Information on the minimum number of participants

Our guests often have questions about the minimum number of participants for a guided tour or course before booking. We are happy to answer these questions below:

What exactly does the term ‘minimum number of participants’ mean?

Various costs are incurred when organising a course or guided tour. Costs for the guide, costs for equipment, etc. In order for a course to be economically sustainable, a certain minimum number of participants is required. This is the minimum number of participants. If the minimum number of participants is reached, the course will certainly take place, unless external influences such as bad weather, thunderstorms, large amounts of fresh snow or a corresponding avalanche warning level prevent this.

Can I also register alone for a course where the minimum number of participants is 4, for example?

Yes, of course!
The minimum number of participants does NOT mean that only groups with the specified minimum number of participants can register. You can of course also register alone for a tour where the minimum number of participants is 6. The minimum number of 6 participants only means that the course can only take place if a total of at least 6 people have registered. 

What happens if the minimum number of participants for a course or guided tour is not reached?

If the minimum number of participants for a course or guided tour is not reached, the course cannot take place for the time being. In this case, you will be informed by our team with sufficient lead time. You then have the following options:

1) Payment of a surcharge
If, for example, only 3 people are registered for a course for which the minimum number of participants is 4, we usually offer these 3 participants the option of still taking part in the course for an additional fee. The 3 participants then have to share the missing 4 places, so to speak, and then have the advantage of travelling with a mountain guide in a small group. In order for the course to take place in a small group, all registered participants must agree to the surcharge.

2) Rebooking to another date
If not all participants agree to the surcharge, each guest is welcome to simply rebook to another date free of charge where the minimum number of participants has already been reached.

3) Cancellation with refund of the full price
If the course cannot take place with a surcharge and a rebooking to another date is also out of the question, every guest has the option of cancelling the booking free of charge and will be refunded 100% of the price. You therefore take no risk with your booking!

If your question about the minimum number of participants has not been answered, please do not hesitate to call us during our opening hours on 08821 7305885. We will be happy to help you personally!

Best regards from Garmisch

Your team at the Alpinschule Garmisch