Garmisch-Partenkirchen Ski Resort: Zugspitze and Garmisch-Classic

Winter sports activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen at a glance:

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

Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers a wide range of winter sports in two ski areas: Zugspitze and Garmisch-Classic. Here, winter sports fans of all abilities get their money's worth. Extra treat for professionals: on the legendary Kandahar course you have the chance to prove your Olympic talent. Best of all, with the Garmisch Ski Ticket you can travel from Munich's main railway station every hour, relaxed and without 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: so close to heaven

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

Hausberg and Osterfelderkopf - fun on the slopes for newcomers and experienced winter sports enthusiasts alike

The interconnected Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitz/Osterfelder mountains provide around 40 kilometres of varied skiing pleasure in the Garmisch-Classic ski area. The predominantly blue runs on the Hausberg are preferred by families and novice skiers. Right next to the valley station, youngsters can gain their first experience of the slopes in "Ixis Kinderland". With a magic carpet and three beginner's lifts, the first steps on the snow are much more fun. Want to take a ski break? On the adjacent slope next to the local mountain you can go tobogganing in between. Variety is guaranteed! Those who like to ski on the sunny side will appreciate the slopes on the Osterfelderkopf. From there, experienced winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the longest downhill run in the valley on almost nine kilometres.

Stop for a break with the option of tobogganing

Skiing in the fresh mountain air whets the appetite. In the rustic atmosphere of the Bayernhaus on the Hausberg, the Geyer family and their team serve Bavarian delicacies and homemade cakes. Among tobogganing fans, the winding, four-kilometre-long forest path that leads to the inn is considered an insider tip for speedy descents. The Bayernhaus is about 15 minutes from the Hausberg cable car.

Kandahar: Olympic challenge at professional level

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Germany's most famous winter sports resort. The Winter Olympics were held here over 80 years ago, and since 1970 the spectacular ski race has been held on the Kandahar slope as part of the Ski World Cup. Every year in Garmisch, the professional ski jumpers still compete against each other on 1 January for the traditional New Year's jump on the Olympic hill. Those who want to try their hand at the legendary Kandahar course start at the Kreuzjoch on piste number five. The downhill run is demanding 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.

Endurance training at the foot of the mountains

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

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

How to get there:

The Bayerische Zugspitzbahn is just a short walk from Garmisch-Partenkirchen railway station. If you want to spend your ski day in the Garmisch Classic area, get off at Hausberg station and walk about 200 metres to the Hausbergbahn ski lift. If you want to go up to the Zugspitze, stay on the cable car until you reach the Zugspitzplatt of the Zugspitze. Now continue to the summit with the glacier cable car.