Accommodation
Quick answer: Hintertux suits year-round snow seekers, freeriders and off-piste skiers, intermediate cruisers, and racers and freestylers using the Betterpark. It is less suited to those wanting a big, lively village atmosphere or complete beginners wanting a large network of easy runs right at the base.
Quick resort facts
Ski area: Hintertux Glacier, 60km local pistes (500km with Zillertal Superskipass), 21 lifts · Altitude: 1,281m village, skiing up to 3,250m · Ski pass area: Zillertal Superskipass · Season: open 365 days a year on the glacier · Nearest airport: Innsbruck
Hintertux is one of Europe’s most snow-reliable ski destinations and one of only a handful of resorts where skiing is possible 365 days a year. Set at the head of the Zillertal Valley in Tirol, Austria, the village sits at 1,500m, with lifts rising to the Hintertux Glacier at 3,250m. The local slopes cover around 60km of pistes, but Hintertux is also part of the wider Zillertal Superskipass, which gives access to a massive 500km of pistes across the valley, including Mayrhofen, Zell am Ziller, and Kaltenbach.
Hintertux is best known for its glacier skiing, long season, and freeride terrain. It attracts a mix of race teams training year-round, freeriders chasing powder, and families who value guaranteed snow. The atmosphere is more low-key than purpose-built French mega-resorts, but it delivers authentic Tirolean charm alongside world-class snow reliability, and as one of the few Alpine resorts open year-round it’s a natural reference point for skiing in April.
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Terrain split: the local Hintertux Glacier area (60km) is mostly blue and red runs with a handful of black pistes and off-piste routes higher up; skiers wanting more variety use the Zillertal Superskipass (500km) to reach Mayrhofen and the rest of the valley.
Best for: guaranteed snow at any time of year, freeriders and off-piste skiers, intermediate cruisers, ski racers and freestylers using the Betterpark, and families basing themselves in the wider Zillertal.
Not for: those seeking a big, lively village atmosphere or extensive nightlife on their doorstep, or complete beginners wanting a large network of easy runs right at the base.
Hintertux is a small, authentic Tirolean village that punches well above its weight thanks to its glacier. Unlike larger, purpose-built resorts, it feels more like a mountain hamlet with world-class skiing on its doorstep, and it draws a loyal following of skiers who prioritise snow certainty over après-ski buzz. Browse more options in our Austrian ski resorts hub.
The Glacier Bus 3 gondola is the highest lift system in the world, reaching 3,250m, and a mix of gondolas, cable cars, and high-speed chairs provide access across the glacier and surrounding slopes. Snowmaking supplements natural snowfall lower down, though the glacier itself ensures snow security regardless of season. The infrastructure is geared towards both holidaymakers and professional ski teams, so expect world-class piste preparation and facilities. The Natur Eis Palast, a natural ice cave inside the glacier, is a unique attraction accessible by lift. Hintertux also links into the wider Zillertal Superskipass area (500km), giving access to Mayrhofen, Zell im Zillertal, and Kaltenbach.
Comparing options before you book? Our ski holiday deals and ski resort search tools make it easy to weigh up Hintertux against other Zillertal Valley bases.
Beginners: nursery slopes and gentle runs at the base station provide learning areas, but the glacier terrain is generally more suited to confident skiers. Families may prefer to base themselves lower in the valley for beginner-friendly slopes, then venture up once confidence builds.
Intermediates: the majority of Hintertux pistes are blues and reds, ideal for confident intermediates. Long descents from the glacier offer spectacular carving with guaranteed snow; the 12km Schwarze Pfanne run is a highlight, stretching from the glacier all the way back down to the valley floor.
Experts: the glacier is famous for steep terrain and freeride opportunities. Black pistes like Gefrorene Wand test technique, while off-piste routes such as the Lärmstange and Tuxerjoch are legendary with powder seekers. This is also a training ground for World Cup racers, so expect high-performance skiing throughout the season.
Freestylers: the Betterpark Hintertux is one of Europe’s top snowparks, open in both autumn and spring, and attracts international freestyle teams.
Snow reliability is unparalleled: Hintertux is often the only place in Austria skiing in late spring or early autumn, with top-to-bottom conditions even when other resorts have turned green. The glacier makes it a genuine year-round destination, and it’s a particular favourite for spring skiing in Austria.
Hintertux offers its own glacier pass or access to the full Zillertal with the Superskipass.
Full details and current prices are on the Hintertux lift pass page.
Ski and snowboard schools operate at the base station offering group and private lessons for all levels, and equipment hire is available in the village and at the lift stations. Given the glacier terrain, beginners are generally best served by booking lessons in advance; details can be found via the official Hintertux Glacier site. Our ski gear guides are worth a look if you’re buying rather than hiring.
Hintertux itself is a small village with traditional Tirolean chalets and hotels, but the wider Zillertal valley offers abundant choice.
Browse options via the Hintertux accommodation page.
On the slopes, rustic huts like Tuxer Fernerhaus and Sommerbergalm offer hearty Austrian fare, with dishes such as Tiroler Gröstl and Kaiserschmarrn best enjoyed on a sunny terrace. Après-ski is lively but compact: Hohenhaus Tenne is the main party spot at the base station, with music and dancing into the evening, while local guesthouses and hotel bars offer a more relaxed, traditional Tirolean vibe. For bigger nightlife, many skiers head down the valley to Mayrhofen.
Hintertux offers a surprising amount for non-skiers, including the Natur Eis Palast ice cave inside the glacier (open year-round), snowshoeing and winter hiking trails, cross-country skiing routes in the valley, and spa and wellness facilities in the village’s hotels. Day trips down the valley to Mayrhofen add shopping, après, and cultural events such as the Oktoberfest-style autumn festivities. Planning a family trip? Our family skiing guide has more advice on choosing the right base.
Hintertux is small, authentic, and peaceful, feeling more like a mountain hamlet with world-class skiing on its doorstep than a purpose-built resort.
Hintertux is a resort for those who want snow certainty, freeride adventure, and a touch of Tirolean tradition. Its glacier guarantees skiing 365 days a year, making it unique in Europe, while its off-piste and freestyle scene attract serious skiers and snowboarders. Families and beginners are also well served, especially when combining Hintertux with the wider Zillertal. For reliability, authenticity, and the thrill of skiing the glacier in full view of the Zillertal Alps, Hintertux is a destination that delivers something few other resorts can match.
Yes; the Hintertux Glacier is one of the few ski areas in Europe open 365 days a year, thanks to permanent snow cover at altitude up to 3,250m.
There are some nursery slopes at the base, but the glacier terrain generally suits confident skiers better. Beginners may prefer to base themselves lower in the valley, such as Lanersbach or Finkenberg.
The local glacier area covers around 60km of pistes, but the Zillertal Superskipass extends this to about 500km across the wider valley, including Mayrhofen.
Innsbruck Airport is closest, at around 1.5 hours by road, with Munich and Salzburg both around 2.5–3 hours away.
Highlights include the Natur Eis Palast ice cave, snowshoeing and winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and spa facilities in local hotels, plus day trips to Mayrhofen.
Yes; the Betterpark Hintertux is one of Europe’s leading snowparks and is open in both autumn and spring, drawing international freestyle teams.
Après-ski is lively but compact, centred on Hohenhaus Tenne at the base station. Skiers looking for bigger nightlife typically head down the valley to Mayrhofen.
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