A place where tradition, hospitality and fine local cuisine is a way of life – and fantastic skiing lasts all year long

Before we count the lifts (speedy, modern and 180 of them spanning four ski areas) and before we measure the slopes (enough for a week, month, a winter full of skiing across 535 km of pistes), let’s consider the authentic charm and commitment to quality the Zillertal Valley offers. Surrounded by sparkling Three Thousanders, this sunny wide valley in Tirol is dotted with hotels, inns and chalets whose chief aim is to pamper their guests. Notably, there’s scarcely a chain to be seen for miles; the hotels of Zillertal are all owner-operated and often run by the same family for generations. And that’s the way we like it.

The premium choice for winter sports lovers and foodies alike, Zillertal specialises in high quality restaurants with many ingredients coming straight from the valley. Organic milk from alpine cows, homemade schnapps and hand-cured meats are only the beginning. From traditional mountain hut fare to sophisticated cocktails, to panorama bars and a vegetarian restaurant with its own permaculture garden, guests will be thrilled to experience a huge variety of restaurants and mountain huts.

There is Gaspi ́s in the heart of Gerlos with a beechwood barbecue, or GuatzEssen where dishes are made by hand from the products of the local forests — dining in the villages of Zillertal is sure to please. Likewise, the mountain restaurants provide even more chances to stop and soak in the Alpine atmosphere. The sun terrace at the Mountain Loft at the Spieljochbahn cable car station is sure to be a popular stop. So too, the Kreuzjoch Hütte promises authentic Tirolean coziness, hearty cooking and an incomparable view over the Zillertal. We invite you to experience the local gastronomy from peak to valley, including the exciting reinterpretation of Zillertal traditions by the young chefs cooking in new and contemporary ways.

Early bird skiing in Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach

In Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach, the alarm clock rings a little earlier for mountain railway employees. Because at dawn, the Hochzillertal gondola lift brings early risers into the snow adventure from 7.30 a.m. At almost 2,400 metres above sea level!

Even before everyone else, the early bird skiers carve their turns over the perfectly groomed slopes while the sun conquers the sky spectacularly: the mountain scenery first turns purple, then red and bright orange, until the sun shows its full radiance. Unique and magical moments in the Zillertal Alps.

At almost 2,400 metres above sea level, there is a colourful selection of blue, red and black slopes – everyone will find their morning highlight here. The experience is rounded off with a fresh mountain breakfast. Tip: With the Premium Early Bird Package for two, skiers float towards skiing pleasure in the BMW 7 Series Sedan – including a champagne reception and breakfast brunch at the Kristallhütte. 

Nature’s Ice Palace

Insights into the eternal ice

Nature’s Ice Palace at the Hintertux Glacier is a natural gem, unique worldwide and an ideal year round excursion destination for the whole family. The entrance to this ice cave is only a 3 to 4 minute walk from the top station of the glacierbus 3 lift. On guided tours, visitors are asked to ‘Step inside’  this wonderful world deep beneath the ski slopes and discover a glacial crevasse with magical ice stalactites, giant sparkling ice crystals, frozen waterfalls and even a glacial lake.

The Natural Ice Palace has a constant temperature of 0°C 365 days a year. For the tour therefore clothes and good shoes are needed, even with ski boots the tour is easily possible. With its cool natural beauty, the Natur Eis Palace fascinates adult glacier fans as well as families with children over 6 years.

The ice cave is open all year round and accessible in all weathers. A visit to the Nature Ice Palace can also be combined with a day of skiing on the Hintertux Glacier or with a view from the panoramic terrace.  

Erlebnistherme Zillertal

You can hear the splashing and bubbling all around you – the happy squeaking of kids sounds from the slides and the wave pool almost makes you feel like you’re on a beach. The Erlebnistherme thermal baths at the entrance to Zillertal are a favourite place, a world of adventure and well-being at the same time. Treat yourself to a day full of action, exercise, play and relaxation in the spa complex Zillertal.

Snowshoe hikes

Experience tranquil side-valleys with undeveloped mountains and summits under your own steam. Several ski and alpine schools in the valley offer guided tours with the chance to hire the necessary sports equipment.

Guided snowshoe hikes

Guided snowshoe tours are offered in various levels of difficulty so that every guest can really enjoy such an experience.  

Spannagel Cave

A geological peculiarity is a stretch of marble – consisting of crystalline limestone – that extends from Hintertux south to the Spannagelhaus. Located in this marble is the Spannagel Cave network with its numerous natural wonders. Throughout the year the professional guides take visitors on a tour. Equipment and boots will be provided – take 40 minutes of time to come from Hintertux to our cave – pay attention: you may walk on snow!

By plane:

The closest airports are Innsbruck (50 km), Salzburg (150 km), and Munich, Germany (170 km)

By train:

• From Innsbruck: direct train to Jenbach (20 min), then a local train or shuttle to your destination
• From Salzburg: direct train to Jenbach (1 h 30 min), then local train or shuttle
• From Munich: direct train to Jenbach (1 h 30 min), then local train or shuttle

By car:

• From the east: take the A1 motorway to Salzburg, then cross through Germany and continue on A12 to the Zillertal exit, then take B169 into Zillertal
• From the west: take the A12 motorway to the Zillertal exit, then B169 into Zillertal

By taxi/airport transfer: · Four Seasons Travel