Shouts of joy go up from the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, when the first snow of winter falls. Resting at the foot of the Zugspitze mountain in one of the most scenic parts of Germany, the lodge has for the past 10 years catered to American military personnel in Europe and their families. It recently released its free winter activities guide, which can be downloaded at: http://edelweisslodgeandresort.com/news-deals/ winter-vacation-guide.

Edelweiss boasts the only ski school outside the United States that is certified by the Professional Ski and Snowboard Instructors of America, according to Bray Hays, director of marketing for Edelweiss. This assures quality, English-speaking ski instructors who teach both adults and children at affordable rates. Regular lessons range from two hours to five days. Packages include transportation to the lifts, ski and snowboard equipment, lift tickets and daily lessons.

Book by Dec. 1 to receive a free continental breakfast for two adults when you book three nights at the lodge (a $54 value, according to Hays).

Meanwhile, you can learn about safe backcountry skiing and snowboarding while testing equipment Jan. 24-25 in a free day of instruction on the slopes offered by the Zugspitze. Find event details at http://zugspitze.de/de/aktuell/veranstaltungen/freeride-tage-2015. No reservations are required, but participants must buy a lift ticket.