Zillertal Arena Resort Overview
Located in the heart of Austria, Zillertal sits at a height of 1,300m with the highest ski lift reaching 2,500m. The resort encompasses the towns of Zell am Ziller, Gerlos, Königsleiten and Wald-Königsleiten, providing access to the larger Zillertal Valley ski area with 143km of pisted terrain.
The resort boasts a variety of accommodation options from cosy, traditional chalets to modern, luxury hotels, most of which provide convenient ski-in-ski-out access. Its high-altitude location typically provides reliable snow conditions, ensuring excellent ski conditions from early December through to April.
Skiing in Zillertal
Zillertal is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort offers 143km of well-groomed pisted terrain, serviced by 52 lifts.
Beginners can ease into skiing on gentle slopes in the resort’s heart, while intermediate skiers can explore the wide blue and red runs spread across the ski area. For more experienced skiers, challenging black runs, such as the famously steep ‘Direttissima’ with a gradient of 78%, provide the thrill of high-altitude skiing.
Freestyle enthusiasts will love the Snowpark Gerlos, boasting a variety of kickers, rails and boxes for all skill levels. Additionally, adventurous skiers can explore the extensive off-piste terrain, remembering to always respect safety rules and guidelines.
Is Zillertal Family-friendly?
Zillertal proves to be a fantastic destination for families. The resort’s pedestrianised centre, ski-in-ski-out accommodation and range of family-friendly amenities, including a fun sledding track, ice skating rink and indoor climbing wall, make it a firm favourite among families. The resort also offers discounted lift passes for children and free passes for children under six years.
Après-Ski Scene in Zillertal
Zillertal has a vibrant après-ski scene offering a variety of bars and pubs to unwind after a day on the slopes. The famous Igloo Bar at the summit of the Königsleiten is a must-visit for its unique atmosphere, while the Seppi’s on the Gerlos Plateau is known for its live music and pizza.
Dining in Zillertal
When it comes to dining, Zillertal doesn’t disappoint. It hosts a range of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. The Platzlalm in Hochkrimml offers traditional Tyrolean dishes with stunning panoramic views, while the Gondelstüberl at the base station in Zell serves excellent pizzas. For a quick lunch on the slopes, try the Schnitzel at the Königsleiten Umbrella bar.
How to Get to Zillertal
The quickest way to reach Zillertal is to fly to Innsbruck Airport, a 1-hour transfer away. Other nearby airports include Munich Airport (2h) and Salzburg Airport (2h). From these airports, you can arrange a transfer by taxi, bus or train to the resort. Those driving to the resort will find ample parking spaces available.
Zillertal Insider Tips
- Don’t miss a visit to the Kristallhütte. This luxurious mountain hut is well-known for its gourmet food, cosy atmosphere and stunning views.
- The Arena Coaster, a year-round alpine coaster in Zell, is a fun-filled activity for the entire family.
- For a unique dining experience, book a table at the Albergo in Gerlos, a restaurant known for its delicious Italian cuisine and exceptional wine list.
- Experience the thrill of night skiing on the floodlit slope in Gerlos every Tuesday and Thursday.
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