Zugspitz-Ultratrail 2025: Garmisch becomes a sports mecca!

Zugspitz-Ultratrail 2025: Garmisch becomes a sports mecca!

The Zugspitz Ultratrail, which begins on Friday evening, June 17, 2025, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, promises not only top sporting achievements, but also a real day of celebration for the region. Around 5,000 athletes from 66 nations are expected, and the anticipation is palpable. The Ultratrail has developed from a pilot project in 2011 with just 700 participants into an important event that now has a high tourist status for the entire region. Locals can expect an increase in tourists exploring the scenic surroundings.

As per a report by Marker As can be seen, around two thirds of the participants travel with accompanying persons, which increases the average length of stay to 2.3 nights. The estimated added value for 2025 is around 1.5 million euros. It is a clear advantage for the local economy, as businesses and restaurants benefit from the athletes and their families.

Athletic competition and community

The event includes various routes, with the premiere of the 100-mile route being particularly eye-catching this year. The participants not only start in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but also in the surrounding towns of Mittenwald, Grainau, Ehrwald and Leutasch. This gives every athlete the opportunity to fully enjoy the breathtaking landscape of this high mountain region. A shuttle bus service for external participants also makes traveling easier.

This year the organizers are planning an expo with 53 exhibitors, the largest to date. However, an important point remains the goal of limiting the growth of the event in order to preserve the character and attractiveness of the ultra trail.

A look at the impact of major sporting events

Major sporting events not only have an impact on a regional level, but also sustainably promote economic development. According to an article by Sports Insider Such events not only attract tourists, but also create jobs and lead to infrastructure improvements that are of benefit beyond the event itself. Together with events such as the Zugspitz Ultra Trail, this not only creates sporting highlights, but also economic opportunities for Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the surrounding area.

With over 350 helpers on duty, there are also many volunteers who contribute to the successful implementation of the event. Garmisch-Partenkirchen actively promotes trail running as a tourist offer and organizes other events such as the GaPa Trail and the Transalpine Run.

This sporting event is more than just a competition; it brings people together, promotes exchange and ensures that the region remains in conversation beyond the event. The challenges for traditional mountain running are high, but the Zugspitz Ultratrail shows that with the right planning and organization, all hurdles can be overcome.

So the countdown has begun: Garmisch-Partenkirchen is getting ready to welcome the trail runners, which represents a unique opportunity for the region. In fact, the race is not only fun, it also promotes a sense of community and shows how deeply rooted the sport is in this beautiful Bavarian region.