Bavarian Bliss: From Strongholds to Slopes
My Dad was in the Army’s 10th Armored Division during World War II. He often talked about skiing at Garmisch-Partenkirchen on wooden skies in his Army issued combat boots. Recently I found this cartoon that he had saved. Here’s a brief history of what occurred after the war:
The U.S. military set up several “Rest and Recuperation” (R&R) centers in the Bavarian Alps during Post War Occupation to help demobilized troops and occupation personnel recover from the war’s hardships.
The Zugspitzplatt became a popular spot for skiing and alpine hiking. This comic boosted morale by allowing soldiers to laugh at their own antics while skiing.
The Armed Forces Recreation Center Europe was established shortly after fighting ended in Europe in 1945. The Army’s 10th Armored Division entered Garmisch-Partenkirchen on April 30, 1945, and Army Special Services officers quickly reopened the area’s prewar tourist facilities. Golf, hunting, fishing, skiing, and sailing offered welcome relief to war-weary soldiers.
Nearly every hotel, from downtown Garmisch to the summit of the Zugspitze, was used by occupation troops. The Americans took over facilities previously used by the German military or Nazi Party and requisitioned hotels in Garmisch-Partenkirchen that had served as temporary military hospitals and recovery centers.
During and after the war, thousands of American soldiers were introduced to skiing at resorts in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. Those postwar R&R centers and experiences in Europe helped bring a love of skiing back to the United States, contributing to the sport’s growth.
- Bavarian Bliss: From Strongholds to Slopes - October 22, 2026
- Music And Skiing: Annie’s Song And Dancing With The Mountains - December 9, 2020
I was a member of the AFRC, Armed Forces Recreation Center, ski patrol in Berchtesgaden for two seasons in the early 70’s. This article brought back a flood of memories of those glorious days. As described, service members and their families from all over Europe came to recreate in the mountains enjoying the hospitality and beauty of the area.
I have been back since my stay there and I would recommend visiting if ever have the opportunity.
I have fond memories of skiing at Garmisch. Riding the cog train through the tunnel to get to the top and going down the tram off the “Zuger” are experiences to die for. If you are a military retiree, you need to ski there. Lodging, food, and lift tickets are very reasonable if you have a retired military ID card.
I learned to ski there in the early 70’s! My Boy Scout Troop from Heidelberg, Germany, used to go there every winter break for a week.
Returning soldiers from WW II were instrumental in building many U.S. ski areas eg Vail. and contributed to the post war ski boom. I had the pleasure of befriending and skiing with one of the instructors for the Tenth Mt Division throughout his life – the inimitable Fred Grunwald who lead his daughter on what we considered to be a death march up Mt Washington where we descended the Left Gully which gives meaning to the word steep. Fred later made his base at Snowbird with many trips to CMH especially the Monashees where I learned the meaning of deep snow. What great memories.
I made my very first ski run in Garmisch 1961 while stationed in Germany and have not stopped since. Yes ,have returned to Alps to ski but my favorite place is home in Aspen with the lift only a 7 minute walk from my office. Skiing changes lives and certainly did mine. Cheers roger