Hintertuxer Glacier Overview

Hintertux Glacier is located at the head of the Zillertal valley and is Austria’s only year-round ski resort. With an altitude of up to 3,250 metres, it offers reliable snow conditions and crisp glacier air – with 365 days of snow fun at Hintertux Glacier. When fully open, the resort offers 64 km of pistes, though different sections are available depending on the time of year. Snow depths vary throughout the season, but thanks to the elevation and careful grooming, conditions remain consistently stable.

The resort features 21 lift systems, including modern gondolas such as the Gletscherbus 1–3, chairlifts and drag lifts. The pistes are divided into 33% for beginners, 58% for intermediates and 9% for advanced skiers. Families benefit from facilities like the Flohpark Hintertux, the Fun- and Kidsslope, and the Kinderland at Sommerbergalm. Ski schools, conveyor belts and gentle practice slopes ensure a smooth start for all ages. The infrastructure is compact and well organised – ideal for both day visitors and longer stays.

Nature experiences around the resort are a particular highlight. The Spannagel Cave – the only marble cave in the Central Alps – and the Nature Ice Palace offer guided tours all year round. The panoramic terrace at 3,250 metres provides views stretching from the Großglockner to the Zugspitze. Early risers can enjoy sunrise over the glacier and carve their first turns on freshly groomed slopes. Hintertux stands for snow fun, alpine variety and a season that lasts longer than anywhere else in Austria. Best known for: the Betterpark Hintertux and Austria’s longest ski season – a unique experience for winter sports enthusiasts, recognised far beyond Tyrol.

Getting to Hintertux Glacier is straightforward via the Inntal motorway (A12) to the Zillertal exit, then continuing through Mayrhofen to Hintertux. The road is open year-round and well maintained. Free parking is available directly at the base station. For guests without a car, train connections run to Jenbach, followed by the Zillertalbahn to Mayrhofen and a regular bus service to Hintertux. The bus timetable is coordinated with the operating hours of the cable cars.

International visitors typically fly into Innsbruck Airport (around 90 km away), with Munich and Salzburg also viable alternatives. From Innsbruck, direct train connections to Jenbach are available, along with organised transfers into the Zillertal. Many accommodations offer their own shuttle services or assist with booking transfers. For a comfortable journey, take the train to Mayrhofen and continue by bus or taxi for the final stretch. The combination of train and bus is particularly cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

The terrain at Hintertux Glacier ranges from 1,500 to 3,250 metres in altitude and offers an impressive variety of slopes and landscapes. The glacier pistes above the Gefrorene Wand are wide, evenly graded and perfect for relaxed carving. Gletscherbus 3 takes guests directly to the highest mountain station, where several panoramic descents begin. One of the most popular runs is the Schwarze Pfanne – a long valley descent with changing character and stunning views.

Beginners and families will feel at home around the Sommerbergalm. This area features gentle practice slopes, conveyor belts and dedicated children’s zones like the Flohpark and Kidsslope. The Sommerbergbahn and the 4-seater chairlift provide quick access to these zones. The pistes are clearly laid out and well signposted, making it easy for newcomers to find their way. Ski schools offer lessons for all age groups and language levels.

Intermediate skiers will find varied challenges on the slopes around the Lärmstange and Schlegeis Glacier. The Lärmstange 2 chairlift accesses several red runs with a sporty profile. The 2a descent back to Sommerbergalm is especially recommended – ideal for rhythmic carving. The pistes at the Kaserer Glacier also offer excellent conditions and are often less crowded.

Advanced skiers and freeriders appreciate the off-piste options around the Tuxerjoch and Gefrorene Wand. The 1a ski route leads directly to the base station and offers a demanding alternative to the regular descent. After fresh snowfall, the north-facing slopes are particularly rewarding, remaining untouched for longer. The high altitude ensures dry powder and stable conditions well into spring.

Freestyle enthusiasts are drawn to the Betterpark Hintertux. Known for its extended operating season, it remains open in autumn and spring when other parks are closed. The obstacles are diverse and regularly rebuilt. The annual Park Opening attracts riders from across Europe and has become a fixture in the freestyle calendar.

The lift system is modern and efficient. Gletscherbus 1–3 forms the backbone of the resort, complemented by chairlifts such as Lärmstange 2 and Schlegeis. Pistes are groomed daily, and signage is clear and multilingual. The combination of altitude, snow reliability and varied terrain makes Hintertux Glacier one of the most versatile ski areas in Tyrol.

Early birds should head straight to the Gefrorene Wand via Gletscherbus 3. Conditions are particularly consistent in the morning, and the views of the surrounding peaks are spectacular. Runs 5 and 5a offer wide, even slopes for those first turns at sunrise – perfect for carving enthusiasts who value peaceful descents.

The Schwarze Pfanne is especially rewarding in late morning. This long valley run combines sporty sections with gliding passages and delivers a true high-alpine experience. Those starting around midday will often find good snow conditions and fewer crowds. A break at the Tuxer Fernerhaus is well worth it for the glacier panorama.

For relaxed skiing, the descent at Kaserer 1 is a great choice. It’s often quieter and offers a smooth ride with wide turns. The link to Lärmstange 2 is also worthwhile – several red runs with a sporty character and good visibility await. Run 2a is particularly popular for rhythmic carving.

Freeriders shouldn’t miss ski route 1a. Starting above the Gefrorene Wand, it leads directly to the base station. After fresh snowfall, it’s especially appealing, remaining untouched for longer. The route is demanding but well signposted and offers a genuine alpine experience.

Families will love the Flohpark Hintertux. Located at Sommerbergalm, it features conveyor belts, small wave tracks and colourful figures to ski around. Its proximity to dining options and easy access make it ideal for a half-day with children. The Kidsslope and Kinderland, both directly accessible via the Sommerbergbahn, round out the offering.

The Tuxer Fernerhaus is not only a great spot for lunch but also for a gondola breakfast. In the 10EUB Gefrorene Wand, guests are served breakfast with regional specialities – including panoramic views of the glacier world. For heartier fare, try the Brettljause gondola, also available from the mid-station.

The Betterpark Hintertux is a highlight in autumn and spring. While other parks close, it remains open and offers top conditions for freestyle riders. The obstacles are varied and regularly refreshed. The annual Park Opening draws riders from across Europe and is a key event in the scene.

For breathtaking views, visit the panoramic terrace at 3,250 metres. On clear days, you can see as far as the Großglockner and the Zugspitze. The platform is easily reached via the Gletscherbus and offers a memorable experience even for non-skiers. Sunset views here are particularly striking.

A unique off-piste experience is the Spannagel Cave. It’s the only marble cave in the Central Alps and can be visited year-round on guided tours. The combination of alpine geology and underground architecture makes it a popular destination for families and nature lovers.

To end the day on a relaxed note, take the final descent via run 1 to the base station. The slope is wide, well groomed and offers a gentle glide with views into the Tux Valley. A final drink at Hotel Hintertuxerhof or on the sun terrace of Alpenbad Hotel Hohenhaus is the perfect way to round off your ski day.