Zillertal, home to four primary ski areas, not only offers a wide variety of skiing but also hotels, restaurants and luxury ski chalets too. This valley has a chameleon like quality about, its impressive diversity meaning that there truly is something for everyone here. In the stunning setting of western Austria, this Tyrolean valley stretches from Hochfügen and Kaltenbach to the north east, through Zell am Ziller and its linked village of Gerlos, to the Hintertux glacier at the far end to the south.
Across the spread of the 42 km long valley is an enormous 515 km of groomed piste to be skied, and of course amongst that is an abundance of fantastic off-piste to be enjoyed too. However, it is the fact that the quality of the skiing matches its quantity that makes Zillertal so special. With Europe’s best lift-serviced glacier-skiing, Rocky Mountain esque, tree-lined off-piste, a world class terrain park and a mountain almost entirely devoted to beginners, it would be fair to say that this valley is the ultimate destination for any winter sports enthusiast.
Since both Innsbruck and Munich are on the doorstep, Zillertal has absorbed a lot of big-city energy and creativity alike. Famed as one of Austria’s most musical valleys, traditional Tyrolean yodeling can be heard across the slopes from nearly every mountain hut. The mouthwatering food served in the multitude of restaurants in this valley showcases the delicacies of Austrian cuisine - you will never want to leave after tasting the gourmet treats on offer at the famed Restaurant Alexander.
The magic of this stunning valley is seemingly endless; from January through till April there is the opportunity to experience these breathtaking slopes by moonlight, or for the early birds the chance to get onto the slopes as early as 6.55am every Thursday and Sunday in the month of March. For those wanting action and excitement, The Snake Run Battle, a race with steep bends and hair-raising 360-degree turns, provides the ideal adrenaline fix.
