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
Aspen Snowmass Marks 80th Anniversary With $3.75 Throwback Lift Tickets
Aspen Snowmass turns 80 this December, and it's marking the milestone with $3.75 lift tickets on the anniversary itself - the original 1946 price. A discounted long weekend, $19.46 dining specials, lodging deals up to 46 percent off, and a season of anniversary programming round out the celebration across all four mountains.
17 Sept 2026
Doppelmayr Group Posts 9.1% Revenue Growth in 2025/26, Passing 1.3 Billion Euros
Doppelmayr closed its 2025/26 business year with revenue up 9.1 percent to 1.3 billion euros, driven by projects including the Big Sky Explorer Gondola, Deer Valley's Mayflower East Village Gondola, and the first TRI-Line installation at Hoch-Ybrig. Headcount grew too, with the ropeway manufacturer now employing almost 4,000 people worldwide.
16 Sept 2026
Hintertux Glacier Replaces 40-Year-Old Gondola to Tuxer Fernerhaus
Hintertux Glacier is retiring its 40-year-old gondola to the Tuxer Fernerhaus. The replacement carries 10 people per cabin instead of four, with seat heating and nearly 40 percent more hourly capacity. Doppelmayr's new line opens at the end of October 2026, right as the glacier's high-altitude terrain becomes accessible again for the new season.
16 Sept 2026
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 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 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
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 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
Zugspitze Webcams
6 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Zugspitze's live webcams
Check live conditions across Zugspitze with 6 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Zugspitze Cable Car Summit Station2962m
- The Zugspitze webcam at the summit station delivers spectacular live views from Germany's highest peak. Watch in real-time as the record-breaking cable car arrives at nearly 3000m, offering an incredible panorama of four countries and the glacier ski area below.
- Zugspitze Webcam 360 2962m
- This live webcam Zugspitze offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama from the summit. Positioned at the highest point in Germany, monitor current conditions while enjoying unmatched views stretching across the Alps of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
- Zugspitze Glacier Ski Area2962m
- The Zugspitze webcams network includes this essential view overlooking the entire glacier ski area. Watch live as skiers navigate the high-alpine terrain, with real-time conditions of the resort's snow-sure slopes visible from this summit perspective.
- Eibsee Area1360m
- This Zugspitze webcam showcases the picturesque Eibsee lake area and valley station. Check live conditions in the charming Bavarian village below the glacier, where the journey to Germany's highest ski area begins.
- Sonnalpin Area2576m
- The Zugspitze live webcam at Sonnalpin station provides a perfect view of the glacier's central hub. Monitor current conditions around the cogwheel train terminal and watch skiers accessing the resort's high-altitude terrain.
- Zugspitze Cable Car Valley Station1000m
- The live webcam at Zugspitze's valley station captures the starting point of the remarkable cable car journey. Watch as visitors begin their ascent from 1000m to the summit in this engineering marvel that spans nearly 2000 vertical meters.
Zugspitze snow cams FAQ
How often do Zugspitze snow cams update?
All Zugspitze snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Zugspitze.
Which Zugspitze webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Zugspitze Cable Car Summit Station webcam at 2,962m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Zugspitze webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Zugspitze lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Zugspitze snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Zugspitze snow cams?
Check Zugspitze webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Zugspitze lift tickets?
Use our Zugspitze webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Zugspitze webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Zugspitze snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Zugspitze intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.