Welcome to Winter Paradise Germany! - What is the powerful Alpine mystique that draws skiers from all parts of the world back to the mountains of Austria and Germany, year after year? You'll sense the magic in the long Alpine ski runs that mean more skiing and less time on the lift line for you... in the steep slopes and great glacial bowls that mean new thrills for even the most experienced skier... in the gentler slopes that mean easier going for those less expert... and in the unique lift networks that let you ski from mountain to mountain; village to village. There's magic in the unequalled variety of resorts, offering every choice from posh modern hotels to cozy chalets, each with its own gracious ambience. In addition to superb skiing, many resorts offer the skier a change of pace, with skating, tobogganing, sleigh riding, indoor swimming and tennis.

Cross-country skiers too, find magic in Garmisch-Partenkirchen which provides long, exceptionally scenic trails. Above Garmisch, in the Graswang Valley, beautiful cross-country trails lead to Linderhof - the loveliest of King Ludwig's Bavarian castles. Après-ski action in the Alps is part of the magic too. Whether you choose the beer keller with its oompah band... the wine tavern with its zither... a high-decibel disco ... a sophisticated nightclub or casino... that wonderful, indefinable quality of gemutlichkeit pervades the atmosphere.

Besides the thrill of skiing the Alps, a winter vacation in the German Alps offers a multitude of urban delights. The cities of the region are sophisticated and cosmopolitan, great storehouses of history and art. Yet their centers are compact and selfcontained. None are too vast to explore on foot, to get to know, and to fall in love with during even a short vacation visit. 

In winter, the cities are vibrantly alive. The art galleries, museums, opera houses and concert halls are at the height of their activity. And if you are fortunate enough to be in Germany as Christmas draws near, you'll find yourself sharing an especially joyous mood. Be sure to visit one of the traditional Christmas markets that give a marvelous lift to the Christmas spirit in many towns.

In February, the pre-Lenten carnivals, such as Munich's famous Fasching, set off a whirl of colorful parades, masked balls and uninhibited revelry. Winter is the time for shopping, too. Most of us are familiar with the quality and workmanship of such German products as cars and optics, but you may be surprised at the style and elegance you'll see along the smart shopping streets of Germany. What is more, winter is the best time to get a true sense of a city's lifestyle, and to meet and make friends with the people. Since most can speak English, you'll have little difficulty talking with them, and in obtaining any assistance.