Allgau is a virtual treasure trove of resorts that are for the most part unknown outside of the German-speaking part of the world, and even Germans themselves are often more inclined to beeline straight for Austria rather than tap into this corner of their own country. The result? A wealth of smaller ski areas that can reward the adventurous rider with some rad terrain, short lift lines and good German beer.
Though it can’t compete in sheer Alpine stakes, Allgau boasts plenty of areas with terrain that – with the right conditions – offers the possibility of super fun powder days with minimal crowds, such is the more family-orientated nature of the resorts. We’ve opted for Grasgehren as it’s tiny (a mere three lifts), yet has the option for some epic powder riding on accessible faces and gulleys and, importantly, is one of the most snowboard-friendly resorts we’ve visited recently.
Thanks to Tajo and his crew at Snowpark Grasgehren, the ever-changing snowpark is loaded with assorted jibs and medium-sized jump and is as close to riding the infamous Yawgoons setup in mainland Europe as you’ll ever find. For an indication of the vibe, you’re more likely to bump into scrawny riders strapped to a Dinosaurs Will Die board than a lardy punter with a GoPro suckered to his boardercross helmet, and the GG crew routinely hold events throughout the winter that are as much an excuse to bro down scoffing burgers and drinking beer as they are about throwing hammers with the homies.
