Ski tours in the Zillertal: The best routes for the start of winter

Fresh snow, clear visibility, and untouched slopes – that's the start of winter in the Zillertal. Especially in the first weeks of the ski touring season, the region entices visitors with safe routes, easily accessible starting points, and reliable snow cover at higher elevations. Whether you're planning your first ski tour or want to tackle challenging classics, the Zillertal offers something for everyone. In this article, we present the best ski tours in the Zillertal for the start of the season – with specific tour tips, detailed elevation gains, estimated times, and everything else you need for your planning.

From the easy beginner tour to the Kleiner Gilfert to the high alpine glacier route to the Kraxentrager – here you will find the perfect tour for the start of winter.

• Why the Zillertal is perfect for winter ski tours
• Ski touring for beginners: A safe start in the Zillertal
• Advanced ski tours in the Zillertal: Challenging but rewarding
• Challenges for experts: High alpine routes with glacier contact
• Route comparison: Which tour suits you best?
• Packing list for ski tours in November
• Safety: The 7 most important rules
• Arrival and parking
• Best time and weather
• FAQ: Ski tours in the Zillertal
• Conclusion: A promising start to winter

Why the Zillertal is perfect for winter ski tours

Geographical location & snow reliability

The Zillertal valley lies south of the Inn valley in Tyrol and is surrounded by the Tux Alps, the Tux Main Ridge, and the Zillertal Main Ridge – ideal conditions for early winter tours. Especially from mid-December onwards, you can expect stable old snowpacks and fresh snowfall on the north-facing slopes around Hochfügen, Weerberg, or Hintertux.

Tour variety for all skill levels

Whether you're embarking on your first ski tour or are an alpine veteran – the Zillertal offers beginner tours like the Kleiner Gilfert , but also high alpine adventures like the Grinbergspitze or the Hoher Riffler .

Accessibility & Infrastructure

Thanks to excellent transport links (e.g., Achensee feeder road, Zillertalbahn railway + buses), you can reach tour starting points like Hochfügen, Innerst (Weerberg) or Hintertux even without a car. Modern parking lots, as well as places to stop for refreshments and mountain huts, ensure comfort throughout your tour.

• High altitude and guaranteed snow from December
• Extensive touring area from the Tux Alps to the Zillertal main ridge
• Easy access by car or public transport
• High density of beginner tours with safe conditions

Ski touring for beginners: A safe start in the Zillertal

Kleiner Gilfert – The ideal mountain for beginners

At 2,388 meters high, with an ascent of around 800–900 meters and a hiking time of about 3–4 hours, the Kleine Gilfert near Weerberg is a classic for ski touring beginners. The wide slopes are avalanche-safe, navigation is easy, and the north-facing slopes are often well covered in snow early in winter.

Sonntagsköpfl – Short, safe and promising

With only 600–700 meters of elevation gain and a hiking time of 2–3 hours, the Sonntagsköpfl near Hochfügen is perfect for first-time hikers or a quick day trip. The route is also manageable in poor visibility, as it leads partly through open woodland. The view into the Finsingbach valley rewards the short climb.

Pfennigberg – Perfect for early season starts

The route to the Pfennigberg (2,158 m) starts in Innerst or Navis and leads in 2–3 hours over an altitude difference of around 700 meters to a gentle summit ridge. The tour is avalanche-safe and particularly popular in the early winter months, as the snow lingers here for a long time.

What beginners should know

Start early, before the sun softens the snow. Get a good ski touring map (e.g., the Alpine Club map of the Tux Alps 1:25,000) and never go without avalanche transceiver equipment. Complete beginners should consider a guided tour or a course offered by the Alpine Club – especially regarding avalanche safety.

tour	Height (m)	Elevation gain	Length of time	Starting point	Highlights
Little Gilfert	2,388	800–900	3–4 hours	Innerst (Weerberg)	Wide slopes, avalanche-safe
Sunday head	2,248	600–700	2–3 hours	Hochfügen – Parking lot	Feasible even in poor visibility
Pfennigberg	2,158	700	2–3 hours	Navigation / Innerst	Ideal early winter tour

Advanced ski tours in the Zillertal: Challenging but rewarding

Gilfert – The Panorama Classic

At 2,506 meters and with an elevation gain of around 1,200 meters, the Gilfert is one of the best ski tours in the western Zillertal valley. The starting point is also Innerst near Weerberg. The tour requires some stamina and avalanche knowledge, but rewards you with a panoramic view from the Inn Valley to the main Alpine ridge.

Wetterkreuzspitze – For connoisseurs with stamina

The Wetterkreuzspitze (2,591 m) requires an ascent of around 1,000 meters and 4–5 hours – technically not complex, but with long, exposed slopes. On a clear day, the summit offers a breathtaking view across the Tux Alps.

High Head – Great alternative at avalanche level 2

The tour to the Hoher Kopf (2,373 m) also starts in Hochfügen and leads over 900–1,000 meters of elevation gain in 3–4 hours to a gently sloping ridge. This route is particularly popular when the avalanche warning level is still high – good terrain and safe exposure make it attractive.

• 1,000–1,200 meters of elevation gain
• Technically easy, but longer climbs
• Some avalanche knowledge is required.
• Mostly untracked sections
• Diverse downhill options

Challenges for experts: High alpine routes with glacier contact

Kraxentrager – Almost 3,000 meters high

This high-alpine tour starts at the Breitlahner inn near Hintertux and leads across the Schlegeiskees glacier to the Kraxentrager summit (2,999 m). The approximately 1,400 meters of elevation gain and 6–7 hours of ascent require glacier equipment and alpine experience. The route is relatively crevasse-free.

High Riffler – Tuxer Königsgipfel

At 3,231 m, the Hohe Riffler is the highest peak in the Tux Alps. Depending on the starting point (Hintertux valley station or cable car mid-station), you can expect 1,600–1,800 meters of elevation gain and a hike of 7–8 hours. The route leads across high alpine terrain below the Rifflerferner glacier.

Grinbergspitze – For experienced and solitary hikers

A less frequented but impressive tour: You can reach the Grinbergspitze (2,867 m) via the Zillergrund valley . With 1,400 meters of elevation gain, steep slopes, and often long sections of track, you should be fit and sure-footed. Ideal for powder hounds in spring.

Hirzer – a hidden gem in the Zemmgrund

The tour to the Hirzer (2,725 m) begins at the Pfitschkopf parking lot in the Stillup Valley and leads through a secluded, high-alpine landscape. The ascent involves 1,350 meters of elevation gain and takes approximately 5–6 hours. The reward: rarely skied powder slopes and plenty of peace and quiet.

tour	Height (m)	Ascent	Length of time	region	Special features
Backpack carrier	2,999	1,400 m	6–7 hours	Hintertux / Schlegeiskees	Glacier, with few crevasses
High Riffler	3,231	1,600–1,800 m	7–8 hours	Hintertux	Highest peak, cable car option
Grinbergspitze	2,867	1,400 m	6–7 hours	Zillergrund	Steep descent, lonely
Hirzer	2,725	1,350 m	5–6 hours	Zemmgrund	Less frequented, alpine

Route comparison: Which tour suits you best?

Route name	difficulty	Elevation gain	Length of time	Best for
Little Gilfert	light	800–900	3–4 hours	Beginners
Sunday head	light	600–700	2–3 hours	Beginners and those who decide at the last minute
Pfennigberg	light	700	2–3 hours	Early starter
Gilfert	medium	1,200	4–5 hours	Advanced with stamina
High head	medium	1,000	3–4 hours	Safety-conscious individuals with LWS 2
Backpack carrier	difficult	1,400	6–7 hours	Alpine-experienced glacier hikers
Hirzer	difficult	1,350	5–6 hours	Lonely connoisseurs