Zillertal (Ziller valley) is one of the most visited, especially by skiers, valleys in Austria and the world’s largest skiing valley. It is located just 40 km from Innsbruck, administrative and cultural capital of Tyrol. It is easy reachable both with private and public transportation. The valley is served by Zillertal Railway, narrow gauge railway which runs from Jenbach to Mayerhofen in length of 32km. From Mayerhofen Zillertal splits into four smaller valleys.
Skiing resorts in Ziller Valley are divided into four skiing areas with 515 kilometers of groomed slopes and 179 of the top notch ski lifts. You can buy all-in-one ticket Zillertal Superskipass that provides access to all four areas at the valley stations of all cable cars.
Zillertal Arena is the biggest skiing area of these four with 143 kilometres of slopes and 52 cable cars and lifts. This area connects 4 mountains and two federal states and it offers slopes for everyone, beginners and advanced skiers. Facilities include snow parks, ski movie runs, numerous photo points, ride on the Arena Coaster and the longest toboggan run in the Zillertal, 7 kilometre Gerlosstein toboggan. The whole area is covered by free WLAN hotspots.
Hochzillertal-Hochfügen-Spieljoch, is the first ski area at the entrance to the valley and the oldest one. Some of its 12 villages have the most hours of sun, which can be very important for holidays. This area consists of 3 connected skiing areas skiing areas Hochfügen, Hochzillertal and Spieljoch with more than 100km of groomed slopes and 47 ski lifts and cable cars. The longest snow-covered valley run of the Zillertal is located here. After the long day of skiing you can treat yourself with the thermal spa in Erlebnistherme Zillertal, located in the town of Fügen.
Mayrhofner Bergbahnen ski area is located around the biggest town in the valley Mayerhofen. Directly from the centre you can enter the cable cars leading you to slopes and mountain peaks. 57 modern lifts and almost 140km of slopes should be enough for everyone. The biggest two cable cars in Austria are located at this ski area. Penken Park, one of the best snow parks in Europe is located here and it represents perfect place for free riders. Austria’s steepest slope, Harakiri with a 78% gradient can be found here. Mayerhofen is also renowned for its best après ski parties and is visited often by the young crowd.
And the last ski area is Ski- & Gletscherwelt Zillertal 3000. This ski area is located at the end of the valley and is one of two in the world where the snow is guaranteed 365 days a year and it is the Austria’s only year-round ski area. The glacier Hintertux is 120 m thick at its deepest point and 4 km long witness to the Ice Age. Highlight for all visitors is Nature Ice Palace rare phenomenon located below the ski runs. The area Hintertux offers 60 km of slopes with 21 lifts.
The Zillertal is not only known for skiing, it is especially renowned for its musical tradition and its families of travelling singers and organ builders. One of the most famous Christmas carols Silent Night which is declared as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO was spread across the world by travelling singers from Ziller valley.
No matter what is your motivation either history, tradition, good food or just skiing in the world’s largest skiing valley, Zillertal is worth visiting.
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The author
Ogi Savic
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