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Hintertux Glacier is home to the only ski area in Austria open 365 days a year, located at the end of the Zillertal Valley close to the mighty Olperer mountain (3,476m). Skiing takes place up to around 3,250m, offering reliable powder in winter and excellent conditions well into spring — and even through summer, when it’s a popular place to escape the heat of the valley below.
In winter, the glacier forms part of the Ski- und Gletscherwelt Zillertal 3000, a large interconnected network linking Eggalm, Rastkogel, Finkenberg, and Penken/Mayrhofen — all accessible on one lift pass. Strong-legged skiers and boarders can take on the ultimate challenge of 15,000 vertical metres and 60km of skiing in a single day.
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Terrain split: the glacier itself has a mix of blues, reds, and the famous 12km black descent from the Gefrorene Wand, while the wider Zillertal 3000 network adds a huge variety of terrain across Eggalm, Rastkogel, Finkenberg, and Penken/Mayrhofen.
Best for: year-round skiing, freeriders and powder hounds, snowboarders and freestylers using the Betterpark or funslope, and strong intermediates/experts wanting to link into the huge Zillertal 3000 network.
Not for: those wanting a large village right at the lift base, or skiers seeking extensive nightlife directly on the glacier.
The Hintertux Glacier is one of the Alps’ most reliable high-altitude ski areas, drawing skiers and snowboarders who simply can’t get enough snow. Its permanent glacier cover means it can open every single day of the year, and its links into the wider Zillertal 3000 network make it a serious option for anyone wanting big-mountain mileage as well as guaranteed snow. Browse more options in our Austrian ski resorts hub.
The glacier has a large network of pistes catering for all abilities, with lift access up to around 3,250m near the Olperer (3,476m). One of the main attractions is the descent in front of the “Gefrorene Wand” (“Frozen Wall”) all the way down to Hintertux, a run of around 12km. Powder hounds will find plenty of good freeriding, while snowboarders, skiers, and freestylers congregate in the Betterpark or at the funslope near the Sommerbergalm cable car. In winter, the glacier links into the Ski- und Gletscherwelt Zillertal 3000, connecting Eggalm, Rastkogel, Finkenberg, and Penken/Mayrhofen on a single lift pass.
Beginners: gentler pistes are available around the mid and upper stations, though the terrain overall leans towards intermediate and advanced skiers; those new to the sport may prefer to build confidence lower in the valley before tackling the glacier.
Intermediates: a large network of blue and red runs makes for satisfying cruising at altitude, with the option to link into Eggalm, Rastkogel, and Finkenberg for extra mileage.
Experts: the 12km run below the Gefrorene Wand is a highlight, and there’s plenty of freeride terrain for powder hounds away from the groomed pistes.
Snowboarders & Freestylers: the Betterpark and a funslope near the Sommerbergalm cable car give freestylers plenty to play with, in addition to open glacier terrain.
This is the only ski area in Austria open 365 days a year, thanks to permanent glacier cover. Winter delivers the most reliable powder, spring brings excellent long-day conditions, and even summer skiing is possible at altitude while the valley below bakes in the heat.
A single lift pass covers the glacier and, in winter, the wider Ski- und Gletscherwelt Zillertal 3000 network (Eggalm, Rastkogel, Finkenberg, Penken/Mayrhofen). Current prices and options are available on the official Hintertux Glacier site.
Ski and snowboard schools and equipment hire are available at the valley and mid stations, with lessons suited to the glacier’s mostly intermediate-and-above terrain. It’s worth booking ahead, particularly in the busy winter and spring periods.
There are a number of glacier hotels that can be booked independently at Hintertux — see the Hintertux accommodation listings. It’s also possible to arrange a package holiday to the Zillertal Valley with mainstream UK tour operators.
On the mountain, the service restaurant Wirtshaus am Tuxer Ferner in the Tuxer Fernerhaus, at 2,660m, is highly recommended — see the full list of huts and restaurants. For a cosy end to the day, a drink on the sun terrace or by the fireplace at the Tuxer Fernerhaus is a great option, and local bars near the valley station offer a relaxed spot to finish up.
The glacier itself is primarily geared towards skiing and snowboarding, but the wider Zillertal Valley offers winter walking, cross-country trails, and spa facilities in nearby villages, along with day trips to Mayrhofen for shopping and non-ski activities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The only ski area in Austria open 365 days a year | Terrain leans towards intermediate/advanced rather than beginners |
| Links into the huge Zillertal 3000 network in winter | High-altitude weather can be cold and exposed |
| Excellent freeride and powder terrain | Limited on-glacier village life or nightlife |
| Betterpark and funslope for freestylers | Getting there from UK airports takes some time (80km+ transfer) |
| The 12km Gefrorene Wand descent is a genuine highlight | Beginners may need to base lower in the valley |
Hintertux Glacier is the go-to choice for skiers who refuse to be limited by season — a genuine 365-days-a-year ski area with a serious 12km descent, strong freeride terrain, and a growing freestyle scene. Combined with its winter links into the Ski- und Gletscherwelt Zillertal 3000 network, it offers both guaranteed snow and real mileage for confident skiers and snowboarders.
Yes — it’s the only ski area in Austria open 365 days a year, thanks to permanent snow cover at altitude.
It’s the winter lift network that links the Hintertux Glacier with Eggalm, Rastkogel, Finkenberg, and Penken/Mayrhofen on a single pass, offering up to 60km of skiing and 15,000 vertical metres in a day for strong skiers.
Lifts reach around 3,250m near the Olperer mountain (3,476m), giving reliably cold, snow-sure conditions.
The terrain leans towards intermediate and advanced skiers, though there are some gentler pistes near the mid and upper stations. Beginners may prefer to base themselves lower in the valley.
Innsbruck Airport is closest (around 80km away), with Munich and Salzburg also options. By train, travel to Jenbach, then the Zillertalbahn to Mayrhofen, followed by a public bus to Hintertux.
The Wirtshaus am Tuxer Ferner in the Tuxer Fernerhaus, at 2,660m, is a highly recommended on-mountain restaurant with a sunny terrace.
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