Zugspitze Ski Area

Its location on the Schneeferner, Germany's largest glacier provides impressive sights and an abundance of snow that is the reason for an extra-long season. That’s why the operating dates of the current season are 2020-11-13 - 2021-05-02. Skiers planning to spend holidays here can reach the ski area from the towns of Grainau (0.5 km away) and Garmisch-Partenkirchen (1.2 km). Alternatively, you can use the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn cable car from the village of Ehrwald.

Weather in Zugspitze

Zugspitze lies in the temperate zone and is exposed to the weather. Being a protective barrier for the Alpine ranges, there might be high temperatures in winter. Yet, 310 days per year is the dominance of frost. The average temperature in winter is -8°C, in summer - +3°C. July is the warmest month, while January is the coldest one. The driest month is October.

Zugspitze Pistenplan

Source: zugspitze.de

Zugspitze resort makes safety changes due to coronavirus

Starting from 30th May 2020, travelers are welcomed again. In partnership with the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Health Office, the Bavarian State Ministry for Housing, the Association of German Ropeways, and Construction and Transport, hygiene concepts for lifts and restaurants were developed, which are as follows:

Download Hygiene Rules

How to get to Zugspitze

You can use three cable cars and five hiking paths and mountaineering routes to get to the top of Zugspitze. Also, there is Zugspitze Bergbahn (Zugspitze mountain railway), which is a rack railway, still working in Germany. Its line runs from the centre of Garmisch-Partenkirchen to the Zugspitzplatt, approximately 300 metres below Zugspitze.

In terms of the leisure options, it’s highly recommended to take a ride on the 90-years-old cogwheel train that transports tourists right to the ski resort on the spectacular way through the tunnel.

Cogwheel train timetable: Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Grainau/Grainau - Eibsee - Zugspitzplatt

Cogwheel train timetable: Zugspitzplatt - Eibsee - Grainau/Grainau - Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Source: zugspitze.de

In turn, with the cable car, you can enjoy the fascinating mountain landscapes on the height of 2,962 m. Due to the high altitude of the resort, most of the pistes are above the clouds, whereas the valley is covered by fog. Moreover, there are all prerequisites for freeriding as well as a toboggan. The icing on the cake of your vacay is certainly an all-around view across 400 peaks in four different countries.

Cable car Zugspitze schedule (from the Eibsee to the Zugspitze summit)

Operating hours: September - June: 08:30 - 16:45; July - August: 08:00 - 17:45

Runs at least every 30 min, further rides on-demand. The journey time is 10 min.

Last ascent 30 min. before the end of service.

Glacier cable car schedule (from the Zugspitze glacier to the Zugspitze summit)

Operating hours: September - June: 08:45 - 16:25; July - August: 08:15 - 17:25

Runs at least every 30 min., further rides on-demand. The journey time is 4 min.

Zugspitze ticket prices

For non-skiers

Family tickets

Please note !!!
1. There might be delays at peak times (good weather, weekends, holidays) as Bayerische Zugspitzbahn has reduced two-thirds of regular capacity. Currently, you don’t have to buy tickets online in advance.
2. Applicable principle: first come – first served: no times or seats can be reserved.
3. All the cars and trains’ contact surfaces (e.g handles) are cleaned regularly with disinfectant wipes, well ventilated during travel via roof hatches and windows.

Hiking and climbing experience Zugspitze

Lieutenant Naus was the first climber to reach the summit of Zugspitze on August 27, 1820. Since then, the peak has become both a dream destination and the target for many mountain climbers and hikers. 

There are several routes that lead to the Zugspitze, including Jubiläumsgrat, Höllental, Reintal & Wiener-Neustädter. 

For experienced mountain climbers, Jubiläumsgrat is the best choice, offering spectacular views over Werdenfelser Land and down into the imposing Höllental. This parade route runs for 5.3 kilometers, featuring continual ups and downs, and takes 7-9 hours. The ascent through the Höllental is a true paradise for pro climbers with a hiking time of 6-8 hours and an altitude of 2,200 meters.

The easiest route is through the Reintal. Yet, it is also the broadest and most isolated one. The ascent from Eibsee lake or Obermoos via the Wiener-Neustädter Hut and the Austrian Schneekar is the shortest and most direct one.   

There is a hiking ticket „Gatterl“, which takes about 5 hours. It includes an uphill ride with Tiroler Zugspitzbahn, free entrance to the interactive museum, free entrance snow crystal world, one downhill ride to the Zugspitzplatt, downhill ride with Ehrwalder Almbahn, free entrance BAHNORAMA at the valley station free, and bus back to Tiroler Zugspitzbahn.

Hiking ticket price

Besides, you can buy guided peak tours to Zugspitze, namely summit ticket „Zugspitze“. Traditionally, it is a summer tour, available till November. 

Prices of the summit ticket „Zugspitze“

Skiing the Zugspitze

Known as the “Top of Winter Sport”, Zugspitze attracts guests with 20 kilometres of slopes with guaranteed snow, sunshine, and an extra-long season from mid-November to the start of May. You can travel light as everything you need is available at the Zugspitze ski rental right in the resort. 

Winter season prices

Zugspitze is the perfect location for mountaineering courses. For example, Bergsteigerschule Zugspitze (Mountaineering School Zugspitze), the oldest alpine school in Garmisch Partenkirchen, provides mountaineering, ski touring, and hiking courses.

What to do and where to stay near Zugspitze

Partygoers should head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen to enjoy some drinks and a laid-back atmosphere. Such bars and clubs as Drehmöser 9, Evergreen, Miri’s Hütt’n, and Beck’s Stadl are regarded as darlings of the public.

Take into account that all ski passes for more than one day imply access to the nearby resort Garmisch-Classic, so it’s a great possibility to explore both winter sports areas.

Bravehearts searching for a lodging option can stay in the igloo village, which offers a bar, kitchen, and two whirlpools, or huts at the top. If you are looking for more varied accommodation options and want to plunge into the charming ambiance of an old town, book a hotel in Partenkirchen. Also, you can stay in the Austrian village Obermoos or the town of Ehrwald which are also bases for the resort.

Accommodation in Garmisch Partenkirchen

Garmisch Partenkirchen is considered as a double-natured town as it consists of two previously separate villages. Thus, Garmisch offers a modern and vivid atmosphere, whereas Partenkirchen preserves its traditions and flair.

Holiday houses and apartments

If you want to see the sunrise on your balcony and feel at home, consider the following options.

Hotels with spa and wellness area

Holidaymakers who want to relieve stress and enjoy services of the highest quality should stay in one of these hotels.

Hotels with excellent services

Top affordable lodging options

Searching for a stay to enjoy your trip without spending an arm and a leg? Consider these options at the most reasonable prices.

With HotelFriend, you can find great accommodation at affordable prices, light and breezy. Check the variants above and choose the best one for you.