Ski Guide to Zillertal

Truly a highlight for any ski fanatic is the prospect of enjoying the vast area of the Zillertal Superski, where even the name sounds totally epic. Stretching from the Hintertux Glacier (hello skiing all year round) to Hochzillertal/Hochfügen, the Zillertal extends to Mayrhofen, where it branches out into four valleys: Zillergrund, Zemmgrund, Stilluptal and Tuxertal.

With a total of 625km of runs to explore, all on one ski pass, Zillertal Superski is absolutely huge – in fact it’s the largest skiing valley in the world. But don’t let its size put you off. It just means more space and more runs to choose from which also makes it a great option for families. The pistes are very well groomed and we love the time and attention given to ‘funlines’, to keep all the big and little kids happy with specially carved grooves, jumps, hills, tunnels and turns. There are also snow parks, cross-country ski runs, ice rinks and toboggan slopes to add to the mix.

Spread out over the area are around 80 traditional mountain huts which are a great way to sample local produce whilst refuelling from your ski exertion on the powder. Open the door to a world of Zillertal, from the wood-scented interiors to centuries-old recipes that grace your plate. Rightly proud of their foodie heritage you’ll find a high standard of produce including the hand cured and smoked Zillertal Speck, and hay cheese made from the milk of cows fed on alpine grass, herbs and flowers. Schnapps often comes from the owner’s orchard and Zillertal Bier has been brewed in the region for over 500 years.

Depending on what you like, you can include various mountain huts on your ski circuit for the day. Like live music? Ensure Schwarzachalm hut is on your itinerary. Love an epic mountain panorama? Choose Hohenaualm known as ‘Little Tibet’ of the Zillertal. Love a classic hut with a gourmet twist? We’d recommend foodie hotspot Höllensteinhütte with its roaring fire, based 1,800 metres above sea level with a tasty selection of hearty meals including Kaiserschmarrn and game dishes such as stag stew.

Whichever hut you choose, you can be guaranteed to lift yourself out of any self-induced foodie torpor by hitting the slopes post-lunch. Blue sky, fresh air, awe-inspiring Zillertal at every ski turn – there’s nothing like it in the world.

Where to stay?

Birds, botanicals and fauna headline the canvas of this Austrian designer den found in the ski-lovers resort of Mayrhofen, Tirol. Wrapped in a fusion of honeyed alpine traditions and chic urban style, inside it's a Wunderkammer of eclecticism framing the interiors. Oma's antique sideboard sits snug to Poltrona Frau loungers, and a seductive colour palette of PinkPanther hues, coppers, raw pinewoods and pistachio greens sets the tone of this lively hotspot.