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Zell Am Ziller Ski Resort
The largest village in the Zillertal arena, Zell am Ziller is a diverse resort with a dizzying array of skiable terrain and some of the best off slope activities going. An authentic mountain town, Zell has retained much of its original charm and character by virtue of its year round population of locals.
Despite being one of the nation’s largest ski areas, the Zillertal arena is surprisingly under visited by Brits - often neglected in favour of the more famous Mayrhofen just around the corner.
Exploring a ski resort has never been more exciting, with horse drawn sleigh rides being the most romantic option, llama trekking the most eccentric and cross country skiing undoubtedly the most energetic. Tobogganing tracks are open late; the longest is 7km and floodlit well into the night, and was recently graded as the best and safest of its kind in Austria. Skating, bowling, and even tennis can be enjoyed at the local leisure centre and the free ski bus is available to shuttle you around after the slopes have closed.
If you’re lucky enough to catch the Stroh Juchee, you’ll never forget it. An on-mountain soap box race, highly customised sleds are raced down the mountain with points awarded for speed, fancy dress and of course the design itself. Previous entrants included a giant woolly mammoth, a dancing pope and a recreation of the Red Bull Stratos jump!
In good conditions Innsbruck airport is under an hour away, and with Salzburg and Munich airport not much further out (2 ½ and 3 hours respectively) Zell is readily accessible from the whole of Europe.
The standard ski pass covers the whole of the Zillertal arena (139km of pistes, 51 lifts) though the pass is automatically upgraded to the Salzburg Superski card if you stay for longer than 2 days, which covers 2000km over 20 local ski areas including the Hintertux glacier!
Stats & FAQ
Location: Austria Alps.
Established: 1978
Open: December- April
Downhill: 139km
View our detailed Zell Am Ziller snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Zell Am Ziller snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Salzburg | 150 km 2.5hr |
| Munich | 210km 3hr |
| Innsbruck | 60km 1hr |
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| Top Altitude: | 2499 m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1128 m |
| Resort Altitude: | 580 m |
| Longest run: | 7km |
| Slope Orientation: | S |
| Vertical Drop: | 1919m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 1371m |
| Night Skiing: | No |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 139km |
| Beginner slopes: | 30% |
| Intermediate: | 62% |
| Advanced slopes: | 8% |
| Lift Pass Price: | €242 (adult 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Mayrhofen, Hochfügen, Finkenberg, Gerlos, Fügen/Spieljoch | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Zell Am Ziller
Spread across four areas (Zell, Gerlos, Wald- Koenigsleiten and Gerlosplatte), the skiing here is as diverse as it is plentiful.
The easy-going runs in the family ski area at Gerlosstein are ideal for beginners and youngsters - lapping piste 4 next to the T-bar is a great way to build confidence and work on technique.
Most terrain here’s suited to intermediates - piste 19 is fantastically long, with heaps of variety on the way down. For experts, the slopes of the peak of the Konigsleitenspitze are amongst the most challenging, with the black under the Falschbach a notable thigh burner. There’s also a fabulous valley run all the way from Übergangsjoch (2500m) down to the village, ending on a 2.2km black from the Wiesenalm.
Gerlos’ snowpark has a world class pro line (the Gloryfy Bastards freestyle competition is also hosted here) which will test even the most dedicated amateur. Its recent addition of a children’s line eases youngsters into the freestyle scene.
In past seasons (and hopefully in seasons to come), twice weekly ‘Morning Skiing’ sessions have allowed skiers to hit the mountain from 6:55 am, fuel up with a mountain breakfast and then squeeze in as many runs as possible before the slopes fill up.
If this proves too early, the White Carpet program allows the joys of a fresh groomed slope to be savoured in the afternoon as well - a selection of runs are usually regroomed in the afternoon, allowing even the latest riser to make some fresh tracks once in a while.
For a truly unique experience, try Moonlight skiing - enjoy a hearty meal in one of the delightful mountain huts before carving down the mountain under the ethereal glow of the full moon and the watchful eye of a guide.
Zell Am Ziller Apres Ski
In terms of the après, Zell seems quieter than some of the more well-known Austrian resorts, yet this belies the true variety on offer. With daily drinks specials and regular events throughout the season, the Kocher Alm is the first port of call after a day’s skiing. Step right off the lifts and onto the large sun terrace to enjoy a drink before heading inside to sample the cosy local atmosphere. The Saustad'l is another lift side bar and serves a wide arrange of beers, brandy’s and mulled wines to help you recover from the day’s work. Disco MTS is the local nightclub - those looking to dance the night away need look no further.
Anyone a little hungry after the day’s activities will be left satisfied by the offerings of the Jogg'l Kessl. Serving a selection of snacks including pretzels, pizza and baguettes, you’ll be able to take the edge off your hunger before indulging in the house special- Jogglkirsch - which needs to be tasted to be believed!
At the Restaurant Englhof you’ll enjoy traditional regional dishes made using local ingredients, alongside a variety of international dishes. The neighbouring cocktail bar boasts over 500 different types of spirits and one of the best show cocktail makers in the world!
In the Teufelsküche (Devil in the kitchen) you’ll find food for all of the family at a budget friendly price. Providing self-styled ‘ski instructor food’, they offer daily lunch specials, giant pizzas, budget friendly steaks and an assortment of Tyrolean dishes.
The Landgut Zapfenhof specialises in preparing gourmet versions of traditional dishes, with as many of the ingredients as possible actually grown on site and the rest sourced locally.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Zell Am Ziller
Best time to visit & ski Zell Am Ziller
With south facing slopes and runs above 2000m, there are great conditions to be enjoyed at Zell throughout the season. Most of the slopes in the Zillertal arena are south facing, so the icy conditions that can be encountered early on in the season - so often the bane of skiers and snowboarders alike - don’t tend to hang around for long. Snowmaking facilities are improved year on year and are currently close to achieving 100% snow coverage, so the skiing can start earlier and the snow will hang around longer than you may expect. Late season skiing is also a treat in Zell, with much of the skiing above and around 2000m, snow guns to keep even the lowest slopes skiable and more sun terraces than you can shake a ski pole at.
Peak Dates
Christmas in Zell am Ziller is sure to leave everyone enchanted. Let the glühwein flow as you explore the charming village with your nearest and dearest after an epic day on the slopes.
Spend New Year in Zell am Ziller and you’ll end up with memories to last a lifetime. You’ll be able to ski all day and party all night in one of Austrians hidden gems.
Enjoy February Half Term in Zell am Ziller as a family with FUNty the elephant teaching the kids to ski, whilst the ‘grown ups’ make the most of the amazing vertical descents on offer.
With great late season skiing above 2000m, a hoard of off-slope entertainment and an epic al fresco après scene, Easter in Zell am Ziller will be enjoyable however you spend it.
Families in Zell Am Ziller
Kids of all ages will be enchanted by the winter wonderland they’ll encounter as soon as they arrive in Zell. With three skis schools operating out of the village, there’s no shortage of tuition available to get the whole family up and about on skis as soon as possible. Private and group lessons are available for adults- both for skiing and snowboarding- but the resort really comes into its own in terms of the instruction and facilities available for children. All of the ski schools have specialised programs aimed at getting the best out of youngsters on the slopes- regardless of age or ability. The bambinis (3-5 year olds) are well looked after in small groups and lunch is included in many of the courses. Lechner ski school’s ArenaFUNtenland is a magical snowpark for youngsters, where they’ll be able to utilise the gentle magic carpet as well as enjoying some of the snowy games on offer.
If you’re skiing with the kids without an instructor, there’s a great variety of suitable family runs all over the mountain. The Edenfeld-X-press lift gives access to some great terrain just outside the learning arena and the restaurants in the area are perfect if anyone needs a quick bite to eat, or even just a rest.
The more adventurous will be desperate to hit the snowpark in Gerlos. One of the most beginner friendly terrain parks around, it’s the perfect place to progress from a park virgin to a veritable pro. The kids’ line is a recent addition, and once this has been mastered there are the easy and medium lines to investigate, before making the final step up to the pro line. Parents can choose to observe the action from the park side ‘chill out area’; those of a more sensitive disposition may prefer to just meet their offspring at the bottom!
There’s plenty to keep the whole family occupied after the pistes have closed for the day. The Freizeitpark is home to all sorts of activities- bowling and tennis being the most popular- and many of the hotels in the village have their own spa and pool facilities. The illuminated ice rink is not only great for an evening skate- if you’re lucky you can also catch the local hockey team in action and witness the incredible sport first-hand. Fussy eaters are well catered for throughout the resort- Ristorante Quattro is a great Italian restaurant and the In Teufelsküche (Devil in the kitchen) has a great American inspired menu that’s sure to appeal to youngsters.
GroupsGroup Holidays Zell Am Ziller
Whoever’s coming on the group ski trip this year, we’re sure they’ll all end up happy if you choose to visit Zell am Ziller. The mountains have got terrain to suit all abilities and this is matched by the variety of extracurricular activities available in the village. The area around the new Karspitz-X-press is a great starting point for groups of mixed abilities. Absolute novices can potter around the T-bars by piste 12, and piste 16 is a great longer blue to help everyone get their ski legs back. The more adventurous can make the step up into the ‘Action Park’ as soon as they feel ready. With a spectacular air bag jump, year round boarder cross course, and the ‘BMW xDrive Speed Check track’ there’s enough for even the most hard-core adrenaline junkie- the recorded footage will make sure that tall tales of tricks and flips aren’t spun out of proportion!
The off slope entertainment is sure to please all as well. Tennis can be played, llama treks embarked upon and churches visited; an eclectic array of activities sure to sate the most diverse tastes. Those after a raucous evening can start off with some drinks and live sport in the Alte Mühle pub and then progress on to the Disco MTS as the evening moves on (or degenerates as the case may be). The Englhof is a great choice for a quieter evening. The cocktail bar offers a preposterous selection of around 500 spirits, shaken together by world class cocktail makers, whilst the onsite restaurant has an exquisite regional menu with inspiration taken from the rest of Europe.
A hotel is a great place to stay if you’re travelling as a group this winter. The large number of rooms available helps keep the whole group in the same place and there’s a terrific communal atmosphere to be enjoyed. The range of boarding options available- full, half, and B&B- means you’ll be able to tailor the holiday for your specific requirements. Pick an accommodation only package to allow the group to travel to resort separately- plane, trains and automobiles are all a valid choice when getting to Zell. We have a variety of self drive packages available this winter if you fancy a road trip; though if you’d rather be on the pistes in record time then opt for a bundle including accommodation, flights and transfers. Call our ski specialists today and they’ll be able to help you plan your perfect trip.
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