Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski resort: Winter sports at the foot of the Zugspitze

Winter sports activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen at a glance:

• Skiing and snowboarding
• Children's area "Ixis Kinderland"
• Tobogganing
• Cross-country skiing

Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Two ski areas for all ability levels

In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the wide range of winter sports on offer is spread across two ski areas: Zugspitze and Garmisch-Classic. Winter sports fans of all ability levels will get their money's worth here. An extra treat for professionals: on the legendary Kandahar course, you have the chance to put your Olympic talent to the test. The best thing is that with the Garmisch Ski Ticket, you can travel from Munich Central Station every hour without any traffic jams. The ticket is available at Deutsche Bahn sales points and at all DB ticket machines. The day ski pass is already included. Together with the Garmisch Ski-Ticket, you will receive a separate voucher to redeem at the ticket offices of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn.

The Zugspitze: skiing fun on Germany's highest peak

The Zugspitze - Germany's highest mountain and only glacier ski area - has a lot to offer: Between 2,000 and 2,700 metres above sea level, skiing fun in natural snow is guaranteed. Not forgetting the warm winter sunshine, which can often still be felt here, even when the fog shrouds the valley. On a clear day, you can enjoy breathtaking views of over 400 mountain peaks, including the famous Grossglockner, Piz Bernina in Switzerland and Ortler in Tyrol. From December to May, ski and snowboard enthusiasts of all levels of experience can let off steam on 14 slopes that stretch over 20 kilometres of pistes. By the way: the almost five-kilometre-long Riffelriss run starts from the Zugspitzplatt and is an insider tip among deep-snow lovers. It is only open in particularly good snow conditions.

Garmisch-Classic ski area: Hausberg and Osterfelderkopf for every level

The interconnected Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitz/Osterfelder mountains provide around 40 kilometres of varied skiing fun in the Garmisch-Classic ski area. The predominantly blue runs on the Hausberg are popular with families and ski beginners, and right next to the valley station, children can gain their first experience on the slopes in "Ixis Kinderland". With a magic carpet and three beginner lifts, the first steps in the snow are much more fun. Fancy a break from skiing? You can go tobogganing on the neighbouring slope next to the local mountain. Variety is guaranteed! Those who enjoy skiing on the sunny side will appreciate the pistes on the Osterfelderkopf. From there, experienced winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the longest valley descent on almost nine kilometres.

Refreshment stop with toboggan option

Skiing in the fresh mountain air whets the appetite. In the cosy atmosphere of the Bayernhaus on the local mountain, the Geyer family and their team serve Bavarian delicacies and homemade cakes. The winding, four-kilometre-long forest trail that leads to the inn is an insider tip for speedy descents among tobogganing fans. The Bayernhaus is around 15 minutes away from the Hausbergbahn cable car.

Kandahar downhill run: Olympic challenge at professional level

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Germany's most famous winter sports resort, having hosted the Winter Olympics over 80 years ago and the spectacular ski race on the Kandahar piste as part of the Ski World Cup since 1970. The ski jumping pros still compete against each other in Garmisch every year on 1 January for the traditional New Year's competition on the Olympic ski jump. If you want to try your hand at the legendary Kandahar course, start at piste number five on the Kreuzjoch. The descent is challenging and only suitable for top skiers. Less experienced skiers can skip the riskiest part with the "free fall" at the middle station. For your information: the course record is under two minutes.

Cross-country skiing: Endurance training at the foot of the mountains

How about a round of cross-country skiing? Anyone who has ever tried it knows that cross-country skiing is a real endurance sport and much more than just a leisurely stroll on skis. The trail from the local mountain to the Olympic ski stadium is particularly popular. It is almost four kilometres long and offers a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Fantastic cross-country ski trails with various winter destinations are available here. The trails can be used free of charge.

Find out about the open trails here and the latest weather conditions here.

Current information and how to get here

The Bayerische Zugspitzbahn is only a few steps away from Garmisch-Partenkirchen railway station. If you would like to spend the day skiing in the Garmisch Classic area, get off at the Hausberg station and walk approx. 200 metres to the Hausbergbahn ski lift. If you want to go up to the Zugspitze, stay on the lift until you reach the Zugspitzplatt on the Zugspitze. Then take the glacier railway to the summit.