Skiing the Zillertal: Discovering Mayrhofen and Hintertux with the Epic Pass

Tucked deep in the Zillertal Valley in Tirol, the Zillertal ski region is one of Austria’s largest winter playgrounds. Stretching across several interconnected valleys and mountains, it combines lively Alpine towns with extensive terrain ranging from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs. With the Epic Pass now including several resorts in the valley, it has become an attractive destination for skiers looking to explore beyond Switzerland or France.

Last weekend we spent time exploring Mayrhofen and Hintertux, two resorts that showcase very different sides of the Zillertal experience.

Mayrhofen above the clouds

Mayrhofen – Lively Town, Serious Skiing

Mayrhofen is one of the most vibrant ski towns in Austria. The heart of the town revolves around a single main street lined with shops, cafés, bars and restaurants, giving it a lively atmosphere without feeling overwhelming.

The main lift, the Penkenbahn gondola, departs right from the centre of town. Because Mayrhofen sits at a relatively low altitude, there is unfortunately no ski-back to town from the Penken side. However, the gondola’s huge capacity means skiers are transported up and down efficiently even at the busiest times of day.

Snow reliability can sometimes be a concern due to the lower base elevation. Fortunately during our visit we were treated to a fresh snowfall, and even in March the slopes were in pristine condition. For off-piste enthusiasts, however, January or February tends to offer better coverage.

The terrain on the Penken side is wonderfully varied. Beginners and intermediates have plenty of wide pistes to explore, but there are also highlights for more advanced skiers. The famous Harakiri run, claimed to be the steepest piste in Austria at a 78% gradient, is short but brutally icy — a thrilling challenge that demands respect.

After conquering the Harakiri

Other black runs scattered around the mountain also provide excellent skiing. One run not to miss is Ski Movie Run 16, where your descent through a slalom course is filmed so you can later watch (and critique!) your own technique.

Just across the valley sits the Ahorn sector, often overlooked but absolutely worth exploring. This smaller area is more family-friendly, yet during our visit it delivered one of the highlights of the weekend. After a fresh snowfall we found perfectly groomed slopes with virtually no one around, allowing us to carve through untracked powder on piste all morning. The top-to-bottom descent is long, scenic, and incredibly satisfying, making Ahorn a wonderful change of pace from the busier Penken side.

A long run from top to bottom at Ahorn

Hintertux Glacier – High Altitude Adventure

About 30 minutes from Mayrhofen lies the Hintertux Glacier, one of the few places in Austria where skiing is possible year-round.

When temperatures rise in the lower resorts, the glacier often preserves excellent snow conditions. However, because the terrain sits well above the treeline, weather can play a significant role in the experience. During our visit, the mountain was blanketed in fog, making navigation surprisingly challenging.

Our recommendation: always check the weather forecast before heading up to Hintertux.

Despite being a glacier resort, the terrain is far from flat. There are several steep pistes and challenging runs, giving strong skiers plenty to enjoy. The area also offers marked ski routes—ungroomed but avalanche-controlled terrain—although unfortunately during our visit there wasn’t quite enough snow to open them. It was a small reminder of how climate change is gradually affecting even the highest Alpine glaciers.

One highlight worth mentioning is the modern restaurant near the summit, which offers excellent value and spectacular views on a clear day. It’s also home to a rather charming claim to fame: a documentary once featured the kitchen as the highest place in Austria making Kaiserschmarrn, the famous fluffy shredded pancake dessert. After a long morning of skiing, it makes for the perfect Alpine pit stop.

Cozy restaurant at the top of Hintertux

Epic Pass Value in the Zillertal

One of the biggest surprises of the trip was how much terrain the Epic Pass unlocks in the Zillertal. The pass currently includes five days of skiing across resorts such as Mayrhofen and Hintertux, making it an excellent option for skiers looking to explore Austria without purchasing additional lift tickets.

For Epic Pass holders already planning a European ski trip, the Zillertal offers a fantastic combination of lively Austrian culture, varied terrain, glacier skiing, and excellent mountain food.

If you are considering adding the Zillertal to your next ski itinerary, we would be delighted to help design the perfect trip — combining Epic Pass resorts with the best hotels, mountain restaurants, and hidden gems in the valley.

👉 Explore more ski inspiration and curated itineraries at Expeditioner Travel.