After a “normal” week, we are back on vacation this week for Ski Break (that is really what it is called). Ty really wanted to go skiing, so we planned a vacation in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is at the base of the Bavarian Alps. It’s a beautiful area with some unique touches and amazing food.

When we got home from Brussels, Jay and Ty joined the Glace’s and Ted for a Frankfurt Eintracht football (soccer) game.
It is Fasching time in Germany. It is celebrated during Carnival and while it has roots as a religious event before Lent, an outsider’s perspective is that it seems to be more around getting dressed up and going to parties. It’s like a multi-day Halloween party.
Garmisch. Gorgeous.
We are staying at an Air BNB called Chalet Alpspitz. It is beautiful, and I love listening to the mountain stream in the backyard.
Dinner on night 1 was at Hotel & Gasthof Fraundorfer. Entertainment was provided by a live accordion player and 2 adorable boys dancing in a traditional style in their liederhosen. Classic Bavaria. The food was delicious.
On Sunday we headed up the mountain to the Zugspitze and the highest point in Germany. We took a cogwheel train up the mountain. It was Kaycee’s first train ride. The first hour was fine, and then we entered a tunnel for 20 minutes of darkness. I did not love that part of the trip. It took me about 15 minutes to recover when we arrived at the top. Felt a little nauseous and claustrophobic.
The train was really climbing. The kids had fun playing with gravity.
We rented a few sleds and sent the kids (and Paul) on a loooooong hike to the top of the sledding hill. You can easily see Jay in this picture. Can anyone see Paul and Lily? If anyone from the top of the mountain reads this blog, PLEASE for the love of God put in a lift. The kids only went down the hill twice because they were so exhausted. The only reason why they went twice instead of once is because it was super intense. I will post the sledtastrophe video on Facebook.
So this place was seriously cool (no pun intended). Iglu Dorf. This is a giant snow fort that has a bar and several hotel rooms ALL MADE OUT OF SNOW!! The next group of photos are from inside. Absolutely incredible carvings. In the spring it all melts away. Next winter they will spend 5-6 weeks building a new one.
Sip on a glass of wine, take in the view, and watch the skiers zoom past? Not a bad way to spend a Sunday.
We took a short ride on a gondola (Kaycee’s first) to get to the highest point in Germany. The clouds were rolling in so we didn’t get the full experience but it was still neat to be above the clouds.
The highest point in Germany (and apparently the highest hat in Germany also).
Glace’s (minus 1)
We crossed a bridge into Austria before heading down the mountain. This time we took a gondola (somehow I didn’t get any photos).
From the gondola stop we switched back to a train. The skiers stopped at Hausberg to get fitted for their ski equipment and finalize ski plans for the week.
Dinner on Sunday night was at Seehaus Restaurant & Cafe. There is a lake next to the restaurant but it was dark out so we couldn’t see it. Wah wah. The food was delicious.
On Monday Jay and the kids had a lesson with Olivia. There is a US military base in the area, and a resort for military families. The Hausberg ski school and equipment rental is employed by Americans. It was so nice to not have to worry about anything getting lost in translation.
While half the group was on the mountain, Jessica, Paul and I explored the town. First stop was Edelweiss Resort which is only accessible to US military families and their guests.
Wandering through town
Ok. So these wooden benches with Bavarian people painted on the ends are SO COOL. I feel like I need one in my life. There are several sprinkled around the town.
We ate lunch at Mohrenplatz. Outside. In the sun. It was 50 degrees Fahrenheit!!
My Treasury eye couldn’t help but notice the world’s most beautiful Commerzbank building.
I love the architecture in the area. Many of the buildings/homes have intricate paintings on the outside.
Jessica and Paul headed back home, so Kaycee and I walked to the lodge to meet the skiers. They all had a great time (and were exhausted)!
Tuesday morning we dropped Ty and Cam off at the lift and went to Wafflehaus. Important note: this is NOT part of the Waffle House chain in the US. Jay has a weird love of the US WH, so he will not be happy with me saying this, but this Wafflehaus was so much better than USWH. I mean, not even comparable.
I believe I ate this hot cherry Belgian waffle with ice cream in record time
Why wouldn’t you put schnitzel on your breakfast sandwich?
Ty and Cam found some friends from school!
Warning. The next section is mildly inappropriate but I feel like I need to include a record of this observation. I am somewhat immature and enjoy bathroom humor. This sign made me chuckle. Translation is bath alley but I only see Bad Gas.
This is the best “toilets are this way” sign
Enter a stall and enjoy the artwork
Well hello there
I almost didn’t post this one, but come on. How could I not? I was cracking up in the bathroom. For the guys reading this, most women’s bathrooms do not have this kind of decor. Note that these are 3 different public stalls, at 3 different locations. It’s a thing here. 🙂

We are here all week – looking forward to more adventures!