Ride Zillertal Arena

Austria

Skiing and Snowboarding in Zillertal Arena: Austria's Alpine Playground

Introduction to Zillertal Arena

The Zillertal Arena stands proudly as the largest interconnected ski area in the Zillertal Valley, spanning two Austrian federal states. This impressive winter playground stretches from Zell am Ziller in Tyrol across to Gerlos, and continues to Wald-Königsleiten and Krimml-Hochkrimml in Salzburg's Pinzgau region. With 150 kilometers of meticulously groomed slopes and 52 modern lifts, the Arena offers a diverse skiing and snowboarding experience suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced winter sports enthusiasts.

Terrain Variety and Slope Distribution

What makes Zillertal Arena particularly appealing is its well-balanced terrain distribution:

33% easy slopes (50 km) – perfect for beginners and families
59% medium slopes (88 km) – ideal for intermediate skiers and snowboarders
8% difficult slopes (12 km) – challenging runs for advanced winter sports enthusiasts

The ski area spans an impressive altitude range from 580 meters in the valley to 2,500 meters at the Übergangsjoch, ensuring reliable snow conditions throughout the winter season with almost 100% snow guarantee.

Signature Experiences

The "Höhenfresser-Tour"

For those seeking an epic descent, the aptly named "Höhenfresser-Tour" (Altitude Eater Tour) delivers an unforgettable experience. This challenging run starts at the Übergangsjoch at 2,500 meters and descends a staggering 1,930 vertical meters over 10 kilometers into the valley of Zell am Ziller, making it one of Austria's most remarkable descents in terms of altitude difference.

Arena Champions Tour

Adventure-seekers can challenge themselves to become an "Arena Champion" by conquering the various attractions throughout the ski area. The tour includes 5 SkiMovie runs where you can race against the clock, 4 Speed Check runs to test your maximum velocity, and 5 Photo Points to capture your alpine adventures. This interactive experience adds an extra dimension of fun to your skiing or snowboarding day.

Early Bird Experiences

For early risers, the Zillertal Arena offers a unique "Good Morning Skiing" program. Twice a week during March, selected slopes open at the crack of dawn – 6:55 AM – allowing enthusiasts to experience the freshly groomed pistes bathed in early morning light while enjoying the tranquility before the crowds arrive.

Family-Friendly Features

The Zillertal Arena prides itself on being exceptionally family-friendly, with dedicated facilities including:

Spacious children's areas with gentle learning slopes
Special children's restaurants catering to younger palates
Professional ski schools with specialized children's programs
The new "Funty Slope" by the Rosenalmbahn cable car in Zell, where the resort mascot has prepared fun surprises for young skiers
Practice lifts and beginner zones above Zell am Ziller

Parents can rest assured that younger family members will be well accommodated throughout the ski area, making it an ideal destination for multi-generational skiing holidays.

Freestyle and Off-Piste Adventures

Snow Parks and Action Areas

Freestyle enthusiasts and terrain park lovers will find plenty to get excited about across the Zillertal Arena's various parks:

Snowpark Gerlos – offering features for different skill levels
Funpark Hochkrimml – with creative obstacles and jumps
Actionpark Kreuzwiese – featuring a spectacular bag jump and a snake run with steep curves and jumps
Shred School – where beginners can learn freestyle basics in a safe environment

These parks cater to everyone from freestyle beginners to advanced tricksters, ensuring progression opportunities for all ability levels.

Beyond Skiing and Snowboarding

The Zillertal Arena offers numerous activities beyond traditional skiing and snowboarding:

The 7-kilometer Gerlosstein toboggan run – the longest in Zillertal, illuminated until 1 AM
Snowtubing on a specially prepared track for family-friendly thrills
The Arena Coaster – Zillertal's first alpine roller coaster
Moonlight Skiing & Dinner events – combining evening skiing with mountain dining
Winter hiking on the Almpromenade Gerlosstein and through picturesque side valleys
Cross-country skiing on 30 kilometers of trails, including 1.5 kilometers with floodlighting

Mountain Dining and Après-Ski

Throughout the Zillertal Arena, visitors will discover a high density of mountain restaurants, rustic huts, and snow bars. A particular highlight is the Gipfeltreffen mountain restaurant at the Königsleiten mountain station, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Hohe Tauern National Park and Zillertal Alps. These venues provide perfect settings for traditional Austrian mountain cuisine and the legendary après-ski atmosphere that the region is famous for.

Planning Your Visit

The Zillertal Arena is accessible from multiple entry points:

Zell am Ziller and Gerlos in Tyrol
Wald-Königsleiten in the Salzburg region
Krimml-Hochkrimml in Pinzgau
A separate cable car from Hainzenberg connects to the small family ski area of Gerlosstein

For the ultimate Zillertal experience, consider purchasing the Zillertaler Superskipass, which provides access to all ski areas in the Zillertal valley, or the Snow Card Tirol for even broader skiing options.www.tyrol.com

Conclusion

With its impressive size, diverse terrain, family-friendly amenities, and special experiences like early morning and moonlight skiing, the Zillertal Arena represents one of Austria's premier winter sports destinations. Whether you're carving perfect turns on immaculately groomed pistes, sending it in the snow parks, or simply enjoying the mountain atmosphere, the Zillertal Arena delivers a complete Alpine experience that keeps visitors returning season after season.