Zillertal Arena

The Zillertal Arena is the perfect place for your holiday in the Austrian Alps. You can ski at altitudes of up to 2,500 metres on perfectly groomed, snow-covered slopes. It’s the ideal place to take the whole family. What’s more, the resort boasts one of the longest downhill runs in Austria: 1930 metres of ski. Zillertal Arena stands for fun-filled holidays for the whole family, combined with excellent infrastructure, warm hospitality, and a wide range of activities – all in line with its motto: “Have fun in the sun”!

The Zillertal Arena ski area

Zillertal Arena is the largest ski area in the entire Zillertal Valley, encompassing four vibrant holiday destinations: Zell am Ziller, Gerlos, Königsleiten/Wald, and Krimml/Hochkrimml, spanning both Tyrol and Salzburg regions. Boasting 150 kilometers of perfectly groomed slopes serviced by 52 modern lifts, this expansive resort caters to families, sporty adventurers, and leisure skiers alike.

Skiers can enjoy a wide range of runs, from gentle beginner slopes to demanding black pistes designed for experts. Interconnected thoughtfully, the slopes allow for seamless exploration across the entire ski area, featuring everything from broad, cruising blues to dynamic reds that wind through alpine forests and open mountain meadows. A modern lift system—including fast gondolas, chairlifts, and drag lifts—guarantees minimal wait times and quick access to every part of the resort.

Besides the excellent skiing terrain, the Zillertal Arena is packed with winter highlights. Visitors can enjoy a thrilling 7-kilometer natural toboggan run at Gerlosstein or try free snowtubing in the same area, perfect for families and fun seekers. The Arena Champions Challenge, a unique digital Skiline experience, adds an interactive and competitive twist to skiing. For those who appreciate winter beyond skiing, there are beautiful hiking trails, well-maintained cross-country ski tracks, and guided snowshoe tours that offer peaceful immersion in the stunning alpine landscape.

Activities in the Zillertal Arena ski area

Away from the slopes, there’s plenty to discover in the Zillertal Arena ski area. From the villages of Zell, Gerlos, Königsleiten, Wald and Krimml, there are plenty of trails to choose from, all with remarkable views of the Austrian mountains. It’s a relaxing way to discover some of the area’s most exceptional spots. Cross-country skiing is another popular winter activity, especially in this area. You can go classic cross-country skiing or skating.

Near Gerlos, in the Schönachtal, it’s even possible to ski 1500 metres at night.But the Zillertal Arena is a very family-friendly area, and children need to enjoy it too. That’s why the resorts offer toboggan runs. Some of the runs are even lit up at night. It’s a unique family experience. Another family activity is snowtubing. It’s all about having fun. Snowtubing is another way of skiing down a slope. You ride down the piste on a buoy for around 200 metres. And what’s more, it’s totally free.

Sustainable development in Zillertal Arena

The Zillertal Arena resorts are all involved in environmental issues. There is an extensive public transport network throughout the resort. Free shuttle buses run between the different villages in the resort. This considerably reduces car access to resort car parks. Tourists have no problem getting around and getting to the start of the ski lifts.

In 2013, the Gerlos resort inaugurated a conveyor belt equipped with a photovoltaic system. Fitted with solar panels, it produces a huge amount of green electricity. A photovoltaic system has been installed at Gerloser Vorkogel, enabling hundreds of thousands of tourists to travel on the Vorkogel chairlift every year.

Protecting forest areas is also a major focus for the Zillertal Arena resorts , so this area is very much part of the sustainable development agenda.

Unforgettable experiences at the Zillertal Arena

At the Zillertal Arena, you can enjoy unique experiences. The Krimml waterfalls are the largest in Europe, with a total height of 385 metres. It’s an unforgettable natural spectacle to visit in summer, but also in winter. Every Wednesday, the waterfall is illuminated until 9.30pm. Hikes are organised to get to the waterfall, and one in particular is highly recommended. The surrounding hiking routes offer panoramic views and opportunities to connect with the pure alpine environment. Summer festivals and cultural events complement outdoor activities, providing a well-rounded mountain holiday experience.

A torch-lit hike to the waterfall is a magical moment that will take your breath away. If you’re lucky, a group of musicians will be waiting for you at the waterfall for an even more exceptional experience. The waterfall is very impressive and a must-see in Austria.

The Zillertal Arena in summer

In the Zillertal’s largest region, summer is also synonymous with discovery and the arrival of many tourists. It’s the ideal holiday destination for hiking. There are 400 kilometres of hiking trails to look forward to. 4 railways take you to the start of the trails. You’ll enjoy a unique experience with a breathtaking view of the Austrian mountains and the 3 lakes in the area. What’s more, there are 40 inns to welcome and cater for you.

There are plenty of mountain bike routes for amateurs and professionals alike. With over 300 kilometres of cycle paths, there’s something for everyone. Families love the routes in this area, with points offering exceptional panoramic views. Although mountain biking is in the majority, more and more people are opting for electric bikes, with specially designed routes. But there are plenty of other activities, such as summer tobogganing, which is 1450 metres long. In Zell am Ziller and Gerlos there are via ferratas and even an accrobranche. For more adrenalin, you can even go zip-lining in the Zillertal Arena.

Where to stay in Zillertal Arena?

Wohlfühlhotel Platzer ****

Located in the village of Gerlos, with direct access to the Zillertal Arena ski area, this hotel offers the perfect conditions for a great mountain holiday. Gerlos is the starting point for many mountain activities such as hiking and cycling. There is a bus stop right in front of the hotel. The hotel features a 400 m2 wellness area with 3 saunas, a jacuzzi and an indoor pool. It is the ideal place to relax after a day of sport in the Austrian mountains. The hotel offers both local and international cuisine.

Hotel Schneeberg in Gerlos

A family-friendly hotel featuring spacious rooms, a large spa complex, and direct access to ski lifts. Ideal for those seeking a relaxing yet active mountain holiday.

Alpenhotel Kindl in Königsleiten

Situated right on the slopes, this hotel offers cozy rooms, gourmet dining, and a wellness center with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Zillertal Arena resort’s main strengths

• Extensive 143 km of diverse, interconnected slopes

• Modern, fast lift system minimizing wait times

• Wide variety of terrain for beginners to experts

• Strong commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices

• Rich family-friendly facilities and activities

• Night skiing and exciting winter events

• Vibrant summer hiking, biking, and cultural experiences