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    Germany, Europe · Garmisch Classic Pass

    Zugspitze

    Experience skiing atop Germany's highest peak. Discover guaranteed glacier snow, spectacular views, and high-Alpine atmosphere.

    Open in the app

    Live Zugspitze conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

    Download on the App Store

    Open in the app

    Live Zugspitze conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

    Download on the App Store
    Season 2026 - 2027
    Opens
    28 Nov 2026
    Closes
    2 May 2027
    Days open
    155
    Annual snow
    5.3m
    Snow record
    42cm
    2026-27 so far
    9% of a typical winter469cm
    Explore 10 winters of snowfall→
    The Overview

    As Germany's highest ski area, the Zugspitze peaks at 2,962 meters, offering reliable snow conditions and spectacular views across four countries. The glacier ski area delivers 20 kilometers of predominantly intermediate slopes in a dramatic high-alpine setting. Beyond the glacier, the connected Garmisch-Classic area provides additional varied terrain. The Zugspitze's unique position as Germany's alpine crown creates an unforgettable skiing experience, combining high-altitude glacier runs with panoramic vistas of over 400 peaks in Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.

    720m
    Vertical
    11
    Runs
    20 km
    Piste
    5.3m
    Annual snow
    Garmisch Classic Pass
    Pass
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    The Terrain

    11 runs across 20 km of piste

    Zugspitze is Germany's highest ski area and the only one on a glacier plateau, with 11 runs over 20 kilometres from 2,000 to 2,720 metres, a vertical of 720 metres. The split is 35% beginner, 40% intermediate, 20% advanced and 5% expert, a more even spread than most German hills. Access is mechanical and distinctive, with a rack train, two aerial trams, two six-seat chairs and four T-bars carrying skiers up. The terrain faces south, so the slopes are sunny and open, with wide views across the surrounding Wetterstein ranges.

    The Zugspitzplatt is the heart of the skiing at Zugspitze, a broad, open plateau above the treeline where wide groomers sweep across the glacier basin. Beginners can find gentle ground, intermediates get a good run of long cruisers, and the steeper pitches and ungroomed sections draw stronger skiers. The area is covered by the Garmisch Classic pass. It suits mixed-ability groups wanting high-altitude skiing in Germany, and visitors should allow time for the ride up, check conditions before leaving the valley, and treat the glacier as a day-long outing rather than a quick lap.

    Terrain split
    11
    runs
    11 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner4 runs · 35%
    Intermediate4 runs · 40%
    Advanced2 runs · 20%
    Expert1 run · 5%
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    Time it right

    When to visit Zugspitze

    The glacier ski area typically operates from November through May, offering Germany's most reliable snow conditions. At this altitude, natural snowfall averages 350cm annually, while the glacier location helps maintain consistent conditions throughout the season. The area's high-alpine position above 2,000 meters ensures good snow preservation, particularly on north-facing slopes. Snowmaking supplements natural coverage on key runs, though the glacier environment generally maintains excellent natural conditions.

    Season 2026 - 2027
    28 Nov 2026
    Opens
    2 May 2027
    Closes
    155
    Days open
    5.3 m
    Annual snow
    The record

    Historical snowfall at Zugspitze

    Daily snow reports at Zugspitze go back to 2017, 10 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.

    115 cm
    Snowiest day
    27 Mar 2026
    42 cm
    This winter · 2026-27
    so far
    469 cm
    Typical winter
    average of complete seasons
    Explore historical snowfall →
    Winter totals
    cm
    Past wintersThis winter
    Getting there

    Getting to Zugspitze, and where to stay

    The Zugspitze rises above the traditional Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, just 90 kilometers south of Munich. Access is possible from both the German and Austrian sides, with the main cable car departing from Eibsee. The resort's proximity to Munich Airport (2 hours) makes it easily accessible for international visitors. The base town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen combines classic Bavarian culture with modern amenities, offering extensive accommodation options and authentic Alpine atmosphere.

    Where to stay

    Search all stays →

    Hotels and lodges near Zugspitze, powered by Stay22.

    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

    View all news →
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    20 Oct 2026
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    18 Oct 2026
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    14 Oct 2026
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    14 Oct 2026
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    13 Oct 2026
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    13 Oct 2026
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    11 Oct 2026

    Zugspitze Lift System

    The resort's access centers around the new Zugspitze cable car, a modern engineering marvel that ascends 1,945 vertical meters in just 10 minutes. On the glacier, 7 lifts serve the skiing area, including modern chairlifts and surface lifts adapted to the high-alpine environment. The system can transport 16,000 skiers per hour, with the main cable car offering both skiing and sightseeing access year-round. The lift network ensures efficient circulation around the glacier bowl, maintaining good flow even during peak periods.

    9lifts across 4 types

    Open in the app

    Live Zugspitze conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

    Download on the App Store

    Open in the app

    Live Zugspitze conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

    Download on the App Store
    1
    Train
    2
    Aerial Trams
    2
    6-Person Chairs
    4
    T-Bars
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    Zugspitze lift system

    Zugspitze is served by 9 lifts, listed here by type. Check which lifts are turning against the live conditions before you plan your first laps - early lifts and high-speed chairs get you to the best snow fastest.

    More Zugspitze intelligence: trail map, snow report, webcams, resort overview.