Skiing and snowboarding from Gerlos puts you at the centre of the Zillertal Arena, with terrain fanning out in both directions along the valley. Slopes above the village are wide and well-groomed, with excellent snow quality at the higher elevations. From the top of the Isskogel, you can ski towards Zell am Ziller to the east or Königsleiten to the west, giving you a true sense of exploration across this big, connected ski area.

The 143km of pistes are served by 52 lifts which include high-speed six-seaters and gondolas, so the uplift is fast and efficient. Terrain here is predominantly reds and blues, with steeper sections and off-piste options for more advanced skiers. Two terrain parks and a halfpipe also add excellent freestyle options when you want to experience something different.

Skiing for beginners in Gerlos

Gerlos has good nursery areas near the village, with gentle slopes and surface lifts that let beginners find their feet in a supportive environment. From there, easy blue runs above the village provide you with a natural next step thanks to the manageable wide pistes and manageable gradients. When you’ve gained confidence, the blue runs connecting through towards Zell am Ziller give you a satisfying sense of travelling through the mountain.

Overall, the village’s relaxed atmosphere takes the pressure off learning. Beginners at Gerlos appreciate the resort’s infrastructure, with modern lifts that make getting around comfortable and straightforward. For those who want guided instruction, the ski schools here are experienced at teaching beginners and offer both group and private lessons.

WeSki insider tip: The blue runs directly above Gerlos off the Isskogel gondola are wide, quiet in the mornings, and perfectly groomed. These are ideal for building confidence before venturing further along the Zillertal Arena.

Intermediate skiing in Gerlos

Intermediates have an extensive playground in the Zillertal Arena. The red runs across the connected ski area are well-groomed, varied, and provide long, flowing descents through attractive alpine terrain. From Gerlos, you can ski towards Königsleiten for some of the steeper, more varied terrain, or head towards Zell am Ziller for wider, more open cruising.

The scale of the linked area means intermediates can easily fill their week without running out of new runs to discover. Connecting between areas is a smooth experience. The 8km run from Königsleiten back towards Gerlos is a particular highlight, with sustained and satisfying pistes, and with excellent views throughout.

WeSki insider tip: Head to the Königsleiten side for the best red runs. The terrain is steeper and more varied than the Gerlos side, and the north-facing slopes hold their snow quality well into the afternoon.

Advanced and expert skiing in Gerlos

Advanced skiers will find their challenge at Gerlos on the steeper blacks around Königsleiten and the upper sections of the Zillertal Arena. The terrain isn’t extreme, but you’ll have sustained black runs with genuine pitch, and after fresh snowfall, the off-piste between the marked runs provides engaging skiing through the trees and open faces.

For a bigger challenge, the wider Zillertal valley has several ski areas within reach, including the glacier skiing at Hintertux. This adds serious altitude and steeper terrain to your options.

WeSki insider tip: On a powder day, the north-facing slopes above Königsleiten hold fresh snow well. Traverse from the top station and you’ll find untracked terrain between the marked pistes.

Snowboarding in Gerlos

The Zillertal Arena is snowboard-friendly, with wide pistes, modern lifts, and two terrain parks plus a halfpipe. Varied terrain across the area provides good all-mountain riding with natural features between the groomed runs. For freestyle enthusiasts, Action Park Kreuzwiese near Gerlos has jumps, rails, and features for beginner through advanced riders, and the halfpipe is well-maintained throughout the season.

Off-piste skiing

Off-piste within the Zillertal Arena is best found on the higher slopes between the marked runs, particularly on the north-facing aspects above Königsleiten. The terrain is relatively accessible - it’s not extreme, but definitely rewarding after fresh snowfall. For more serious backcountry skiing, the surrounding Zillertal mountains provide excellent touring terrain. A local guide adds both safety and knowledge of the best lines.

Gerlos ski school and lessons

Gerlos has ski schools providing group and private lessons for all ages and abilities. Children’s programmes are well-structured with dedicated learning areas. English-speaking instruction is readily available, and the teaching standard is high.

Gerlos terrain parks

The Action Park Kreuzwiese near Gerlos has a range of jumps, rails, and features for beginner to advanced freestyle riders, plus a well-maintained halfpipe. A second park in the wider Zillertal Arena adds further options. Both parks are regularly reshaped throughout the season to keep things fresh and challenging.

Gerlos piste map

1. Gerlos Family ski holiday
2. Things to do in Gerlos
3. Planning your trip in Gerlos
4. How to get to Gerlos
5. Gerlos FAQs

Gerlos family ski holiday

Gerlos is a strong family choice in the Zillertal. The village is compact, safe, and walkable, with an unpretentious atmosphere that makes it easy to settle into from day one. You're never far from your hotel, the gondola, or a good restaurant, and the overall pace feels relaxed without being sleepy.

The slopes above the village are well suited to families with mixed abilities. Younger children have dedicated nursery areas and snow gardens where they can learn in a safe, enclosed environment, while the ski schools run structured programmes that keep kids engaged and progressing. Teenagers and freestyle-minded youngsters tend to gravitate towards the snowparks and halfpipe at Gerlos, which offer a real step up without needing to travel to another resort. The fact that ski runs lead directly back into the village is a practical bonus for families, making end-of-day logistics simple.

Off the slopes, there's plenty to fill rest days. Tobogganing is a highlight, with several runs in the area including a 7km descent from the Gerlossteinbahn. The Zillertal valley has excellent aquatic centres that are popular for half-day family outings, and ice skating and winter walking provide easy alternatives closer to the village. Dining is relaxed and family-friendly throughout, with mountain huts serving hearty Tyrolean food at reasonable prices and an atmosphere where children are welcome.

Things to do in Gerlos

Gerlos and the wider Zillertal valley provide a good range of winter activities beyond the ski slopes. The Tyrolean mountain setting and the valley’s well-developed tourist infrastructure mean rest days and non-skiers are well catered for.

Snow activities

Beyond the pistes, Gerlos and the Zillertal valley provide enjoyable winter experiences with activities like:

• Tobogganing: Floodlit toboggan runs near Gerlos are a popular evening activity.
• Cross-country skiing: Around 52km of groomed Nordic trails in the area for scenic valley skiing.
• Snowshoeing: Guided hikes through the forests and alpine meadows above the village.
• Winter hiking: Cleared paths along the valley and up to scenic viewpoints.
• Ice skating: Natural and artificial rinks in the valley for relaxed skating sessions.
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides: Traditional carriage rides through the snowy Tyrolean landscape.
• Paragliding: Tandem flights above the Zillertal valley for spectacular aerial views.

Non-snow activities

For days away from the slopes, the area provides good variety. You’ll have plenty of options for soaking up relaxation or culture, with activities such as:

• Zillertal Therme (Fügen): Large thermal bath complex with pools, slides, saunas, and relaxation areas.
• Erlebnisbad Mayrhofen: Swimming pool and waterslide complex are especially popular with families.
• Spa and wellness: Many hotels in Gerlos have spa facilities with sauna, steam room, and treatments.
• Scenic gondola rides: Non-skiers can ride the Isskogel gondola for mountain views and restaurant access.
• Innsbruck day trip: The Tyrolean capital is about 90 minutes away, with imperial architecture, museums, and excellent dining.
• Zillertal valley villages: Explore the traditional Tyrolean villages along the valley floor.
• Krimmler Waterfalls: Austria’s highest waterfalls are nearby and are spectacular even in winter when partially frozen.

Gerlos restaurants

Gerlos’s dining scene gives you a taste of traditional Tyrolean cuisine, which is hearty, generous, and satisfying. The village has a good selection of restaurants and mountain huts, with the focus on regional Austrian cooking. Slope-side lunches at the mountain restaurants are a highlight, combining good food with panoramic views.

• Gasthof Kirchbichlhof: Traditional Tyrolean inn with excellent grilled meats and regional specialities.
• Isskogel mountain restaurant: Panoramic views from the sun terrace with reliable Austrian dishes.
• Hotel Gasthof Zillertal: Warm, welcoming restaurant with Tyrolean classics and a good wine list.
• Almbar Gerlos: Relaxed mountain bar and restaurant with burgers, ribs, and après-ski drinks.
• Königsleiten mountain huts: Several slope-side huts on the Königsleiten side for authentic mountain lunches.
• Pizzeria Roma: Popular Italian option for a change from Austrian fare - good pizza and pasta.
• Hotel Gaspingerhof restaurant: Refined Austrian cuisine with spa hotel ambience and seasonal menus.

WeSki insider tip: Try Käsespätzle (cheese noodles with crispy onions) and Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancake with plum compote) . They’re Tyrolean mountain classics that taste best after a long day on the slopes. A glass of Austrian Grüner Veltliner or a local schnapps rounds things off perfectly.

Gerlos après-ski

Après-ski in Gerlos is relaxed and enjoyable. The village has a handful of bars where the atmosphere picks up as the lifts close, with outdoor terraces catching the afternoon sun and a good-natured crowd winding down after skiing. It’s sociable and friendly rather than party-focused, and the kind of place where you’ll have a couple of drinks alongside a good dinner.

For bigger après-ski energy, the wider Zillertal valley has more animated scenes (Mayrhofen in particular has a lively nightlife). But most Gerlos visitors appreciate the village’s more measured pace, and there’s enough going on for a satisfying evening out.

Après-ski spots to know:

• Almbar Gerlos: The main après-ski spot in the village, with an outdoor terrace, live music, and a buzzy atmosphere.
• Isskogel base bar: Post-ski drinks right at the gondola base as you come off the mountain.
• Gasthof Kirchbichlhof bar: Traditional Tyrolean bar for a quiet beer or schnapps in a cosy setting.
• Hotel bars: Several hotels have welcoming bars for a relaxed evening drink.
• Gerloss Alm: Mountain hut atmosphere with music and dancing on busy evenings.

Gerlos map

Planning your trip in Gerlos

Gerlos accommodation

Accommodation offerings in Gerlos are a mix of traditional Tyrolean hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments. Hotels tend to be three and four-star, many with wellness facilities including saunas and indoor pools. Self-catering apartments provide good flexibility for families and groups.

Gerlos’s village is compact, with most properties within a short walk of the Isskogel gondola and the village centre. The area around the Isskogel gondola base is the most convenient for slope access, while the village centre puts you closer to restaurants and shops. Distances are short - a five to ten minute walk covers the village comfortably - so don’t stress too much about location.

Gerlos lift pass

The Zillertal Arena ski pass covers all 143km of pistes across Gerlos, Zell am Ziller, Königsleiten, and the connecting lifts and runs. A broader Zillertaler Superskipass also exists, covering the entire Zillertal valley including Mayrhofen and the Hintertux glacier.

Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Gerlos ski holiday through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.

Equipment rental

Rental shops in Gerlos stock a full range of ski and snowboard equipment, with expert fitting and helpful advice. Booking ahead is recommended during peak Austrian school holiday weeks.

WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Gerlos, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Gerlos ski deals to build your perfect trip.

Getting around Gerlos

Gerlos is small enough to walk around comfortably, and the gondola, village centre, and most accommodation are all within a few minutes on foot. The Zillertal Arena ski bus connects different access points along the valley throughout the day, and this is included in the ski pass. Evening buses and taxis are available for dining out in neighbouring villages.

How to get to Gerlos

The nearest major airports are Innsbruck (around 90km) and Salzburg (around 150km), both with direct flights from the UK. Munich (around 200km) is also an option with more frequent flight schedules. The drive from Innsbruck follows the main Zillertal valley road before climbing the Gerlos Pass.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to Gerlos. Add them to your Gerlos ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.

Gerlos FAQs

How big is the Zillertal Arena ski area?

The Zillertal Arena covers 143km of pistes across five connected villages, served by 52 lifts reaching up to 2,500m. It’s one of the largest linked ski areas in the Zillertal valley, with terrain for all levels and good variety across the connected sectors. The ski pass also covers access to the valley’s terrain parks and halfpipe.

Is Gerlos good for intermediates?

Very good. The Zillertal Arena is predominantly red and blue terrain, with well-groomed pistes that provide satisfying cruising across a large linked area. You can ski different routes every day, and the connections between sectors are smooth. The 8km run from Königsleiten is a particular highlight for confident intermediates.

How does Gerlos compare to Mayrhofen?

Both are in the Zillertal valley but serve different ski areas. Mayrhofen accesses the Penken-Ahorn ski area and has a livelier après-ski scene. Gerlos accesses the Zillertal Arena, which is larger and more varied for intermediate cruising. Gerlos is quieter, more family-oriented, and sits higher, which generally means better snow. Both can be accessed on the Zillertaler Superskipass.

Is the snow reliable in Gerlos?

Gerlos benefits from its elevated position on the pass at 1,267m, with skiing reaching 2,500m. The altitude provides good natural snow reliability, supplemented by extensive snowmaking across the Zillertal Arena. The season typically runs from early December through mid-April, with the most consistent conditions at the higher elevations.

Can I visit the Krimmler Waterfalls from Gerlos?

Yes. Austria’s highest waterfalls are just over the Gerlos Pass, making them an easy half-day trip. In winter, the falls are partially frozen and dramatically beautiful. The lower viewing platforms are accessible in winter, and the drive there is scenic through the mountain landscape. It’s a worthwhile excursion for a rest day.

Is Gerlos suitable for a short ski break?

Yes, with Innsbruck airport just 90 minutes away and direct UK flights available, Gerlos is very accessible for a long weekend or short midweek break. The compact village, efficient lift system, and good variety of terrain mean you can make the most of even a few days on the slopes. The Zillertal Arena’s size ensures you won’t run out of terrain even on a shorter visit.

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