Zillertal Valley is one of the most popular ski resorts in Austria and one of the biggest in the world. It was on our list of places to visit since long time and last year in February we finally made it there (see our photo diary HERE). We explored and tested all ski areas in the valley to find our way around and help others to do the same.
If you considering or planning trip to Zillertal this post is for you. Here you will find the highlights, tested tips and suggestions so you can spend less time searching Internet and focus on enjoying your ski trip.
Location & General Info
Zillertal Valley is located in Tirol in western Austria, about an hour drive east of Innsbruck. With more than 500 km of ski slopes, Zillertal has something suited to skiers and snowboarders at every level.
There are four main ski areas in Zillertal Valley:
- Hochzillertal
- Zillertal Arena
- Mayrhofer Ski Area
- Hintertux Glacier
Zillertal Superskipass
All ski resorts in the valley can be accessed with the same skipass: ZILLERTAL SUPERSKIPASS.
TRAVEL TIP → If you come to Zillertal for six days or longer, we suggest you take a look at the elective ticket. It gives you an option to ski on days of your choice e.g. 6 out 7 days. This means you can take a break from skiing without losing a day.
- 1 day ski pass – 50 euro
- 6 days skipass – 230 euro
Full list of the prices can be found HERE
Transportation in the valley
You won’t need a car in Zillertal. For all holders of valid skipass, commuting is free of charge – just remember to take your ski pass with you.
By train
Zillertal Railway or Zillertalbahn is the local train that runs from Jenbach via Fugen, Kaltenbach, Zell Am Ziller to Mayrhofen. You can use the train to commute between the ski resorts and villages.
The train is free as long as you have your SKIPASS and ski gear with you.
Approximate travel times:
- Kaltenbach to Mayerhofen – 20- 25 minutes
- Zell Am Ziller to Mayrhofen – 10-15 minutes
- Zell Am Ziller to Kaltenbach – 10-15 minutes
Full list of the stops and time table can be find HERE
Shuttle busses
In addition to the train, there are many free shuttle busses taking you everywhere around the valley. Hintertux Glacier can be accessed via bus that leaves from Mayrhofen. There are also plenty of busses connecting Zell am Ziller with Gerlos and Krimml.
TRAVEL TIP → when looking for a place to stay, we suggest you choose accommodation near the train station. This way commuting to the nearby ski areas will be quick and easy.
Timetable and more info HERE
Ski Areas
The ski areas in the valley are:
- Spieljoch – Fügen,
- Hochzillertal /Hochfugen,
- Zillertal Arena,
- Mayrhofen,
- Zillertal 3000 & Hintertux glacier
There is a lot of to do and trying to list everything would make this post too long. That’s why we included general information and picked some highlights.
SPIELJOCH – FUGEN
Spieljoch is the first ski area when entering Zillertal valley. Located in Fugen, this small ski resort is ideal for recreational skiers, families, and those who want to escape the crowded slopes.
The area offers:
- 3 km of ski slopes
- 8 ski lifts
- 630 m – 2037 m elevations
See the official site HERE
HOCHZILLERTAL – HOCHFUGEN
Hochzillertal/Hochfugen is located in the north part of the valley with the main entrance point in Kaltenbach. Not only you do need to ski here, but also can come to enjoy cool parties in Kristallhuete or excellent food service in Wedelhuette (2350).
The area offers:
- 88 km of ski slopes
- 39 ski lifts
- 600 m – 2360 m elevations
See the official site HERE
ZILLERTAL ARENA
Zillertal Arena is the biggest ski resort in Zillertal valley, stretching from Zell am Ziller via Gerlos, Königsleiten to Krimml in Salzburgerland.
Zell am Ziller it’s the only village (of those in Zillertal Arena) in the Zillertal valley. Located in the heart of the valley makes for the perfect hub to visit all the ski areas.
The area offers:
- 143 km of slopes
- 52 lifts
- 580 m – 2500 m elevations
See the official site HERE
MAYRHOFEN
Mayrhofen – Hippach has it all – the great skiing, the views and the nightlife and truly deserve its reputation of the great Alpin resort. The ski area can be accessed from villages: Hippach, Mayrhofen (via Penkenbahn), Finkenberg, Tux Lanersbach, and Vorderlanersbach.
The views from the Rastkogel slope runs (1300m -2500m) are some of the best we’ve seen in Austria.
The area offers:
- 136 km
- 57 lifts
- 630 m –2500 m elevations
See the official site HERE
HINTERTUX GLACIER
Hintertux glacier is the only one glacier in Austria that offers year-round skiing. It’s possible to ski 365 days a year and you can expect a fresh powder between October- May.
There are free shuttle busses from Mayerhofen to Hintertux (30 minutes approx. travel time)
The area offers:
- 50 km skiing
- 19 lifts
- 1590 m – 3250 m elevations
See the official site HERE
Other Activities
Sledging in Gerlosstein
7km long toboggan run is the longest one in Zillertal valley. The run is floodlight and open until 1 o’clock in the night (note: cable car closes at 9 p.m). On the way down you can stop in several mountain huts and enjoy the treats.
Price: 7.5 euro for cable car + around 5 euro for sledges
Thermal Pools in Fugen
Thermal pools and sauna provided by rlebnistherme Zillertal in Fügen .
Price: 17 euro (20 euro with sauna) for 4 hours pass
