Where winter meets spring: snow, sunshine and a season that refuses to end
When most resorts start thinking about spring, skiing in the Zillertal valley in Austria's Tyrol is still in full swing. With many slopes lying high above 1,700 m and a glacier that makes all the difference, spring here means not only nature waking up in the valleys but also skis gliding over snow that is still ready for skiers. This is the time of year when the Zillertal shows its sunniest side. The snow is superbly prepared, the lifts run at full capacity and the atmosphere becomes lighter and more sociable. Longer days, milder temperatures and mountain huts with terraces full of people: all of this makes spring here not the end of the season but its most enjoyable moment.
Spring skiing: a season that lasts longer than you think
In the Zillertal, winter does not end when the calendar says spring. Different rules apply here. While in other parts of Europe the March sun gradually turns snow into a mere memory of winter days, in Tyrol you can still hear fresh powder squeaking under your skis. Thanks to its exceptionally well-placed resorts (from Zillertal Arena and Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach, through family-friendly Spieljoch, to the majestic Hintertux glacier) the ski season here runs from autumn until late spring, and sometimes even longer. That is why the Zillertal holds the unofficial title of the place with the longest skiing, and not only because you can ski on the Hintertux almost all year round. In the Zillertal, spring means something more to skiers. It is a reward for those who want to combine great conditions with sunshine, long days and the special lightness that comes with March trips.
Spring in the Alps? Only in the Zillertal, where the season is just getting into its stride
Skiing in March and April has a rhythm of its own. There is no more winter rush, no dressing for bitter frost and no waiting for the first rays of sunshine. Spring skiing in the Zillertal means mornings of clear blue sky and lightly sparkling snow that squeaks under your ski boots. It also means lunch on a terrace overlooking a valley slowly coming to life, and one fleece instead of three layers.
The Zillertal has long been known for its exceptionally long season. A large share of its slopes lies above 1,700 to 2,000 m, where snow lasts a long time, which is a big advantage. Many pistes also get plenty of sun but are shaped so that the snow does not melt too quickly. The Hintertux glacier, meanwhile, remains the year-round foundation of the season, extending it practically without end.
Zillertal Arena: sun, space and a spring boost
Zillertal Arena is the sporting heart of the valley. Here you will find no fewer than 150 km of pistes, stretching from Zell am Ziller to the higher ground at Gerlos and Königsleiten. It is a resort for those who definitely like to feel speed under their skis and also want to be sure that conditions will still be excellent in spring. In March Zillertal Arena changes character slightly. In the morning the pistes are firm and perfectly groomed, and as the day goes on the snow becomes more pleasant: soft, sunny and ideal for long carved turns. It is the kind of snow that lets you ski smoothly without rushing, at a pace that suits warm days. Spring is also terrace season. At Zillertal Arena the tables at the huts fill up faster than the gondolas. After a few runs it is hard to resist sitting down for a while with a view of the valley, ordering a cappuccino or a Kaiserschmarrn and simply soaking up the first spring sunshine. It would be a shame not to!
Hochzillertal-Hochfügen: a treat for lovers of variety
Spring suits this resort perfectly. Hochzillertal is known for its wide pistes, which take on a new rhythm in March, and in the morning you can find great conditions for sporty skiing here. When the snow starts to soften, something appears that you will not find in summer: the most enjoyable kind of spring carving. In Hochfügen, which lies higher and is colder, great conditions last considerably longer, so the whole area offers a really long but also stable season. In spring it is especially worth stopping at one of the restaurants known for local dishes and discovering some real culinary gems of Austrian cooking. In Hochzillertal food is not just a quick stop. Above all it is part of a way of life. A long lunch on a terrace, gentle sunshine and a little rest between runs: that is the real spring atmosphere of Tyrol, and it is worth experiencing.
Hintertux Glacier: king of the season that never ends
Hintertux is known as the flagship of the Zillertal. It is the only resort in Austria where you can ski 365 days a year, but in spring it becomes the undisputed number one. While other valleys count down to the end of the season, here the skiing is often only just getting going. Spring mornings at more than 3,000 metres are crystal clear. The snow can be hard and fast, at times with the icy feel of a glacier, which makes it ideal for those who like precise skiing.
If you fancy more than just skiing, in spring it is worth visiting the Natur Eis Palast, known as an ice palace with underground lakes and crystal chambers, and the Spannagel Cave, the largest marble cave in the Alps. Spring is in fact the ideal time for these attractions. You will find fewer people, more time and a calmer atmosphere.
Spieljoch: a family end to the season
If you are looking for wonderful views and a place that is perfect for a relaxed end to the season, Spieljoch will hit the spot. The pistes here are gentle, long and wide, made for easy skiing, trying out new techniques or simply enjoying the first sunshine. Spring at Spieljoch means, above all, busy terraces, family get-togethers, lessons for the youngest skiers, plenty of laughter and a real holiday feel. In March this resort gives you the sense that skiing is not just a sport but, above all, a way of spending time with the people close to you.
Spring skiing is a different kind of happiness
Still wondering why it is worth going skiing right now? Above all, it means longer days and more sun, warmer air and fewer layers, and so more comfort on the slopes, which is a huge plus. On top of that, you get to feel genuinely soft, wonderfully pleasant snow underfoot and can enjoy mountain hut terraces that are positively buzzing. It is also the ideal time for beginners. The snow is much less demanding, and the atmosphere changes too. And on top of that: no crowds. March and April usually mean fewer skiers than the peak winter season. You can ski without queues, with plenty of comfort and the kind of space on the slopes that is often missing in January or February.
The Zillertal keeps up the pace in spring
When other resorts are already closing their gates, the Zillertal is just coming into bloom. Spring skiing in this valley is pure pleasure: warmth, snow and no rush, yet still top conditions. Thanks to resorts such as Zillertal Arena, Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach, Spieljoch and Hintertux Glacier, the season here lasts longer than anywhere else in the Alps, and every day brings the chance of new spring experiences. This is a place where winter does not end with the calendar. In the Zillertal you simply ski for longer, and have as much fun as possible doing it.