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 itself sits at 1,500 m, with lifts rising to the Hintertux Glacier at 3,250 m. While the local slopes cover around 60 km of pistes, Hintertux is part of the wider Zillertal Superskipass, which gives access to a massive 500 km of pistes across the Zillertal, 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 and world-class snow reliability.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Hintertux offers a mix of glacier slopes, high-altitude pistes, and freeride terrain.

• 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 12 km Schwarze Pfanne run is a highlight, stretching from the glacier all the way back 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.

• Freestylers: The Betterpark Hintertux is one of Europe’s top snowparks, open in both autumn and spring, attracting 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 are green.

Ski Lift Passes

Hintertux offers its own glacier passes or access to the full Zillertal with the Superskipass.

• Hintertux Glacier pass (60 km): ~€66/day | ~€330 for 6 days
• Zillertal Superskipass (500 km): ~€74/day | ~€370 for 6 days
• Child (6–15): ~25–30% reduction
• Under 6s: Free

  Details at the Hintertux lift pass page.

Resort & Infrastructure

The lift system is modern and efficient, built to cope with year-round demand.

• The Glacier Bus 3 gondola is the highest in the world, reaching 3,250 m.

• 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 ensures snow security regardless of the 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.

Accommodation

Hintertux itself is a small village with traditional Tirolean chalets and hotels, but the wider Zillertal valley offers abundant choice.

• Budget: Guesthouses and self-catered apartments in Finkenberg, Lanersbach, and Mayrhofen.
• Mid-Range: Traditional 3★ and 4★ Tirolean hotels in Hintertux with half-board and wellness facilities.
• Luxury: Spa hotels such as Hotel Neuhintertux and Hotel Klausnerhof offer slope-side comfort, pools, and panoramic views.

  Browse via the Hintertux accommodation page.

Dining & Après

On the slopes, rustic huts like Tuxer Fernerhaus and Sommerbergalm offer hearty Austrian fare. Dishes such as Tiroler Gröstl and Kaiserschmarrn are staples, 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. For a more relaxed vibe, local guesthouses and hotel bars offer traditional Tirolean hospitality. For bigger nightlife, many skiers head down the valley to Mayrhofen.

Non-Skiing Activities

Hintertux offers a surprising amount for non-skiers:

• The Natur Eis Palast ice cave inside the glacier, open year-round.
• Snowshoeing and winter hiking trails.
• Cross-country skiing routes in the valley.
• Spa and wellness in the village’s hotels.
• Day trips to Mayrhofen for shopping, après, and cultural events.

Village Character & Access

Hintertux is small, authentic, and peaceful. Unlike larger French resorts, it feels more like a mountain hamlet with world-class skiing on its doorstep. Wooden chalets, alpine hotels, and traditional restaurants give it a relaxed, welcoming vibe. How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Innsbruck Airport (1.5 hrs) is the closest, with Munich and Salzburg (2.5–3 hrs) also options.
• By train: Rail to Jenbach, then Zillertalbahn train to Mayrhofen, followed by bus or taxi to Hintertux (30 mins).
• By car: Around 10 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

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.  

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