The Zillertal Valley is divided into four regions: Fügen-Kaltenbach, Zell-Gerlos, Mayrhofen-Hippach and Tux-Finkenberg. A total of 544 kilometers of trails await skiers here. Just for comparison; Austria’s largest ski area Ski amadé offers 760 kilometers of trails, and is also spread across several federal states. This nicely describes Zillertal’s facilities, where so many ski slopes are concentrated in a much smaller area.

Zillertal can satisfy both skilled and less skilled skiers as it offers plenty of trails of all difficulty levels, although the intermediate reds clearly predominate. It should be noted that this valley tends to be quite busy due to its popularity. So, wandering the slopes alone is more wishful thinking than reality. On the other hand, ski passes valid for the entire valley can be purchased here, which gives visitors greater maneuverability and the ability to try several resorts at once and find the one that best suits their needs.

Among other things, Zillertal is home to the Hintertux glacier, the only place in Austria where you can ski all year round. Here alone you will find 60 kilometers of pistes, mainly red ones, and the certainty of high-quality snow is beyond doubt. You can go all the way up at 3250 meters.

However, Hintertux is famous not only for year-round skiing, but also for its ice caves, which even in summer invite you to walk along the icy corridors or take a cruise on the glacial river. Hardy visitors can even take a dip in one of the local lakes. But it’s a challenge for the toughest, because even in summer the water temperature stays around zero.

Due to its size, Zillertal is also perfect for families with children, there are a number of areas for children in the area, as well as eight snow parks and an amusement park, where the more able can practice various jumps and tricks. Freeride tracks are also available here.

It should be noted that Zillertal, although it offers a large number of runs, is not only a destination for skiers. Visitors don’t even have to step on their skis. They can be exchanged for sledges, which have 15 tracks for a total length of 48 kilometers in the valley. And if you’ve ever tried tobogganing in the Alps, you know that it’s often the same adrenaline rush as skiing.

Anyone wishing to climb one of the local peaks is welcome. Zillertal also attracts fans of ski touring, which is a less demanding form of ski mountaineering. Again, there are a variety of routes of varying difficulty to choose from, depending on the physical fitness of those interested. But you don’t just have to pedal uphill, as there is also a 460-kilometre classic hiking trail that winds its way through the area.

Stops at mountain huts are the norm, which in addition to more rustic and healthy food offer a gastronomic experience. After all, there are also many restaurants scattered in the valley. Many of them are proud of the prestigious Gault Millau award. The emphasis here is on local ingredients and honest processing. And is there anything more enjoyable than a good meal with a view of the snow-capped peaks of the Alps?