Winter Vacation FAQ

The Zillertal is one of the regions with the most reliable snow conditions in Austria and the Alps, guaranteeing you plenty of snow for your winter vacation. In the Hochzillertal-Hochfügen ski area, you can enjoy winter fun on perfectly groomed slopes up to 2,500 meters. Thanks to sustained investments in modern snowmaking systems and reservoirs, you’ll experience unlimited skiing fun from mid-November through the end of April.

The ideal topographical location of Kaltenbach and the Hochzillertal ski area offers you optimal snow conditions every day starting at 7:30 a.m.—a real advantage for your ski vacation, especially when it comes to skiing in the sun in the Zillertal. In addition to the Hochzillertal-Hochfügen ski areas, you’ll find many other large-scale ski areas in the Zillertal. Particularly impressive is the Hintertux Glacier, where you can ski year-round at altitudes of up to 3,250 meters. A winter vacation just the way you want it!

• The valley station of the Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach ski area is just 350 meters from Hotel Das Kaltenbach—perfect for your ski vacation right on the slopes!
• For added convenience, you can store your ski and snowboard gear for free in the ski locker located right at the gondola’s valley station. This way, you can easily walk to the valley station without having to carry heavy gear.
• During the peak winter season, we also offer a free shuttle service from the hotel to the gondola several times a day, so you can start your day on the slopes even more relaxed.

An important note before you go: We strongly recommend booking your ski lessons well in advance of your trip!

• In our ski resort, you have several renowned ski schools to choose from, including the Hochzillertal Ski School, the Ski-Optimal Ski School, and the Keiler Ski School.
• Our personal recommendation is the Keiler Ski School—and for good reason: The Keiler Ski School places great emphasis on quality over quantity. That’s why group sizes are deliberately kept small and never exceed 8 people. This way, you’ll benefit from individualized instruction and personal attention.
• Tip: If you’d like a private ski instructor—perhaps to brush up on your skiing skills—we’d be happy to help you arrange it. Please let us know well in advance of your arrival so we can make all the necessary arrangements for you.

There are several ski rental shops around the valley station. Our recommendation: Sport Stock—and for good reason!

• The Sport Stock ski rental shop is located right at the gondola’s valley station, where our hotel’s ski lockers are also located in the basement. This means short walks and maximum convenience.
• It’s best to book your ski or snowboard gear online before you even leave for your trip. Not only will you benefit from a discount, but you’ll also ensure you have the perfect equipment for your winter vacation.
• Sport Stock offers an impressive selection of high-quality gear. Another highlight: In addition to the rental shop at the valley station, there’s also a shop at the mountain station. This way, you can easily try out different types of gear during your vacation and enjoy even more variety!

Everything you need to know about traveling safely to your winter vacation:

• In Austria, winter tires are required from November 1 through April 15 when winter driving conditions prevail. We therefore strongly recommend that you travel with winter tires during this period.
• It’s also a good idea to keep snow chains in your trunk as a safety precaution—you never know when they might come in handy.
• However, you don’t need to worry about a smooth trip to our hotel complex: The access road is fully heated during the winter months to ensure that the slightly steeper driveway remains easily passable at all times.

In addition to the fantastic wellness area with a pool and Sky Sauna, as well as fun indoor activities at our sports hotel, there are also plenty of ways for non-skiers to enjoy their winter vacation to the fullest. The best tips for non-skiers on a winter vacation:

• We highly recommend the many winter hiking trails, both in the valley and in the ski area. This way, you can meet up with your family on the mountain and enjoy the winter scenery. We’d be happy to advise you on the various hikes and ticket options while you’re here.
• If you’re looking for peace and solitude, the side valleys of the Zillertal offer beautiful winter hiking trails that become true places of rejuvenation—perfect for letting your mind wander.
• For those seeking fun and adrenaline, the many toboggan runs in the Zillertal offer plenty of action. An absolute highlight is the longest toboggan run at Gerlosstein, which, at 7 km long, guarantees an unforgettable experience.
• Cross-country skiing in the Zillertal on the snow-sure high-altitude trails in the Tux Valley and Gerlos Valley is an interesting alternative activity during a cross-country skiing vacation in Tyrol.
• Tip: Our mountain guide and host, Stephan, offers guided snowshoe hikes several times during the winter. A unique experience for active guests and a true inspiration for the soul!

Quick tip: No waiting in line at the ski lift ticket counters—thanks to digitalization, you can conveniently purchase the Zillertal Superskipass online and hit the slopes right away.

• All ski resorts in the Zillertal are included in the Zillertal Superskipass, so you only need one pass for all the slopes—and it’s available in different options.
• With the Zillertal Superskipass (2 days or more), you have access to all ski areas in the Zillertal, including the Hintertux Glacier.
• Children ages 5 and up are required to have a ski pass.
• We’d be happy to advise you on-site about the different ski pass options and help you make the best decision based on the current weather conditions.
• For all guests who’d like to explore the ski area on foot, we offer day and multi-day passes for winter hikes. We’ll also be happy to advise you on-site and offer an additional discount with your guest card.

• We highly recommend the many winter hiking trails both in the valley and in the ski area—this way, you can meet up with your family on the mountain and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery together. We’d be happy to advise you on the various options and ticket choices while you’re here.
• For your toddler, we provide not only strollers or buggies but also high-quality sleds with backrests, so even the littlest ones can enjoy their winter vacation to the fullest.
• Although we do not offer direct childcare at the hotel, the ski resort provides excellent care for children as young as 3 months at the Zwergerlclub at the Hochzillertal mountain station.
• Our heated infinity pool (32 degrees) also offers you the perfect opportunity to relax. The spa area tends to be quiet, especially during the day, so you can unwind in peace.