Hochkrimml - Zillertal Arena Overview

Hochkrimml - Zillertal Arena sits high in the Gerlosplatte area, forming part of the wider Zillertal Arena ski region between Salzburg and Tyrol. It is a strong choice if you want a quieter high-altitude base with access to a much larger linked ski area. The resort benefits from its elevation, modern lift network and snowmaking, helping support reliable winter conditions across much of the season.

The ski resort area covers 1,429 ha, with 143 km of pistes, 84 pistes and 52 lifts. The piste mix is especially appealing for confident piste skiers: around 30% of the terrain is intermediate, 62% advanced and 8% expert. The ski area ranges from about 1,250 m to 2,500 m, with the longest run reaching up to 10 km.

Choose Hochkrimml - Zillertal Arena if you want the flexibility of a large Austrian ski area without staying in the busiest centre. Families can enjoy the more manageable slopes around Gerlosplatte, while stronger skiers can head towards Königsleiten, Gerlos and Zell am Ziller for longer ski days. It is a practical option for visitors who want varied pistes, broad mountain views and enough terrain for a full week on snow.

The most convenient airports for Hochkrimml - Zillertal Arena are Innsbruck, Salzburg and Munich, with onward travel by hire car, private transfer or public transport. If travelling by train, Zell am Ziller is one of the key rail access points for the Zillertal side, with regional buses continuing towards Gerlos and Hochkrimml. Road access is usually via Kufstein, Wörgl and the Zillertal, or via Mittersill and Krimml depending on your route, accommodation and winter road conditions.

For maximum convenience, a car or pre-booked transfer is the easiest option, especially if you are travelling with ski equipment, children or several bags. For a lower-cost journey, combine rail travel into the Zillertal with regional bus connections. Once in the area, local buses and ski buses connect nearby villages with lift access points, so you may not need to drive every day. In winter, allow extra time for mountain roads and make sure your vehicle is properly equipped.

The terrain at Hochkrimml - Zillertal Arena forms part of the wider Zillertal Arena, linking Hochkrimml and Gerlosplatte with Königsleiten, Gerlos and Zell am Ziller. With 143 km of pistes and an altitude range of roughly 1,250 m to 2,500 m, it offers enough variety for both relaxed family skiing and longer full-day routes.

Gerlosplatte, above Hochkrimml, is one of the best places to start. The slopes are open and relatively easy to read, making this area suitable for families, early intermediates and anyone who wants a steady warm-up before moving deeper into the ski area.

Key access and connection lifts across the wider area include Dorfbahn Gerlos, Isskogelbahn, Königsleiten Dorfbahn and the lift system around Gerlosplatte. These connections are what make the area feel much larger than a single local ski hill, letting you plan a day that moves across several sectors.

Beginners and families should focus on the more manageable blue and easier red pistes around Gerlosplatte and the central access areas. These zones make it easier to keep a group together, take shorter runs and avoid committing to long cross-resort routes too early in the day.

Intermediate and advanced skiers will get the most from the red pistes that dominate the Zillertal Arena. They offer long, flowing skiing and good opportunities to move between Hochkrimml, Königsleiten and Gerlos without needing to rely only on the steepest black sections.

Expert skiers can look to the black pistes and sportier red runs across the wider Zillertal Arena, especially earlier in the day when the snow is firmer. The area also has 3 parks, 1 tubing lane and 12 rails, giving freestyle-minded skiers and mixed-ability groups extra ways to vary the day.

Start early on Gerlosplatte if you are staying in Hochkrimml. The morning snow is often at its best here, and the open slopes make it a comfortable place to find your rhythm before heading further into the Zillertal Arena.

On a clear day, plan a longer route towards Königsleiten and Gerlos. This is where the linked ski area really earns its appeal: you are not just repeating the same pistes, but moving through several connected mountain sectors.

Dorfbahn Gerlos is a useful mid-day reference point. From there, you can decide whether to continue further through the arena or start working your way back towards Hochkrimml without rushing.

Königsleiten Dorfbahn is worth building into your route if you enjoy longer red pistes and wide mountain views. It suits skiers who want a more active day without necessarily chasing the steepest terrain.

Ski the more demanding pistes in the morning where possible. The sportier sections are usually more enjoyable before they become chopped up, especially after busy periods or sunny afternoons.

After fresh snowfall, stay within officially open and marked areas. Gerlosplatte can feel especially scenic after new snow, but the safe choice is always to respect signs, closures and current avalanche information.

The snowparks in Zillertal Arena are worth a stop even if not everyone in your group rides freestyle. They add variety for teenagers and playful skiers, while the rest of the group can stay on nearby pistes.

Plan lunch around your route, not just your appetite. In a large ski area, eating in the right sector saves time and makes the return to Hochkrimml much easier later in the day.

For views, give yourself extra time around Gerlosplatte and Königsleiten. These open areas are some of the best places to appreciate the scale of the mountains, especially in clear weather.

For après-ski and more evening atmosphere, Gerlos and Königsleiten are livelier choices, while Hochkrimml is better for a quieter stay close to the slopes. If your priority is skiing first and relaxing afterwards, Hochkrimml’s calmer setting is a real advantage.