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The Zillertal owes its name to the river "Ziller", which leaves the valley in the north and flows into the Inn. The source of the Ziller lies at an altitude of around 2,270 metres on the main ridge of the Zillertal Alps, directly below the Rauchkofel (3,251 m). This valley forms the natural border between the Tux Alps in the west and the Kitzbühel Alps in the east. To the south, on the border with South Tyrol, are the impressive Zillertal Alps.

Due to its width and favourable connection to the Inntal valley, the Zillertal valley was characterised by human settlement early on. The first traces date back to the late Bronze Age (approx. 1200 to 800 BC). Remains from the Iron Age also bear witness to the historical importance of this valley. In modern times, the rise of the Zillertal as a winter sports region began in 1953/1954 with the opening of the Gerlosstein ski resort - today part of the Zillertal Arena. Other lifts followed shortly afterwards, including the Penkenbahn in Mayrhofen, which opened in 1954 and finally established winter tourism in the region. And rightly so. There are countless options in the area of the Hoch Zillertal merger of Kaltenbach, Hochfügen and Spieljoch alone.

Lift-assisted Freeriding

Those who follow the philosophy of "more laps, more fun" prefer descents that can be reached without much hiking and with the fastest possible lift connections. In Kaltenbach, this is no problem thanks to the Wimbachexpress. This lift opens up the north-east face of the Wimbachkopf, which offers a variety of freeride options with a difference in altitude of around 300 metres (2330 m to 1990 m) and a width of 500 metres. On sunny days, the ascent via the winter via ferrata to the summit of the Wimbachkopf (2442 m) is worthwhile and is rewarded with a breathtaking view. If you continue along the trail, you will reach the Wedelhütte, which is located just below the 4-seater Wedelexpress.

Together with the Top-Jet, the 4-seater Wedelexpress connects the two ski resorts of Hochfügen and Kaltenbach. Some people call it the "cold lift" because, from a subjective point of view, it is always cold here. This is perhaps due to its length, speed and the lack of a bonnet. The lift leads in the direction of Hochfügen and opens up a wide north-east-facing area. If you turn right after the exit in a northerly direction and trudge along the round ridge towards Hüttenkogel (2386 m), you have access to the part of the slope further to the left (skiers left). Here you can often still find untouched "first lines", even if the rest of the slope is already rutted. Freeriders with a little more experience and a thirst for adventure can head further north and ski down a short section until a rugged shoulder rises up to the right in the east. The highest point is reached after another 10-minute hike. If you look towards the valley station of the Wedelexpress, there is an exciting face below you that will challenge an advanced freerider. It can be seen from the lift and should definitely be scouted before heading up.

Hochfügen, now a well-known freeride destination, also offers numerous options for freeriders who are less keen on skiing. On cloudy days that don't allow skiing above the tree line, there are numerous treeruns here, ranging from steep to moderate. Take the 8-seater Jet Gondola from the car park. Below the gondola route, there is a large wooded area with large gaps between the trees and a gradient of less than 30 degrees, which is perfect for easy runs.

If you ski from the top station of the gondola to the exit of the 2-seater Pfaffenbühel chairlift and then skier's right into the off-piste area, you will reach a south-facing, undulating slope interspersed with trees and with a gradient of up to 40 degrees. At the bottom you come to the toboggan run, which continues into the Finsingtal valley. You can easily use this toboggan run to slide back down to the gondola station. However, caution is advised as pedestrians also use this route uphill.

In good weather conditions, the Waidoffen chairlift offers access to playful terrain. With a little extra hiking, this terrain can be extended further.

The best way to escape the hustle and bustle of the lifts is on a ski tour. The car park in Hochfügen is the perfect starting point. From here, you first follow the aforementioned toboggan run, which leads past the valley station of the Zillertal Shuttle, southwards into the Finsing Valley. The trail runs parallel to the Finsingbach stream and climbs only gently.

A great way to leave the ski resort is the descent from the Wedelhütte in a south-south-easterly direction down to the Zillertaler Höhenstraße. You then follow this road in an easterly direction to the Hirschbichlalm, where you can skin up again. From here, the ascent leads over a sunny south-facing slope to the Kristallhütte, where a hot or cold drink awaits you at the top as a reward. As the day draws to a close, you can ski from here directly to the top station of the gondola or, if the pistes are open, down to the valley.

If you park in Fügen, you can also start the tour in the opposite direction and end the day comfortably at the Wedelhütte before tackling the last 20 metres in altitude back to the top station of the Zillertal Shuttle and descending to the Hochfügen car park. Both huts regularly offer programmes ranging from culinary highlights to DJ sets and are therefore always worth a detour.

If the weather doesn't allow for a day of skiing, the Erlebnistherme Zillertal is the ideal alternative. Young and old alike get their money's worth in the slide paradise or in the diverse sauna world - the perfect program for a quiet day due to the weather.