Alpspitze (2,628 m) is one of the most popular peaks in Wetterstein mountain range and can be climbed all year. From Garmisch it looks even a bit higher than Zugspitze. The summit offers breathtaking views of Zugspitze, Waxenstein Dreitorspitze etc. The current route is the best suited to be done as skitour. If you plan to do it without ski, you can choose this route or simply take the same route to go down as ascent.
To Osterfelderkopf: From Garmisch Hausberg parking lot, follow the ski piste all the way to Osterfelderkopf. There is an official marked route for skitourers. In late winter the piste might be icy so crampons/ski crampons might be helpful. If you want to skip this part, you can also take the cable car from Alpspitzbahn parking lot.
North face ferrata: From Osterfelderkopf follow the signs to the North Face. There is an easy (grade B) ferrata leads to the top. You have almost 600 m elevation gain from Osterfelderkopf to the summit. Be careful, in winter the ferrata cabled might be buried under the snow. Also, you need alpine experience if you plan to do this in winter.
Descent: From the summit follow the East slope towards Bernadienkopf. If you are doing this with ski you have to be very good skier as the slope is up to 45 degree and goes through steep rocks. You have to traverse the whole Bernadein wall and you arrive at the forest. Once you arrive at the bottom station of Bernadein ski lift, you can ask him to take it to the top. Otherwise, simply walk 300m uphill to the top station of ski lift. From there follow the same ski piste as ascent. Alternatively, you can also descent from Grieskarscharte.
Webcam: From Osterfelderkopf
Weather: Valley, summit
Avalanche Bulletin: Bavaria Avalanche Bulletin
