SKI-optimal Hochzillertal - Hochfuegen Total: 171 km 37 kmEasy 97 kmMedium 37 kmDifficult 24Drag lifts 10Chair lifts 5Gondola

Zillertal Arena Total: 166 km 42 kmEasy 114 kmMedium 10 kmDifficult 17Drag lifts 21Chair lifts 11Gondola

Hintertuxer Gletscher Total: 86 km 23 kmEasy 47 kmMedium 16 kmDifficult 10Drag lifts 5Chair lifts 6Gondola

Spieljoch Total: 21 km 1 kmEasy 20 kmMedium 2Drag lifts 3Chair lifts 2Gondola

Zillertal Total: 620 km 151 kmEasy 385 kmMedium 84 kmDifficult 74Drag lifts 60Chair lifts 33Gondola

Zillertal is a huge family of four ski areas belonging to the Austrian province of Tyrol. It extends between the Tuxen Alps and the Kitzbühel Alps, and it combines features of resorts for both beginners and experienced skiers and snowboarders. Continuous development towards becoming a family holiday destination means that the Zillertal Valley is chosen more and more often both during the winter and summer.

The SKI-optimal Hochzillertal - Hochfuegen resort consists of more than 170 km of slopes and 40 ski lifts that are available directly from Kaltenbach. Almost 1/4 of the trails are difficult runs, forming together with a hundred km of intermediate slopes the perfect area for more experienced skiers. In SKI-optimal, you ski mainly above the line of trees, which on the one hand guarantees unforgettable views and good snow, but on the other hand can cause that it’s sometimes windy. Lifts take skiers up to a height of 2,501 m (Wedelexpress), although most peaks are between 2300–2400 m above sea level. When going up from Kaltenbach, it’s worth starting the day by turning left in the direction of the Schnee-Express lift and then taking the 8, 10, 11 routes at the Panorama and Oefeler lifts. It is these routes that are exposed to the sun from very early in the morning and provide ideal grip after a frosty night. As the day goes by it’s worth heading to the right of the map along with the sun traveling across the sky, to finish the day at the enjoyable “ten” in the area of Hochfuegen. Off-piste enthusiasts can direct the tips of their skis toward the Sonnenjet lift, which gives access to extensive freeride areas between the Gedrechter, Marchkopf and Pfaffenbuehel peaks.

Depending on the skill level and individual requirements with regards to the tested routes in Hochfuegen-Hochzillertal, you can spend just one day here or not to move out for a week, stubbornly working on perfectly skiing down specific runs. The variety of slopes and extensive amount of restaurants and bars ensure that the whole family will enjoy staying here.

The small ski resort of Spieljoch, available directly from Fuegen, offers 21 km of routes, of which only 1 km has been classified as a simple trail. There are 4 routes here, leading from up to 2,050 m above sea level, and a 7.5 kilometer long ski run through the forest to the town. On Spieljoch you ski above the line of the trees and can admire great views.

Along with Gerlos and Königsleiten, the idyllic town of Zell am Ziller makes up the famous Zillertal Arena ski resort. Due to its location at an altitude of 580 m above sea level and the specificity of the Zell am Ziller ski area, commonly called Zell, it is very popular among skiers from all over Europe. Over 160 km of slopes, mostly intermediate, and 50 ski lifts taking skiers up to 2,500 m above sea level, will satisfy even the most demanding skiers. Below Karspitz you will find a lot of wide trails that are ideal for carving, and the exposed northern slopes near the Kapauns chairlift usually have great powder snow.

When planning your holiday, it’s worth considering skiing in Zillertal Arena also because of the good value for money. Accommodation in Zell am Ziller and other places are cheaper here than hotels in Mayrhofen or in Hintertux.

The small ski resort of Gerlosstein is located between the localities of Ramsau and Zell am Ziller. It is not connected to any larger region and has 17 km of slopes. The toboggan run is particularly noteworthy, with a length of 15 km. The ski slopes are accessible in two ways. You can use the chairlift in Ramsau im Zillertal, or take the gondola to the top from Heinzenberg. Due to the small size and competition from larger ski stations in Zillertal, when going skiing to Gerlosstein you can expect a small number of skiers and a peaceful family atmosphere.

The ski resort of Ahorn, offering only 18 km of ski runs, is somewhat in the shadow of the vast ski stations in Zillertal. But it is worth spending here at least one morning and checking out the 5.5-km route from the top straight down to the town. Apart from this trail, at the top you will find several red and blue routes. Ahorn presents the full scale of its possibilities during the summer, when there are countless hiking trails available for tourists.

Mayrhofen is part of the ski area under the joint name of Zillertal 3000, one of the best in Tyrol. The largest locality in the Zillertal valley offers winter sports enthusiasts 159 km of varied ski runs. Beginner skiers and snowboarders can hone their technique on the many easy routes in the region. The devoid of trees, sparsely crowded slopes of Mayrhofen and its surrounding areas are popular among fans of freeriding.

The unquestionable attraction of Mayrhofen is the steepest slope in Austria, located in the area of ​​Penken, with a name that says it all - “Harakiri”. It was awarded the title of the Best Black Ski Run in 2012. The high angle of the slope (78%) and general difficult skiing conditions make skiing down “Harakiri” a challenge even for fans of extreme skiing and snowboarding. Anyone that does not feel ready to test their skills on this extremely difficult ski run can observe daredevils in action from a safe distance, sitting in a comfortable cableway near the slope.

The monumental Hintertux glacier rises above the Tux Valley at the far end of the Zillertal Valley. Skiing down its sunny slopes at an altitude of 1,500 m to 3,250 m (the highest point of the glacier) is an attraction in itself, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it during your holiday in this unique region. This is the only glacier in Austria which enables skiing all year round.

Hintertux provides the Ziller Valley a continuous influx of tourists. Very good conditions for skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels are available here even in the peak of the summer season, when high temperatures in the valley can sometimes be hard on tourists, and other ski resorts can only dream about snow. The conditions enabling skiing during the summer are also appreciated by professionals who practice on Hintertux during the warm months before the season.

There’s also a real treat waiting for cross country skiers – the Tuxertal route with a length of 14 km, going down from at an altitude of 1.300–1.450 m.a.s.l.

In total, the Hintertux glacier offers 86 km of trails, mostly intermediate and difficult routes. During the winter season there are very good conditions on the glacier for off-piste skiing.

The Zillertal Valley consists of several towns, of which the most important are Fuegen, Hochfuegen, Mayrhofen, Kaltenbach, Finkenberg, and Zell Am Ziller. Everyone will find a suitable place for themselves in the towns, which have a traditional Tyrolean atmosphere, combined with modern accommodation and entertainment.