Season 2025 - 2026
Opens
26 Dec 2026
Closes
15 Mar 2027
Days open
79
Annual snow
1.7m
The Overview
Wendelstein delivers a unique Bavarian skiing experience on one of the region's most distinctive mountains, with 6km of varied terrain reaching 1,840m. This historic mountain features spectacular 360-degree panoramic views across the Bavarian Alps and into Austria. The manageable size makes Wendelstein perfect for families and casual skiers seeking authentic Alpine experiences without overwhelming terrain, while the impressive scenery and unique cogwheel railway access create unforgettable mountain memories.
932m
Vertical
6
Runs
11.2 km
Piste
1.7m
Annual snow
The Terrain
6 runs across 11.2 km of piste
Wendelstein is unusual among German ski areas: only six runs over 11.2 kilometres, but a vertical of 932 metres from 791 to 1,723 metres. There is no beginner terrain at all, with 63% intermediate and 37% advanced. A cable car from the Bayrischzell side carries skiers to the upper mountain, supplemented by two T-bars, and that single artery defines the day. It is a small, serious ski area for those who want a proper descent rather than a lot of choice, with the Bavarian foothills visible across the valley.
The skiing here is all red and black, mostly long fall-line descents back down towards the valley, and conditions matter more than at gentler hills. The long runs deliver a real workout for the legs, particularly on firm snow, and the open upper slopes give a high-mountain feel unusual so close to Munich. This is not a place for beginners or children learning to turn. Wendelstein suits solid intermediates and advanced skiers who enjoy sustained pitches over variety, and who are happy to check conditions before heading up the cable car.
Terrain split
6
runs
6 runs across 4 grades
Beginner0 runs · 0%
Intermediate4 runs · 63%
Advanced2 runs · 37%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Wendelstein
Wendelstein typically operates from December through March, with the most reliable conditions in January and February. The resort benefits from its elevated position and distinctive cone-shaped peak, which captures snow effectively during winter storms. The predominantly north-facing slopes maintain good snow quality throughout the season, preserving conditions after snowfall. The relatively quiet atmosphere makes it particularly appealing during weekends when larger resorts face overcrowding.
Season 2025 - 2026
26 Dec 2026
Opens
15 Mar 2027
Closes
79
Days open
1.7 m
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Wendelstein
Daily snow reports at Wendelstein go back to 2017, 10 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
81 cm
Snowiest day
24 Jan 2018
24 cm
This winter · 2026-27
so far
23 cm
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
cm
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Wendelstein, and where to stay
Located in Upper Bavaria approximately 70km from Munich and 40km from Rosenheim, Wendelstein offers exceptional accessibility while maintaining an authentic Alpine atmosphere. The resort sits between the Inntal and Leitzachtal valleys, creating a dramatic landmark visible from throughout the region. This convenient location makes it extremely popular for day trips, with excellent public transport connections via the historic cogwheel railway from Brannenburg. The surrounding region offers additional winter activities and charming Bavarian villages known for their traditional architecture and excellent Alpine cuisine.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Wendelstein, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Wendelstein's ski season?
Wendelstein's 2025 - 2026 season typically runs from December 26 through March 15. That window is roughly 79 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Germany, Europe often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Wendelstein have?
Wendelstein lists about 11.2 km of piste of marked terrain spread across 6 named runs. That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Wendelstein?
Trail grading at Wendelstein breaks down roughly as 63% intermediate, 37% advanced. The advanced and expert share is substantial, so confident skiers and riders will find plenty of steeper fall-line options once they leave the nursery slopes.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical metres. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Wendelstein have?
Wendelstein operates 3 lifts across 2 lift types. The fleet includes 2 t-bars and 1 aerial tram.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Wendelstein?
Base elevation at Wendelstein is about 791 m (2,595 ft), with the summit around 1,723 m (5,653 ft), giving roughly 932 m (3,058 ft) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Wendelstein get each season?
Wendelstein averages about 168 cm (66 inches) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Where can I buy Wendelstein lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans €27 to €47, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Contact the resort ticket office or check our lift tickets page for the latest purchase options.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Wendelstein before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 1 live mountain webcam, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Wendelstein so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Wendelstein have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Wendelstein. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Wendelstein located?
Wendelstein sits in Germany, Europe. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Pinheiro Braathen Wins Sölden Giant Slalom Opener by 0.48 Seconds
Two days at Sölden, two races decided by a hundredth somewhere on the podium, and one very quick Brazilian. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen led from the first run to win the men’s World Cup opener by 0.48 seconds, with Loïc Meillard second and Marco Odermatt third. River Radamus charged from 15th to fourth on a rutted course, and Britain’s Freddy Carrick-Smith banked his first World Cup points. Braathen still hasn’t lost a giant slalom since Olympic gold.
25 Oct 2026
Alps Snow Forecast: Up to 64 cm Headed for the High Glaciers as the Snow Line Drops
The Alps are about to swap mild, sunny October weather for something far more wintry. A cold front arrives Tuesday, and SnowStash forecasts have Monterosa Ski out in front with 64 cm over 14 days, ahead of Blatten Belalp (55 cm) and Verbier (43 cm). The snow line should fall below 2000 metres by Wednesday night, and glaciers across Switzerland, Italy and Austria are in line for the best of it. The wind will have a say too.
20 Oct 2026
Four Dead After Avalanche Near Ski Portillo in Chile
A large avalanche struck near Laguna del Inca adjacent to Ski Portillo on Saturday afternoon, killing four people and injuring four others. The group were day visitors mountaineering in the backcountry after reportedly being warned about elevated avalanche risk by resort staff.
18 Oct 2026
Europe Ski Resorts Open Now: What Is Skiable in Mid-October 2026
Europe’s ski season is open, technically. After a record-warm summer, glaciers in Austria, Switzerland and Italy are running a few pistes apiece, Sölden, Stubai and Kitzsteinhorn started late, Titlis has pushed back to 24 October, and Zermatt reopens a few lifts on 14 October after more than two months shut. Finland’s Levi and Ruka are skiing on stored snow. Here is what is open, and what you actually get at each.
14 Oct 2026
Zermatt Plans World Cup Downhill Return on the Gornergrat for 2028
Zermatt is having another crack at a World Cup downhill, and this time nobody has to cross a border. Around 13 million Swiss francs is going into rebuilding the Gornergrat piste, including a jump fed by a roughly 300-metre in-run across the roof of the Gornergrat Railway gallery, with the Matterhorn lined up behind it for the TV cameras. First men’s race is pencilled in for March 2028, pending FIS homologation.
14 Oct 2026
Mt. Rose Begins Snowmaking for the 2026-27 Season at Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe’s highest base elevation is paying off early: Mt. Rose has started making snow for 2026-27 after the first flurries and a cold snap. The Nevada resort is backing it with nearly US$2 million in upgrades, including a replacement snowmaking main line, a new PistenBully groomer and restraint bars on every lift. Opening day is yet to be confirmed, though Heavenly and Northstar are already eyeing 20 November.
13 Oct 2026
Utah Ski Resorts 2026-27: What’s New at Alta, Deer Valley, Powder Mountain and More
Utah is still building flat out. For 2026-27, Powder Mountain opens a steep new Skytrac chair into more than 1,000 acres of advanced terrain, Deer Valley adds 200 acres on Hail Peak, Sundance gets a new quad and Park City adds a gondola from its new parking structure. Snowmaking is expanding almost everywhere, Eagle Point stays closed after the Cottonwood Fire, and the 2034 Games are setting the pace. Here’s what’s new, resort by resort.
13 Oct 2026
Mt Hutt Invests NZ$12 Million in Base Area, Tripling Its Sun Deck
Mt Hutt is getting busier, and its base lodge is about to catch up. NZ$12 million goes into a heated sun deck roughly three times the current size (430 m² to 1,300 m²), plus a new toilet block, heated steps down to snow level, extra storage and a new food and beverage outlet. Building starts after the 2026 season, with everything due for winter 2027.
11 Oct 2026