Hintertux Glacier, Austria — Complete Guide
Hintertux Glacier (Hintertuxer Gletscher) in Austria’s Zillertal Valley is unique in the Alps: it is the only glacier ski resort in Austria that operates 365 days a year. Summer skiing on Hintertux is a genuine, full-featured experience — not a novelty — with 60 km of marked runs on a glacier that rises to 3,250 metres. For competitive ski racers, freeskiers, and the simply obsessed, Hintertux is essential.
In winter, Hintertux combines with the broader Zillertal Arena ski area (a network of four connected valley resorts) to offer one of the Alps’ most extensive ski networks. The glacier itself, however, stands apart — colder, higher, and snowier than its neighbours, with reliable powder from September through June.
Hintertux Glacier — Key Stats
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Glacier summit | 3,250 m (10,663 ft) |
| Base elevation | 1,500 m (4,921 ft) — Hintertux village |
| Vertical drop | 1,750 m (5,741 ft) |
| Runs on glacier | 60 km of marked pistes |
| Terrain breakdown | 30% beginner · 50% intermediate · 20% expert |
| Glacier lifts | 12 (gondolas and chair lifts) |
| Season | 365 days per year |
| Zillertal Superskipass | Yes — combined with Zell am Ziller, Kaltenbach, Gerlos, Mayrhofen |
| Nearest airport | Innsbruck (INN) ~1.5 hr; Munich (MUC) ~2.5 hr |
Terrain — Year-Round Glacier Skiing
The glacier area is reached via a series of large gondolas from Hintertux village. The top zone at 3,250 m is cold, exposed, and exhilarating — wide glacier runs, some mogul fields, and excellent off-piste in the bowl areas. The Grosser Kaserer area on the upper glacier is the most demanding, while the mid-glacier zones offer pleasant intermediate runs with outstanding views of the Zillertal Alps.
In winter, the combined Zillertal Superskipass links Hintertux with Mayrhofen’s Penken and Ahorn areas, as well as the Zell am Ziller, Kaltenbach, and Gerlos resorts — over 660 km of piste in total. Hintertux is also heavily used by national ski teams for late-season and summer training. Austrian, German, and Norwegian race teams are regularly spotted on the glacier in September and October.
Resort Vibe and Village
Hintertux is a genuine end-of-the-valley destination — there’s nothing beyond it. The village is small, focused entirely on skiing, and has an earnest, unpretentious character. Accommodation clusters around the gondola base. The après scene is low-key compared to Mayrhofen or Ischgl, but several lively mountain huts — notably Sommerbergalm at 2,100 m — offer classic Austrian hut experiences with schnapps and live accordion.
Where to Stay at Hintertux
Hintertux village is small, with a concentrated cluster of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments right at the gondola base. The Hotel Wilder Kaiser and Hotel Rindererhof are popular ski-in/ski-out options. Many visitors choose to stay in Mayrhofen (25 km down the valley) or Zell am Ziller and drive or take the free ski bus to Hintertux, benefiting from the broader resort atmosphere and additional terrain.
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Getting to Hintertux
Innsbruck Airport (INN) is the closest major hub, about 1.5 hours by car via the A12 motorway and the Zillertal road. Munich Airport (MUC) is around 2.5 hours. The Zillertalbahn narrow-gauge railway runs from Jenbach (on the Innsbruck–Salzburg main line) to Mayrhofen, and a connecting ski bus runs to Hintertux — making the resort accessible by public transport without a rental car.
Hintertux Glacier — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hintertux really open all year?
Yes — Hintertux Glacier is the only year-round ski resort in Austria and one of very few globally. Summer skiing (June–October) is fully operational with all lifts running, groomed pistes, and rental equipment available. Conditions vary — late summer can bring limited terrain from glacier melt — but October and November are typically excellent on the upper glacier.
Can you ski both Hintertux and Mayrhofen on the same day?
With the Zillertal Superskipass, yes — the free ski bus connects the valley resorts. You cannot ski directly between Hintertux and Mayrhofen’s Penken area on snow; the connection requires the bus. Most visitors who combine resorts pick one per day.
How cold is it at 3,250 metres?
The upper glacier can be extremely cold, particularly in winter — temperatures of -20°C are not unusual in January and February. Wind chill amplifies this significantly. Proper layering, goggles (not just sunglasses), and facemasks are essential. In summer, the glacier is milder but UV exposure at altitude is intense.
Is Hintertux good for beginners?
The glacier has beginner terrain and a ski school, but the altitude, cold, and general focus of the resort on intermediate and advanced skiing make it less ideal as a first ski holiday. Intermediates and advanced skiers will get the most from Hintertux.
What makes Hintertux special compared to other Austrian resorts?
The combination of year-round operation, genuine glacier skiing, the highest accessible terrain in Tyrol, and the link to the vast Zillertal Superskipass network is unique. No other Austrian resort offers this range: summer glacier skiing plus winter access to 660+ km of piste across five interconnected valleys.
When is the best time to visit Hintertux?
Late autumn (October–November) is magical — fresh glacier snow, uncrowded pistes, and the feeling of a ski resort coming back to life. Mid-winter (December–February) offers full conditions across the Zillertal. Spring skiing (April–May) on the glacier with warm sunshine is increasingly popular.
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