Oct.–mid-Dec. and mid-Mar.–mid-May, weekdays 9–5, Sat. 9–3; mid-Dec.–mid-Mar. and mid-May–mid Oct., Mon.–Sat. 9–6, Sun. 10–noon.

Erste Skilanglaufschule Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Cross-country skiers should check on conditions or book a course here. Olympia-Skistadion, Osteingang, Erster Stock, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, 82467. 08821/1516; www.ski-langlauf-schule.de.

Skischule Alpin. Skiers looking for instruction can try the Skischule Alpin, which meets at the Hausbergbahn cable car station. Reintalstr. 8, Garmisch, Bavaria, 82467. 08821/945–676; www.alpin-skischule.de.