Winter hikes Zillertal
Enjoy the peace and quiet during your winter holiday. Away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes, there is a wide range of winter hiking, snowshoeing and the trend sport ski tours that invite you to enjoy and dream. 100% nature experience is guaranteed!
Winter Hiking in the Zillertal
With over 460 km of cleared winter hiking trails in various difficulty levels, the Zillertal offers a true paradise for winter hikers in Tirol. Experience the enchanting, snow-covered winter landscape of the Zillertal, which, with its many winding valleys and picturesque corners, exudes an incomparable charm.
When the snow sparkles in the sunlight, hiking through the Alps becomes an unforgettable experience. The well-maintained winter trails invite you to explore at a leisurely pace, making winter hiking a true nature experience for the whole family – from the youngest to the oldest. Discover the most beautiful winter hikes in the Zillertal and immerse yourself in the fascinating mountain world of Tirol!
Winter Hiking Trails in Kaltenbach
Winter hiking in the Zillertal is a true pleasure! In the Fügen-Kaltenbach area, you’ll find 50 km of well-maintained winter hiking trails, perfect for a relaxed stroll through the snowy landscape. No prior experience is required for winter hiking – just breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the breathtaking natural backdrop of the Zillertal Alps. The most popular winter hikes in the region offer unforgettable experiences:
Hochfügen - Loassattel
Drive directly to the lift parking area in Hochfügen. The moderate 11.8 km trail takes you on a 3-hour hike with an elevation gain of 250 meters to Loassattel. Here, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view over the Inn Valley all the way to the Tiroler Zugspitze. Another highlight is a detour to the Aarwirt, one of the most popular ski huts in the Zillertal.
Schwarzachalm - Gerlos
Start your hike directly by car at the Gasthof Kühle Rast at the entrance to the Schwarzach Valley. This easy 5 km hike takes you in 2 hours with an elevation gain of 165 meters to the rustic Schwarzachalm, where you can take a break. If the snow conditions are good, you can end the hike with a fun toboggan ride back to the starting point.
Snowshoe Hiking in the Zillertal
Exploring the wintery Zillertal mountains with snowshoes is a true adventure for nature lovers and active vacationers. In our sport hotel in the Zillertal, we offer guided snowshoe hikes as part of our activity program, making your winter vacation in Tyrol unforgettable. Together with Stephan, our certified mountain guide, local expert, and Zillertal specialist, you'll experience the mountains from a completely new perspective.
Look forward to "Magic Moments" during our guided snowshoe tours, which are offered in various difficulty levels – perfect for beginners and experienced hikers alike. As a guest of our sport hotel in the Zillertal, you'll receive all the necessary equipment – snowshoes and trekking poles – completely free of charge. Discover the beauty of the Zillertal in winter and enjoy the peace and magic of the snow-covered mountains!
Ski Touring in Tyrol
Ski touring in Tyrol is at the top of the popularity scale. For active holidaymakers who are looking for a sporting challenge, the Zillertal offers a real Eldorado of ski tours of varying levels of difficulty.
Tip! Optimal for beginners is the piste ski touring in the ski area Hochfügen. Especially in critical avalanche situations a perfect alternative to tours in the open terrain. It's important! Ski tours in the open terrain should only be carried out under the guidance of a mountain guide. The selection of mountain and ski guides as well as Alpine schools in the Zillertal is very large:
Winter Via Ferrata Hochzillertal
High-Alpine Winter Via Ferrata to the Summit Cross of Wimbachkopf (2,442 m) | Are you looking for a real adrenaline kick? Then the Winter Via Ferrata at Ski Optimal Hochzillertal is just what you need! This challenging via ferrata starts at the Wimbachexpress, right next to the renowned gourmet restaurant Albergo. Here, an authentic adventure awaits you in the heart of the alpine winter landscape.
The via ferrata requires experience in alpine terrain and is undertaken at your own risk. It is only suitable for experienced winter sports enthusiasts seeking a challenge! So, strap in, get ready, and conquer the summit cross of Wimbachkopf – an unforgettable experience for true adventurers!
Winter Via Ferrata Pfaffenbichl
Secured. Spectacular. Unforgettable. A truly special winter adventure awaits right in the heart of the Hochfügen ski area. The new Pfaffenbichl Winter Via Ferrata starts directly at the Waidoffenbahn lift at 2,431 meters and leads via secured steel cables, iron steps, and an impressive 28-meter suspension bridge all the way to the summit. This winter via ferrata is ideal for athletic skiers, ski tourers, and active winter guests who want to combine their ski day in the Hochfügen ski area with an extraordinary experience away from the slopes. With a total length of around 260 meters, 115 meters of elevation gain, and a maximum difficulty of grade B, the route offers a well-secured alpine adventure and is an exciting addition to winter hiking in Hochfügen — perfect for those who want to aim high.
The via ferrata is ascended only; the descent follows the marked winter trail. Use is at your own responsibility and requires alpine experience as well as appropriate equipment. Highlights at a glance:
- Perfectly combinable with a ski day in the Hochfügen ski area
- Secured winter via ferrata with steel cables, iron steps & suspension bridge
- Spectacular summit experience at 2,431 m
- Ideal complement to winter hiking in Hochfügen
- Via ferrata sets and equipment available for rental at the 8er Shop at the 8er Jet valley station
FAQ
What options are there for winter hiking in the Zillertal?
The Zillertal offers a wide and varied network of winter hiking trails. Thanks to reliable snow conditions and its impressive high-altitude valleys, winter hiking in the Zillertal is a popular alternative to skiing. Well-maintained paths, stunning views and peaceful nature experiences make it an ideal winter holiday activity — perfect for staying active while keeping your holiday budget in balance.
Where can you go snowshoe hiking in the Zillertal?
The Zillertal provides excellent conditions for snowshoe hiking away from cable cars, ski lifts and crowds. Numerous routes of varying difficulty lead through snow-covered landscapes and quiet alpine valleys. Snowshoe equipment can be rented directly at the active hotel Das Kaltenbach. Host and certified mountain hiking guide Stephan is happy to share personal tips and accompanies guests on guided snowshoe tours to true hidden gems.
Is winter hiking and snowshoe hiking in the Zillertal suitable for families?
Winter hiking in the Zillertal is especially suitable for families with children. Fresh mountain air, snowy scenery and shared experiences such as snowball fights make every tour memorable. Many family-friendly winter hiking trails feature only gentle inclines — both near the mountain railways and in quieter areas — ensuring a relaxed, nature-focused winter holiday in the Tyrolean Alps.
Are there winter via ferratas in the Zillertal?
Winter via ferratas in the Zillertal are a true highlight for sporty winter guests. They combine spectacular routes with breathtaking alpine scenery and can be perfectly combined with a day of skiing. The Hochzillertal winter via ferrata and the new Pfaffenbichl winter via ferrata in the Hochfügen ski area are among the most popular winter via ferratas in Tyrol. Both are located close to Kaltenbach and require good physical fitness.
Why is Das Kaltenbach the ideal winter hotel in the Zillertal?
Thanks to its unique location directly next to the gondola lift of the Ski-Optimal Hochzillertal–Kaltenbach ski area, the Apart Hotel Das Kaltenbach is the perfect base for a winter holiday in the Zillertal. For non-skiers and guests looking for variety, the guided snowshoe hikes and winter walking tours with host and certified mountain hiking guide Stephan are a true highlight. Unforgettable nature moments, stunning views and beautiful holiday photos included — all free of charge as part of the winter activity programme.
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Healthy breakfast
Enjoying a leisurely breakfast together is one of the loveliest things while you are on holiday. The regional breakfast buffet in the hotel 'Das Kaltenbach' provides a really delicious start to your day.






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