Host of the 1936 Winter Olympics and located 97kms south west of Münich and 60kms northwest of Innsbruck, the Olympic city of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, at the foot of Zugspitze, (which at 2,963m is highest mountain in the country), is Germany’s best and most popular ski resort. Perfect terrain for intermediates and with new advanced and expert runs as well as excellent beginner schools, Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski resort is a good all-rounder.

The twin villages of Garmisch and Partenkirchen make up Germany's top Alpine resort. In spite of their urban flair, the towns maintain the charm of ancient villages, especially Partenkirchen. There is a variety of shops in the centre, from fashionable boutiques and sports stores, to fine jewellery and handicrafts shops.

You can quickly find a place to stay in Garmisch or Partenkirchen with over 9,600 beds available, from a farmhouse to an ultra-luxurious hotel. There are some wonderful hotels in the middle of the towns. Somewhat elegant après-ski can be found in the big hotels, while Garmisch is full of great old Bavarian restaurants. Both towns share a casino, bars, discos, concerts, theatres, and a cinema.

The Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski resort has 60kms of marked runs with a longest run being 7kms long (Alpspitz). The 44 slopes range from nearly half of the field for beginners, to expert slopes. There are 36 lifts, including: 23 surface lifts, six chairlifts, four cable cars, two gondolas, and one cogwheel train with a capacity for 33,000 skiers per hour. There is a children’s school (from age four), but no ski kindergarten.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also linked with nearby Lermoos and Seefeld, the two largest Austrian Alpine villages, by a common lift ticket. The classic excursion is by railway and cable car to the top of the Zugspitze. The panorama from the summit, which is also accessible from the Austrian border, extends far over the Alps and the Bavarian lowlands.

The long ski season runs from November to May, with the best deals available at the start and at the end of the season, and in mid-January. The best way to get to Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski resort is to fly to Music, or Innsbruck, airport and hire a car; the drive through the mountains is amazing.