EN
EN
Great après-ski
Snow-sure resort
Off-slope activities
Top facilitiesGreat après-skiSnow-sure resortOff-slope activitiesTop facilitiesGreat après-skiSnow-sure resortOff-slope activitiesTop facilitiesGreat après-skiSnow-sure resortOff-slope activitiesTop facilitiesKaltenbach is the gateway to Austria's Hochzillertal-Hochfügen, one of the most reliable and well-equipped skiing destinations in the Zillertal valley. The village sits at 600m on the valley floor, but the skiing reaches up to 2,350m, an altitude that delivers consistent snow conditions and a season that typically runs from early December through to mid-April. The vertical drop of 1,750m is one of the largest in Tyrol, giving skiers a real sense of scale on the long descents from summit to valley.
The Hochzillertal-Hochfügen ski area covers 91km of groomed pistes served by 39 lifts, including gondolas and high-speed six-seater chairs. Terrain shifts from open alpine slopes on the upper mountain to tree-lined runs lower down, creating varied skiing that suits a range of abilities. Intermediates are particularly well served, with long, satisfying reds making up most of the vertical, while beginners have dedicated areas, and a terrain park adds a freestyle element. The Zillertal Superskipass opens up over 500km of pistes across the entire valley for those wanting to explore further.
Kaltenbach itself is a traditional Zillertal village with a straightforward, welcoming character. It's a working community rather than a purpose-built resort, which gives it an authentic local feel that many visitors appreciate. Restaurants serve hearty Tyrolean cooking, the evening pace is relaxed, and the valley's excellent road and rail links make it easy to reach.
Check out Kaltenbach ski deals to start planning your trip.
Kaltenbach is the gateway to Austria's Hochzillertal-Hochfügen, one of the most reliable and well-equipped skiing destinations in the Zillertal valley. The village sits at 600m on the valley floor, but the skiing reaches up to 2,350m, an altitude that delivers consistent snow conditions and a season that typically runs from early December through to mid-April. The vertical drop of 1,750m is one of the largest in Tyrol, giving skiers a real sense of scale on the long descents from summit to valley.
The Hochzillertal-Hochfügen ski area covers 91km of groomed pistes served by 39 lifts, including gondolas and high-speed six-seater chairs. Terrain shifts from open alpine slopes on the upper mountain to tree-lined runs lower down, creating varied skiing that suits a range of abilities. Intermediates are particularly well served, with long, satisfying reds making up most of the vertical, while beginners have dedicated areas, and a terrain park adds a freestyle element. The Zillertal Superskipass opens up over 500km of pistes across the entire valley for those wanting to explore further.
Kaltenbach itself is a traditional Zillertal village with a straightforward, welcoming character. It's a working community rather than a purpose-built resort, which gives it an authentic local feel that many visitors appreciate. Restaurants serve hearty Tyrolean cooking, the evening pace is relaxed, and the valley's excellent road and rail links make it easy to reach.
Check out Kaltenbach ski deals to start planning your trip.
Skiing and snowboarding from Kaltenbach starts with a gondola ride whisking you from the valley floor to the mid-mountain area, where the terrain opens up into a well-connected network of runs. Terrain here has a dual character: the upper mountain above 2,000m is open and exposed, with wide bowls and sweeping views across the Zillertal Alps, while the mid-mountain section weaves through forests with more sheltered, scenic runs. That combination gives each day a natural variety.
The connection between Hochzillertal and Hochfügen broadens terrain options and adds diversity. Kaltenbach's lift system is modern and efficient, with gondolas and high-speed chairs keeping queues and waiting times to a minimum. The resort's snowmaking coverage ensures reliable conditions on key runs, even when natural snowfall is light.
Beginners at Kaltenbach learn at mid-mountain level, where dedicated nursery slopes and easy runs provide a gentle introduction to skiing in a stunning setting. The advantage of learning at altitude is that you'll have reliable snow quality and the experience of being properly in the mountains from day one. The beginner zones here are also well-separated from faster traffic.
As your skills develop, you have gentle blue runs extending across the mid-mountain, which provide natural progression with good visibility and consistent grooming. These wide pistes and manageable gradients build confidence quickly, and the views across the valley add something special to the learning experience.
WeSki insider tip: Take the gondola up to the mid-station area rather than trying to ski from the valley. The beginner terrain at altitude has much better snow and a more enjoyable environment for learning.
Intermediates have an excellent time in the Hochzillertal-Hochfügen area. The 91km of pistes lean towards red and blue runs, with long descents from the summit area back to the mid-station that provide sustained, satisfying skiing. Terrain variety is a real strength, where you can move between open alpine pistes, forest-lined runs, and steeper sections within the same day.
Confident intermediates should make the most of the connection to Hochfügen, which adds terrain with a slightly different character and extends the circuit. The full descent from the 2,350m summit to the valley at 600m is one of the Zillertal's most impressive runs, with nearly 1,750m of vertical through changing terrain and snow conditions.
WeSki insider tip: Ski the full top-to-bottom descent at least once. 1,750m of vertical drop is genuinely impressive, and the terrain shifts from alpine bowls through forest to the valley in a way that keeps you engaged all the way down.
Kaltenbach's upper mountain provides solid advanced terrain, with steep black runs and challenging reds that demand good technique. North-facing slopes above 2,000m hold their snow well and often develop mogul fields that add to the challenge. The summit area has exposed terrain with variable conditions, keeping experienced skiers engaged.
Off-piste opportunities exist on the upper mountain after snowfall, particularly on the north-facing aspects. The vertical drop allows for long freeride descents through varied terrain. For those wanting to explore further, the Zillertal Superskipass gives access to the Mayrhofen-Penken area and the Hintertux Glacier, both of which add significant advanced terrain and year-round skiing options.
WeSki insider tip: The north-facing couloirs below the Marchkopf summit are the best steep skiing in the immediate area. These hold snow well and see less traffic than the main pistes.
Kaltenbach's wide pistes and varied terrain suit snowboarders well, with enough natural features and gradient for satisfying carving. The gondola-based lift access from the valley means no draglift hassle, and the upper mountain's open bowls provide natural playground terrain after snowfall. A terrain park caters to intermediate and progressing freestyle riders with a mix of kickers, rails, and boxes.
The upper mountain above 2,000m provides the best off-piste terrain, with north-facing slopes that hold powder well and accessible lines visible from the lifts. After fresh snowfall, tree runs on the mid-mountain and open faces near the summit reward those who venture off-piste. For more extensive freeride options, the Hintertux Glacier and Mayrhofen-Penken area are accessible on the Zillertal Superskipass and provide higher-altitude with more sustained backcountry terrain.
Ski schools in Kaltenbach and the Hochzillertal area provide group and private lessons for all ages and levels. English-speaking instructors are available, and the mid-mountain beginner areas provide an ideal setting for learning. Children's programmes are well-established with dedicated learning zones and age-appropriate methods.
The Hochzillertal ski area has a terrain park with a range of features including kickers, rails, and boxes suited to intermediate and progressing riders. It's maintained well throughout the season and sits in a convenient location on the mid-mountain. This is a great setup, well-suited to riders building their freestyle skills in a relaxed, encouraging environment.
Kaltenbach's traditional village character and the Hochzillertal's excellent beginner and intermediate terrain make it a solid choice for families. The village is calm and manageable, with a genuine community feel and none of the tourist-town intensity that can make busier resorts tiring with young children. A gondola from the valley floor whisks the family straight up to the snow, bypassing the low-altitude slush that can be a frustration in other areas.
Mid-mountain learning areas provide a scenic, snow-sure environment for children's first experiences on skis, and the ski schools run dedicated programmes that keep young skiers engaged. Having the beginner terrain at altitude rather than in the valley is a real practical advantage: the snow is better, the setting is more exciting, and children are properly up in the mountains from day one. As abilities grow, the long intermediate runs down through the tree line offer a satisfying step up, and the sheer scale of the 1,750m vertical gives older children and teenagers a genuine goal to work towards. The terrain park adds a further draw for freestyle-minded teens.
Off the slopes, the Zillertal valley is well stocked with family activities. The Erlebnistherme Zillertal swimming complex is a popular half-day outing, toboggan runs provide easy entertainment, and the historic Zillertal railway is a hit. Dining in the village and on the mountain is family-friendly throughout, with hearty Tyrolean cooking and rustic mountain huts where children are genuinely welcome. Transport within the valley lets you explore neighbouring villages and activities without complicated logistics, giving the holiday variety beyond Kaltenbach's home slopes.
The Zillertal valley is one of Austria's most popular holiday regions, and with good reason. You have a full range of activities that extend well beyond skiing here. Whether you're taking a rest day, travelling with non-skiers, or simply want to mix up the routine, the valley has plenty to offer in a beautiful alpine setting.
The Zillertal valley provides an excellent range of winter activities, including experiences such as:
The Zillertal's infrastructure and variety of towns in the area means rest days are well catered for, with options like:
Dining in Kaltenbach and the wider Zillertal draws on strong Tyrolean traditions, with hearty, flavourful cooking that's built for mountain appetites. On-mountain restaurants are a particular highlight, with sunny terraces and views that elevate a simple lunch into something memorable.
WeSki insider tip: Don't leave the Zillertal without trying Kaspressknödel, pan-fried cheese dumplings served in a clear broth. They're a Tyrolean mountain hut staple, and the versions at Almstüberl and Kristallhütte are particularly good. Pair with a local Zillertal beer for the full experience.
Kaltenbach's après-ski is modest but authentic, with an atmosphere that's local and friendly - and none of the tourist-heavy intensity of larger resorts. The village has a few bars where the day's skiing gets rewarded over beers and schnapps. For visitors who prefer their evenings calm and relaxed, it hits the right note.
For a bigger après experience, Mayrhofen is a short drive down the valley and has one of the Zillertal's liveliest bar scenes, including the famous Ice Bar and Bruck'n Stadl. Fügen, in the other direction, also has good options. The valley's transport connections make it easy to enjoy a night out and get home safely.
Après-ski spots to know:
Accommodation in Kaltenbach provides a mix of traditional hotels, guesthouses, chalets, and apartments, and many of these are family-run, offering half-board options. The wider Zillertal valley adds further accommodation options in nearby towns, with good road and bus connections to Kaltenbach's lifts.
When it comes to Kaltenbach itself, the village is compact and most properties are within walking distance of the Hochzillertal gondola base station. Staying near the gondola maximises convenience, though the village is small enough that everything is close together.
The Hochzillertal-Hochfügen pass covers all 91km of pistes and 39 lifts. An upgrade to the Zillertal Superskipass extends access to over 500km of pistes across the entire Zillertal valley, including Mayrhofen-Penken, the Hintertux Glacier, and Fügen-Spieljoch.
Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Kaltenbach ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Rental shops in Kaltenbach village and at the gondola base station stock current-season equipment for all levels. Booking online in advance typically saves on walk-in prices, and most shops offer overnight storage so you don't have to carry boots and skis back to your accommodation each evening.
WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Kaltenbach, letting you add equipment to your package to secure in advance and collect on arrival. Browse Kaltenbach ski deals to build your perfect trip.
Kaltenbach is compact and walkable, with the village centre and gondola base station within easy reach in town. The Zillertal valley has an excellent public transport network, with regular buses connecting all the valley's villages and ski areas.
The Zillertalbahn railway adds a scenic option for travelling up and down the valley. Taxis are available for evening transport, and of course a car adds flexibility for exploring the wider valley (but this isn't essential for day-to-day skiing).
The nearest airport is Innsbruck (approximately 60km), with Salzburg (approximately 160km), Munich (approximately 190km), and Zurich (about 340km) as alternatives with more flight options from the UK. Driving from Innsbruck takes around 45 minutes along the well-maintained Zillertal road. The valley is also accessible by train to Jenbach, connecting to the Zillertalbahn railway.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to Kaltenbach. Add them to your Kaltenbach ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
The Hochzillertal-Hochfügen area covers 91km of pistes with a remarkable 1,750m vertical drop, one of the largest in the Tyrol. The combination of high-altitude open terrain and forest skiing provides excellent variety, and the modern lift system keeps everything moving efficiently. Snow reliability is strong thanks to the altitude reaching 2,350m and extensive snowmaking coverage.
Both are in the Zillertal and accessible on the Superskipass. Kaltenbach provides access to the Hochzillertal-Hochfügen area, which is excellent for intermediates and families. Mayrhofen gives access to the Penken-Ahorn area, with more challenging terrain and a livelier après-ski scene. Kaltenbach is quieter and more traditional, which suits families and those wanting a calmer base.
The Hochzillertal's summit reaches 2,350m, which provides good snow reliability. Its season typically runs from early December to mid-April. Extensive snowmaking covers key runs, and the north-facing upper slopes hold natural snow well. The altitude range means conditions on the upper mountain are consistently good even when the valley is warmer.
The Superskipass covers over 500km of pistes across the entire Zillertal valley, including Mayrhofen-Penken, the Hintertux Glacier (which offers year-round skiing), Fügen-Spieljoch, and more. It's excellent value for those wanting to explore multiple areas during their stay. All areas are connected by the valley's efficient bus and train network.
Kaltenbach is a solid family choice. The village is calm and traditional, the mid-mountain beginner areas have reliable snow and dedicated children's zones, and the Zillertal valley has plenty of non-skiing activities. The Erlebnistherme swimming complex, toboggan runs, and the Zillertalbahn railway are all popular family outings.
The Hochzillertal has two of the most famous mountain restaurants in the Zillertal, the Wedelhütte and Kristallhütte, both of which combine excellent food with panoramic views and a lively atmosphere. They're destinations in their own right and are regularly featured in lists of Austria's best mountain restaurants.
Mayrhofen - Niederau - St. Anton - Saalbach - Sölden - Kitzbühel - Kaprun - Ischgl - Serfaus - Tux - Wagrain - Zell am Ziller - St Johann im Pongau - Lech Zürs - See - Grossarl - Maria Alm - Gerlos - Flachau - Galtür - Ellmau - Scheffau - Söll - Going am Wilden Kaiser - Bad Gastein - Bad Hofgastein - Filzmoos - Obergurgl-Hochgurgl - Zell am See - St Johann in Tirol - Westendorf - Seefeld - Obertauern - Kappl - Alpbach
4.9/5I usually book flights, transfers, hotel, ski rental and lift passes myself but this year used WeSki for a trip to Morzine. It was so much easier. Everything worked perfectly - transfers arrived on time and there was plenty of feedback throughout the whole process giving you confidence the holiday would go smoothly.
A really useful service that is so much easier to use than other 'all-inclusive' sites. It nicely bridges the gap between a travel agent and booking the trip yourself online. I will use WeSki every time I go skiing from now on.
We booked a late minute skiing trip to Morzine through we ski. We looked at booking the trip ourselves but could get anywhere near the price quoted by we ski. The company was excellent and we had no problems at all from start to finish. I would definitely use them to book another weekend skiing trip.
Seamless experience from start to finish. I was spending ages trying to sort out a weekend break and managed to do it with we ski in minutes and for the same price as booking it all up yourself. Flight, transfer and accommodation was all as expected and faultless.
WeSki is a trading name operated by WeTrip Ltd. All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk.
Package holidays that do not include travel by air are financially protected via ABTOT.
