The Zugspitze rises 2,962 metres above sea level, visible from Garmisch-Partenkirchen as a constant reminder of the alpine grandeur that surrounds this Bavarian resort. The town split its identity before the 1935 unification: Garmisch was the spa and winter sports centre, Partenkirchen the ancient Roman settlement. Together they form one of Germany premier mountain destinations. The Partnach Gorge cuts through the limestone just outside town, a narrow chasm where waterfalls thunder and wooden walkways carry visitors along the rock face. In winter, the ski slopes of the Zugspitze Glacier offer guaranteed snow.
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Bavarian ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the most popular and largest Alpine resort in Germany. The resort is situated in a valley surrounded both with beautiful forests as well as with the highest mountain peaks of Wetterstein mountain range. Its slopes are spread in an altitude ranging from 700 m to 2,962 m, which is the height of the highest German mountain, Zugspitze glacier.
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Ski Areas: Garmisch Classic and the Zugspitze Glacier
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The resort in the valley of Loisach river offers a completely ideal ski conditions and hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1936, World Cup in downhill skiing in 1978, FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 2011 and many others. It is ideal both for lovers of challenging downhill skiing as well as cross-country skiers. In addition, Garmisch-Partenkirchen resort offers a skating track, slopes for alpine skiing and other winter sports. Popular resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is divided into two areas: Garmisch Classic and Zugspitze.
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Garmisch Classic has 40 kilometres of slopes at an altitude ranging from 700 m to 2,050 m and consists of winding slopes leading below the peaks Hausberg, Kreuzjoch and Osterfelderkopf. Here you find both family slopes and killer black slope called Kandahar, which is the most difficult slope of all in the area. The Kandahar slope has a gradient of up to 72 per cent in its steepest section and is regularly used for World Cup races. Slopes on the Zugspitze glacier are situated at an altitude ranging from 2,050 m to 2,962 m and are mostly red, nicely rugged. The peak of the highest German mountain offers spectacular views over the surrounding Alpine peaks. Since this area is situated on the glacier, it provides a good snow conditions from November to May. The Zugspitze cable car holds the record for the longest span between supports in the world at 3,213 metres, a feat of engineering that was completed in 2017. The summit complex includes several restaurants, a viewing terrace, and the Zugspitze Glacier Garden, an exhibition about the geological history of the mountain.
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Ticket Prices and Beyond the Slopes
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Ski pass prices and opening hours: You can buy Top Snow Card which allows you to use the extended range of up to 87 lifts in 215 km of slopes in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen resort and the wider area. Two-day ticket costs 72.50 euros for adults and 43.50 euros for children from 6 to 15 years. Seven-day card costs 218 euros and 131 euros for children. The area also offers a top-level service and luxury hotels and atmosphere of a real mountain resort. You can find here also a ski school, rental equipment and a variety of wellness services. For further information visit Zugspitze.de.
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Beyond the slopes, the Partnach Gorge is a must-visit attraction. A 700-metre-long chasm carved by the Partnach River, the gorge features walkways cut into the rock face, passing waterfalls and dramatic rock formations. Entry costs 6 euros and the walk takes approximately 30 minutes each way. The Alpine Museum in Garmisch-Partenkirchen documents the history of mountaineering in the region, with exhibits on the first ascent of the Zugspitze in 1820. The town itself offers excellent shopping along the pedestrianised Ludwigstrasse, several thermal baths, and the Richard Strauss Institute dedicated to the composer who lived here. The region is also famous for its winter hiking trails, which are meticulously maintained and offer stunning views of the snow-covered Wetterstein mountains.
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View Garmisch-Partenkirchen – the most popular and highest Alpine ski resort in Germany in a larger map
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Would you climb the Zugspitze or explore the Partnach Gorge? 🏔️
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