Zillertal Ski Holidays

Ski holidays in Zillertal

Skiing in the Zillertal is like having the entire Austrian Alps at your fingertips – a winter wonderland where over 500km of interconnected pistes span four major ski areas, all accessible with one convenient Zillertal Superskipass.

This is where traditional Tyrolean charm meets world-class skiing infrastructure, offering everything from gentle valley runs to the exhilarating heights of the Hintertux Glacier (open 365 days a year). Picture your perfect ski day: perhaps starting with wide, sunny cruisers above family-friendly Mayrhofen, venturing to the snow-sure slopes of Hochfügen for lunch at a rustic mountain hut, then capping off the afternoon with high-altitude glacier runs that stay pristine long after other resorts have closed for spring. The Zillertal’s sheer scale means you could ski here for weeks without repeating a run, yet its clever lift connections and free valley buses make navigating this winter kingdom refreshingly straightforward.

What truly sets the Zillertal apart is how it caters so brilliantly to every type of skier and snowboarder. Families adore resorts like Kaltenbach and Fügen for their stress-free beginner areas and excellent ski schools, while intermediates can spend days exploring the valley’s endless network of perfectly groomed red runs – particularly the legendary Ski Safari route linking Zell am Ziller with Fügen. Advanced riders flock to Mayrhofen’s infamous Harakiri (Austria’s steepest groomed run at 78% gradient) and the glacier’s challenging off-piste terrain. Beyond the slopes, the Zillertal buzzes with authentic Austrian après-ski, from cosy hütten serving schnapps and live folk music to Mayrhofen’s legendary Ice Bar and modern cocktail lounges.

With its unbeatable combination of variety, reliability and Tyrolean hospitality, the Zillertal delivers a ski experience that feels both grand in scale and wonderfully personal, where every visitor finds their own perfect rhythm in the mountains.

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Zillertal mountain facts

The Zillertal ski area is not just one resort, but a collection of interconnected domains that form one of Austria's largest and most impressive ski valleys.

The Zillertal Superskipass grants access to an astonishing 542km of perfectly prepared pistes, served by a colossal 180 state-of-the-art lifts. This includes celebrated areas like the Zillertal Arena, Mayrhofen's Penken and Ahorn, Hochzillertal-Hochfügen, and the crown jewel, the Hintertux Glacier. While valley towns sit around 600m, the skiing reaches up to an incredible 3,250m on the Hintertux Glacier, ensuring high-altitude snow and unparalleled views across the entire region.

Snow conditions in Zillertal

The Zillertal ski area consistently enjoys exceptional snow conditions throughout a remarkably long season. The presence of the magnificent Hintertux Glacier guarantees snow reliability for much of the year, often from October through to June, providing an outstanding base for the valley's overall snow record. Furthermore, across the various ski areas, an extensive network of advanced snowmaking facilities meticulously covers a vast percentage of the pistes. This combination of reliable natural snowfall and state-of-the-art technical support ensures superb snow quality and beautifully groomed runs, making the Zillertal a supremely snow-sure choice for your winter escape.

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Skiing in Zillertal

The Zillertal offers an incredibly diverse and extensive skiing experience, perfectly suited for every ability level across its vast terrain. Beginners will find excellent, gentle learning areas specifically designed for confidence-building in many of the valley's resorts, such as those around Zell am Ziller or the wider, open slopes at Gerlos, providing a truly comfortable and encouraging introduction to skiing. These dedicated zones allow newcomers to gain their ski legs with ease before venturing further afield.

Intermediate skiers will truly revel in the countless kilometres of wide, flowing blue and red runs found across the Zillertal Arena and Hochzillertal-Hochfügen. These expansive areas are ideal for long, enjoyable cruising, allowing you to perfect your carving technique while soaking in magnificent panoramic views. The interconnected nature means endless discovery, ensuring each day brings new and exciting pistes to explore.

The Zillertal presents thrilling and diverse challenges for the advanced and expert skier. Mayrhofen boasts the legendary Harakiri run, famously Austria's steepest groomed piste, which is a true test of nerve and skill. Beyond this iconic descent, you'll discover demanding mogul fields, steep sections, and extensive high-alpine freeride opportunities on the Hintertux Glacier, ensuring an adrenaline-pumping adventure for those seeking to push their limits in pristine conditions. With the Zillertal Superskipass, the entire valley becomes your exhilarating playground.

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Snowboarding in Zillertal

Snowboarders will discover the Zillertal to be an absolute paradise, truly renowned for its incredible variety of terrain and world-class freestyle parks. The valley proudly boasts several exceptional snow parks, chief among them the famous Penken Park in Mayrhofen, which is consistently ranked among Europe's absolute best. This park offers an impressive, meticulously maintained array of jumps, rails, and boxes, catering brilliantly to all skill levels, from those honing their first ollies to seasoned pros. The Zillertal Arena also features fantastic parks like the Betterpark Hochzillertal, providing even more freestyle options across the valley.

Beyond the dedicated parks, the immense expanse of wide, beautifully groomed pistes is superb for carving sweeping lines and enjoying the sheer freedom of the mountains. For powder enthusiasts, the high-alpine freeride possibilities on the Hintertux Glacier are truly legendary, offering untracked lines and exhilarating descents (please enjoy with a qualified guide!). The Zillertal's highly efficient and modern lift system ensures seamless navigation of this vast, interconnected terrain with your board, allowing you to maximise your time riding and exploring every corner of this ultimate snowboarder's playground.

Zillertal Ski Holidays

Après-ski in Zillertal

The Zillertal boasts a truly legendary and diverse après-ski scene, widely considered one of Austria's finest, offering a party for every preference. While Mayrhofen is undeniably the vibrant epicentre of the valley's nightlife, attracting a lively international crowd, buzzing venues abound across other areas too.

  • As the lifts close, expect the party to ignite on the mountain, with iconic slope-side umbrella bars like the Pilzbar at the top of the Penkenbahn in Mayrhofen, and Seppi's Mountain Club in Gerlos (Zillertal Arena), pumping out Europop hits and drawing exuberant crowds still in their ski boots, often dancing on tables.
  • In Mayrhofen, the famous Brückenstadl is renowned for its live bands and infectious sing-alongs, while the Ice Bar is a popular spot right by the Penkenbahn base, known for its cheap and cheerful atmosphere.
  • If you’re looking for clubs, the Arena Club in Mayrhofen keeps the party going until the early hours.
  • Elsewhere in the Zillertal, you'll find plenty of fantastic options too, like the Pizz Pub in Fügen (Hochzillertal-Hochfügen) or Krocha Alm and Jogglkessl right at the base of the Zillertal Arena in Zell am Ziller.
  • Even up on the Hintertux Glacier, the Hohenhaus Tenne offers a lively atmosphere at the base station with a large sun terrace.
This incredible variety ensures that whether you prefer a traditional Tyrolean 'hut party' or a modern club scene, the Zillertal has your après-ski desires covered.
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Facilities in Zillertal

The Zillertal is exceptionally well-equipped with all the essential and desirable facilities to ensure a seamless and utterly enjoyable ski holiday. You'll find numerous modern ski and snowboard rental shops conveniently located in all major towns and at key lift bases, offering a wide array of high-quality, up-to-date equipment for every discipline, from performance skis to comfortable carving boards, with options often available for online pre-booking. There are excellent ski schools across the valley, such as those in Mayrhofen and Zell am Ziller, staffed by highly qualified and enthusiastic instructors providing comprehensive lessons for all ages and abilities, whether you prefer group sessions or private coaching. Purchasing your Zillertal Superskipass is made wonderfully convenient at various well-organised points across the valley, ensuring quick and easy access to the slopes.

Beyond the skiing, the charming towns scattered throughout the Zillertal offer a wide selection of appealing shops, ranging from specialist sports outfitters for any gear needs to local boutiques selling traditional Tyrolean crafts and souvenirs. Many delightful restaurants and cafes abound, serving everything from authentic, hearty Tyrolean cuisine in cosy Gasthöfe to exquisite international dishes in more refined settings, catering to every palate. For a perfect post-ski unwind, the Erlebnistherme Zillertal in Fügen provides a fantastic indoor pool complex with various slides and family-friendly zones, alongside extensive sauna and wellness facilities for deep relaxation and rejuvenation. This thoughtful provision of amenities ensures every aspect of your holiday is effortless and enjoyable.

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Facilities for children in Zillertal

The Zillertal is a truly fantastic choice for families, offering an abundance of facilities specifically designed to delight children across its various resorts. The valley proudly boasts excellent ski schools, such as those found in Mayrhofen and Zillertal Arena, with dedicated, patient, and engaging instructors specialising in teaching younger learners through fun and playful methods, often incorporating games and themed characters to build confidence. On the slopes, you'll discover numerous well-equipped children's areas that are exceptionally safe, wonderfully gentle, and feature easy-to-use magic carpets, colourful learning aids, and even themed zones to make the entire experience exciting and memorable.

Beyond the slopes, many resorts also offer convenient kindergartens and professional childcare services, providing peace of mind for parents wishing to explore more challenging terrain. Off the snow, there are ample opportunities for family fun, including thrilling tobogganing runs (like the illuminated one in Gerlos), delightful ice skating rinks in various villages, and engaging indoor play centres at leisure facilities like the Erlebnistherme Zillertal. This comprehensive array of child-friendly amenities ensures a well-rounded and genuinely enjoyable family ski holiday for everyone.

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Why choose a ski holiday to Zillertal with Erna Low?

Experience and service: We offer you a one-stop shop for everything you could possibly need for a ski holiday.

Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.

Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.

Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.

5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.

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Mayrhofen is known for its Apres and skiing however, having access to the full Zillertal region makes it a great destination for everyone.

Rob Paul, Senior Sales Consultant

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