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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.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    Opens
    30 Nov 2025
    Closes
    11 May 2026
    Days open
    162
    Annual snow
    9m
    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
    9m
    Annual snow
    Garmisch Classic Pass
    Pass
    The Terrain

    11 runs across 20 km of piste

    Zugspitze spreads 11 runs across 20 km of piste of terrain. It leans intermediate at 40%, with 4 beginner runs to find your feet and 3 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.

    Terrain split
    11
    runs
    11 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner4 runs · 35%
    Intermediate4 runs · 40%
    Advanced2 runs · 20%
    Expert1 run · 5%
    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 2025 - 2026
    30 Nov 2025
    Opens
    11 May 2026
    Closes
    162
    Days open
    9 m
    Annual snow
    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 →
    FIS Weighs Holding World Championships in Almost Every Winter, Starting 2032

    FIS Weighs Holding World Championships in Almost Every Winter, Starting 2032

    The International Ski and Snowboard Federation is looking at a major shake-up to its title events calendar. From 2032, World Championships could run not just in odd-numbered years but in every non-Olympic winter too, effectively putting a global title event on the calendar almost every season. The FIS Council has approved the concept following a feasibility study, though an accelerated rollout as early as 2028 is also under consideration.

    4 Sept 2026
    Mount Buller Becomes Latest Australian Resort to Call Time Early on 2026

    Mount Buller Becomes Latest Australian Resort to Call Time Early on 2026

    Mount Buller closes out its 2026 season this Sunday, joining Falls Creek, Hotham and Charlotte Pass in a cluster of closures landing almost simultaneously and roughly a month ahead of schedule. The culprit is stark: Spencers Creek's benchmark snow depth hit 31.2cm on 3 September, just 18% of the 73-year average and an all-time low for this point in the season. Six of Victoria and NSW's best-known resorts will have shut their lifts early within a span of about two and a half weeks.

    4 Sept 2026
    Tremblant to Add New Timber Summit Ski Sector for 2027/28 Season

    Tremblant to Add New Timber Summit Ski Sector for 2027/28 Season

    Tremblant has confirmed a major expansion of its Quebec ski area, with a new Timber Summit sector adding 62 acres of terrain, eight trails and a high-speed quad chairlift for winter 2027/28. It's part of a CAD 42.5 million investment that also includes a new beginner learning zone at Versant Soleil opening this coming season. The project has grown considerably since it was first announced back in 2020, when it carried a far smaller budget and an opening date that never eventuated.

    2 Sept 2026
    Mount Hotham to Close for the 2026 Season on Sunday, September 6

    Mount Hotham to Close for the 2026 Season on Sunday, September 6

    We knew when the Bird Bath Pond Skim showed up on Hotham's Instagram that the season was on its way out. It's been a rough one - I only managed two days on snow all year, at Falls Creek - and now Baw Baw, Selwyn and Hotham have all called it, possibly the worst Australian season I've seen in a decade. Hotham's last day of lift operations is Sunday, 6 September, with a Retro Day, Father's Day après and closing sales before the lifts stop turning for good.

    1 Sept 2026
    Thredbo to Replace Ageing Gunbarrel Quad With New Six-Seat Chairlift for 2028

    Thredbo to Replace Ageing Gunbarrel Quad With New Six-Seat Chairlift for 2028

    Thredbo Alpine Resort has confirmed plans to replace its 37-year-old Gunbarrel quad chairlift with a new six-seat Doppelmayr D-Line, targeting winter 2028. The AUD 35 million project will keep travel time roughly the same but lift capacity from 2,800 to 3,000 skiers per hour. It's part of a broader investment push that also includes doubled snowmaking capacity at Friday Flat for 2027, with the ageing Kosciuszko Express now flagged as the resort's next major lift replacement after Gunbarrel.

    31 Aug 2026
    Aerial Tram Collides With Crane at Alpe d'Huez: 23 Injured

    Aerial Tram Collides With Crane at Alpe d'Huez: 23 Injured

    An aerial tram carrying around fifty passengers struck the boom of a construction crane on the route to Pic Blanc at Alpe d'Huez on Wednesday morning, injuring 23 people, three seriously. The cabin tipped on impact before the operator reversed it to right the car. Most of the injured were treated on site, with five taken to hospital in Grenoble, including a pregnant woman assessed as a precaution.

    28 Aug 2026
    Why Glaciers Are Collapsing - And What Happens When They Do

    Why Glaciers Are Collapsing - And What Happens When They Do

    A deadly flood on the Nepal-China border, a decade-old tragedy on Italy's Marmolada, and an unstable glacier right now above a village near Zermatt - three very different mountain ranges, the same underlying story. Warming ice is destabilising terrain that was considered settled for generations, and the results range from catastrophic floods to slow-motion monitoring situations that could go either way.

    27 Aug 2026
    Pitztal Glacier Set to Reopen for the 2026/27 Ski Season on 26 September

    Pitztal Glacier Set to Reopen for the 2026/27 Ski Season on 26 September

    Tyrol's highest ski area is gearing up to open a full month ahead of most of the Alps. The Pitztal Glacier is scheduled to start its 2026/27 season on Saturday 26 September, running through to 2 May 2027, with the lower-altitude Rifflsee area following in December. High-altitude terrain up to 3,440 metres gives the glacier a head start on snow, though as always, the actual opening extent will depend on how September's weather plays out. Early online ski pass bookings can save up to 30%.

    26 Aug 2026

    Zugspitze Lift Tickets

    Zugspitze lift tickets & passes

    The 2025 - 2026 season at Zugspitze closed on May 11, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Zugspitze day pass cost?+
    Zugspitze day pass pricing varies by date and advance booking - see the full breakdown in the tickets panel.
    Can I buy Zugspitze lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets online or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Zugspitze lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Zugspitze, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Zugspitze lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Zugspitze - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Zugspitze lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Zugspitze offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Zugspitze directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Zugspitze.

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