Zillertal Snow Conditions

The Zillertal ski area sits in the Ziller Valley in the Tyrol region of southwest Austria, and offers a host of varied skiing for all levels. Comprising 11 ski resorts, the area can be explored on a number of different lift passes, with access throughout the whole valley made easier thanks to the introduction of a modern lift system. Although most of the resorts are at a fairly low altitude, the presence of the Hintertux Glacier means the region has a good snow record, with summer skiing on the glacial slopes available.  

 

The main attraction in the Zillertal is the lively resort of Mayrhofen, which has two main ski areas - Penken and Ahorn - and offers north-facing slopes seeing plenty of sunshine, pistes which sit above the treeline, and an excellent range of skiing mainly for beginners and intermediates. Beginners can access the gentle slopes of Ahorn via a fast cable car, the biggest in Austria, with more advanced skiers venturing to Penken on the other side for more challenging terrain. Intermediates in the Zillertal have plenty of ground to explore throughout the valley, with lots of long cruising reds and some steep terrain to navigate, and numerous above tree-line runs. Experts can test themselves on Austria's steepest run, the Harikari, or venture to the highest point in the Zillertal, the Hintertux Glacier at 3,250m, via the excellent modern lift system. The steep glacial slopes, with an exceptional vertical of almost 2,000m, are a haven for advanced skiers, and remain a favourite training spot for international teams in the summer. Skiers looking for the most choice can invest in the Zillertal Superski Pass, with access to 450km of terrain.

 

The ski season in Zillertal is year-round, with the best conditions seen from December to April, and Mayrhofen boasting snowmaking over 80% of its slopes from 117 snow cannons. Upper slope averages in the resort reached 91cm during the 2010 season, but peaked at 186cm in the previous 2009 season in March.