Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Zugspitze is Germany’s highest ski resort, offering breathtaking panoramic views, snow-sure glacier skiing, and a unique high-altitude experience. Sitting at 2,962 m (9,718 ft), Zugspitze provides guaranteed snow from November to May and is home to one of Germany’s last glaciers, making it a must-visit destination for skiers and snowboarders.
Unlike traditional Alpine German ski resorts, Zugspitze does not have a ski-in/ski-out village—instead, visitors access the slopes via the cogwheel train or modern cable cars, which provide a scenic ride up to the ski area. This guide covers everything you need to plan your perfect Zugspitze ski holiday, from ski terrain and snow history to the best restaurants, après-ski options, and activities.
Let's get started!
Zugspitze is located in the Bavarian Alps, straddling the border between Germany and Austria. It is part of the Garmisch-Classic ski region and is easily accessible from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
For a detailed view of Zugspitze's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highest ski area in Germany | No true expert terrain |
| Season-long quality snow | Small number of pistes |
| Spectacular views of four countries | Limited terrain for advanced skiers |
| State-of-the-art lift system | Few après-ski options |
| Less crowded than many Austrian resorts | Not directly ski-in/ski-out |
The Zugspitzplatt plateau provides wide, gentle glacier slopes, making it one of Germany’s best areas for beginners. The smooth, predictable terrain ensures easy progression, and the Sonnalpin area offers designated learning zones.
Intermediates will enjoy the long, flowing red runs at Wetterwandeck, which offer stunning views and reliable snow. The terrain is best suited for carving, and the high-altitude conditions keep the pistes in excellent shape throughout the season.
Zugspitze does not have challenging black runs, but advanced skiers can take the cogwheel train down to Garmisch-Classic, home to the steep Kandahar downhill course.
With wide glacier slopes and natural terrain features, Zugspitze is snowboard-friendly. However, there is no dedicated terrain park, making it less appealing for freestyle riders.
The ski season in Zugspitze for 2024/25 started on November 29th, and runs until May 4th. If you're planning a ski holiday to Zugspitze this winter, be sure to explore our Zugspitze deals for the best ski offers available.
The Garmisch-Partenkirchen-Zugspitze area offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 29 cm (11.41 in) and 34 cm (13.38 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.3 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 26 cm (10.23 in), averaging 3.3 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of January, traditionally the snowiest week in Zugspitze, with 46 cm (18.11 in) of snow over 3.2 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 24 cm (9.44 in) of snow over 3.2 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 29 cm/11.41 in | 3.3 days |
| January | 34 cm/13.38 in | 3.3 days |
| February | 26 cm/10.23 in | 3.3 days |
| March | 26 cm/10.23 in | 3.6 days |
| April | 24 cm/9.44 in | 3.2 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
The Zugspitz Arena Bavaria-Tyrol offers a diverse culinary scene, ranging from hearty Bavarian and Austrian specialities to international cuisine. At the summit, skiers and sightseers can dine at Panorama 2962, Germany’s highest restaurant, where breathtaking views meet traditional Alpine cuisine. Restaurant Sonnalpin, located on the Zugspitze plateau, serves up Bavarian classics and hearty mountain fare, while Gletscher 2600 offers a mix of warm snacks and full meals, perfect for refueling between runs. In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the resort town at the foot of the Zugspitze, options range from traditional taverns like 4 Eck Restaurant und Bar, which serves regional specialities, to international eateries such as Antica Roma, known for its Italian dishes.
Après-ski on Zugspitze is a laid-back, scenic affair, with breathtaking panoramic views rather than high-energy party scenes. At the Zugspitze summit, the best après-ski locations include Gletscher 2600 (Gletschergarten), where you can sip on a warm glühwein or a cold Bavarian beer while admiring the glacier views. Restaurant Sonnalpin, located on the Zugspitze plateau, also offers a cosy setting for a post-ski drink. If you're looking for a unique experience, the bar in the Iglu-Dorf igloo village is a must-visit, offering a cool atmosphere—literally—and a selection of warm and cold beverages. Before heading back down, Panorama 2962 provides one last chance to soak in the mountain scenery with a drink in hand. There are no après-ski venues at the Eibsee or Grainau base stations, so for a livelier après scene, skiers and snowboarders often head down to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where a mix of traditional Bavarian beer halls, casual lounges, and stylish cocktail bars await.
Here you can view, and download your Zugspitze piste map PDF
