Schneefernerkopf

Although the Schneefernerkopf may be viewed as the 'second highest mountain in Germany' after the Zugspitze, this depends heavily on the definition of the term 'mountain'. Due to its proximity to the Zugspitze (it has a topographic isolation of 1.7 km) it is questionable whether it can be counted as an independent mountain, or merely as a sub-peak of the Zugspitze. Either way, its prominence is 176 m. If it is not reckoned as an independent peak, then the claim to the second highest mountain in Germany goes to the Hochwanner (2,746 m), which is clearly separated from the Zugspitze massif by the Rein Valley, Gatterl and Feldernjöchl.^{[citation needed]} The third highest mountain, with a height of 2,713 m, is the Watzmann in the Berchtesgaden Alps.

The easiest way to climb the Schneefernerkopf is from the Zugspitze ledge or Zugspitzplatt. The path runs over the rest of the Schneeferner or past it to the Schneefernerscharte. Here there is the 'wind hole' (Windloch), a result of weathering, with its view looking down onto Ehrwald. To get to the peak the path crosses the northern shoulder on steps and along a steep path with the aid of steel cables, which follows the Schneefernerkopf Lift, closed in 2003 but not removed. The entire journey takes just under an hour. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential.

From the Schneefernerkopf there is an exceptionally challenging downhill ski run, the Neue Welt, descending for almost 2,000 metres, to Ehrwald. It is very exposed, with slopes up to 45° and has an abseil section, that is rated as UIAA grade III.^{[citation needed]}

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  The Schneefernerkopf from the northeast
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  View looking down from the Schneefernerscharte towards Ehrwald
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  'Wind hole' on the Schneefernerscharte
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  The summit area of the Schneefernerkopf from its northern shoulder
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  The cross on the northern shoulder of the Schneefernerkopf

• Stefan Beulke: Alpenvereinsführer Wetterstein, München 1996, ISBN 3-7633-1119-X
• Alpenvereinskarte 1:25.000, Blatt 4/2, Wetterstein- und Mieminger Gebirge