Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Germany's highest ski resort on the Zugspitze, host of World Cup races with dramatic Bavarian Alpine scenery.

Key Stats

Vertical Drop
1,340m (4,396ft)
The height difference between the top and bottom of the mountain
Summit Elevation
2,830m (9,285ft)
How high the highest lift or peak reaches
Base Elevation
730m (2,395ft)
Height of the main base village — higher means cooler, drier snow
Annual Snowfall
300cm (118in)
Average annual natural snowfall — higher is better for powder days
Trails
40
Total number of marked runs on the trail map
Lifts
22
Total number of lifts including chairlifts, gondolas, and t-bars
Resort Size
40 km of pistes
Marked piste length across the lift-linked area

Terrain Breakdown

The percentage of marked trails in each difficulty level. A higher beginner percentage means more terrain suitable for novices and families; a higher advanced percentage means more challenge for experts.

Easy
20%
Intermediate
50%
Difficult
30%

Best For

Après-ski

When to go

Average snowpack depth, by month.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen's snowpack peaks in April.

deepestJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJun
Snowpack
peaks Apr
Typical season
Dec – Jul

Snow depth: ECA&D, daily station data (1994–2023).

Location

Garmisch-Partenkirchen sits in the Bavarian Alps at the southern edge of Germany, in a broad mountain valley below the Zugspitze massif near the Austrian border. The terrain climbs from a low valley floor to high-alpine glacier slopes near the summit.

Getting there

Easy to reach

Fly into Innsbruck (INN), about 50 minutes from the resort by road. The train is a practical alternative.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen also has frequent direct rail from Munich.

Compare Garmisch-Partenkirchen to

These are the resorts most similar to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Pick one to see a side-by-side.

vs Oberstdorf-Nebelhornvs Berchtesgaden / Jennervs Zugspitzevs Cortina d'Ampezzovs Arlbergvs Söldenvs Portes du Soleilvs Zell am See

Explore Further

More ski resorts in Germany →Official website →