Winter hiking in the Zillertal: Top routes for the cold season

When winter blankets the Zillertal Valley in a thick layer of snow, the region unfolds its very special charm: snow-covered forests, tranquil alpine trails, and breathtaking panoramic views make winter hiking in the Zillertal an unforgettable experience. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll with the family, a more athletically inclined hike, or a snowshoeing adventure , this article offers impressive routes, tips on equipment and safety, and helpful comparison charts.

We present eight winter hiking trails in detail – including the family-friendly route to the Grieralm , the scenic hike to the Höllenstein Hut , and more challenging trails like the one to the Brandberger Kolm . Strap on your snowshoes – the Zillertal awaits!

• 1. Why winter hiking in the Zillertal?
• 2. Top 7 winter hikes at a glance
• 3. Snowshoe hikes for explorers
• 4. Safety & equipment tips for winter hikers
• 5. Comparison table: Which route suits you?
• 6. Common mistakes when winter hiking – and how to avoid them
• 7. FAQ – The most important questions about winter hiking in the Zillertal
• 8. Conclusion: Winter bliss at every turn

Why winter hiking in the Zillertal?

Versatility: From panoramic trails to snowshoe trails

The Zillertal Valley offers a diverse range of routes in winter: from cleared, family-friendly winter hiking trails and scenic panoramic paths to challenging alpine snowshoe hikes . There's a suitable trail for every challenge and fitness level. The numerous winter activities in the Zillertal, such as cross-country skiing, tobogganing, and snowshoeing, make the region particularly varied.

Winter sports alternative: Peace and quiet instead of hustle and bustle

Unlike the hustle and bustle of the ski slopes, hiking in the snow in the Zillertal Valley offers quiet paths, babbling brooks, and the crunch of snow underfoot. Winter hiking trails in the Zillertal are a harmonious alternative, especially for leisurely hikers, nature lovers, or those seeking relaxation.

Healthy and calming

Exercise in the fresh mountain air not only strengthens the immune system but also boosts mood. Winter hiking is easy on the joints, reduces stress, and the steady walking provides excellent endurance training. It's also perfect for families with children – many routes have gentle inclines and offer opportunities to stop for refreshments along the way.

Typical winter activities in the Zillertal (keyword integration)

• Winter hiking on prepared trails
• Snowshoeing
• Tobogganing
• Cross-country skiing
• Summit hikes at higher altitudes

Top 7 winter hikes at a glance

1. Grieralm – Idyllic for beginners

Starting point: Parking lot at the Grieralm snack bar near Tux-Lanersbach

Elevation gain: approx. 250 m | Duration: 1.5 – 2 h | Difficulty: easy

Trail conditions: Prepared winter hiking trail through snow-covered forests in the Tux Valley

Stop for refreshments: Grieralm – cozy & regional

Panorama: View of the Tux Valley, tranquil alpine meadows in the snow

Suitable for: Beginners & Families

Best time of year: December to March

Public transport access: Bus to Tux-Lanersbach, short walk to the start

2. To the Höllenstein Hut – Winter magic with a view

Starting point: Juns in the Tuxertal valley (parking lot at the magnesite plant)

Elevation gain: approx. 400 m | Duration: 2.5 – 3 h | Difficulty: moderate

Trail conditions: Partly cleared, natural trail after fresh snowfall

Stop for refreshments: Höllenstein Hut – rustic with glacier views

Panorama: View of the Hintertux Glacier

Suitable for: Experienced leisurely hikers

Best time of year: December to March

Public transport access: Bus connection to Juns

3. Krummbachtalalm – Family-friendly in Gerlos

Starting point: Gerlos – Innertal district

Elevation gain: approx. 200 m | Duration: 1 – 1.5 h | Difficulty: easy

Trail conditions: Well-maintained, mostly sunny

Stop for refreshments: Krummbachtalalm – family-friendly rest area

Panorama: Idyllic stream, snow-covered forests

Suitable for: Beginners & families with children

Best time of year: November to March

Public transport access: Bus to Gerlos Innertal

4. Tuxerjochhaus – Panoramic hike with glacier views

Starting point: Valley station of the Hintertux Glacier cable car

Elevation gain: approx. 450 m | Duration: 2.5 – 3 h | Difficulty: moderate – difficult

Trail conditions: Natural winter hiking trail, partly alpine sections

No refreshments available in winter (Tuxerjochhaus closed)

Panorama: Panoramic view of the glacier region

Suitable for: Experienced winter hikers with stamina

Best time of year: January to March

Public transport access: Very good bus connections to Hintertux

5. Möslalm – Secluded, quiet, authentic

Starting point: Finkenberg

Elevation gain: approx. 350 m | Duration: 3 h | Difficulty: moderate

Trail conditions: Natural, often snow-covered – can be extended with snowshoes

Stop for refreshments: Möslalm – traditional & quiet

Panorama: View of the Tux Mountains

Suitable for: Advanced hikers, snowshoe hikers

Best time of year: December to March

Public transport access: Bus to Finkenberg, footpath to the starting point

6th Henne Winter Hike – 360° Experience in the Hochzillertal

Starting point: Hochzillertalbahn mountain station in Kaltenbach

Elevation gain: approx. 500 m | Duration: 3 – 4 h | Difficulty: moderate

Trail conditions: Open natural path between the lifts, maintained but not cleared

Places to stop for refreshments: Numerous mountain restaurants along the route

Panorama: 360° view of the entire Zillertal valley

Suitable for: Connoisseurs with good stamina

Best time of year: December to March

Public transport access: Zillertalbahn railway to Kaltenbach, feeder railway to the mountain station

7. Brandberger Kolm – Only for experienced hikers

Starting point: Brandberg near Mayrhofen

Elevation gain: approx. 800 m | Duration: 5 – 6 h | Difficulty: difficult

Trail conditions: Unprepared, alpine winter route. Often recommended with snowshoes.

Refreshments: No refreshment options available in winter

Panorama: High alpine view with a panorama extending to the main ridge

Suitable for: Experienced alpine hikers with good equipment

Best time of year: January to March (pay attention to avalanche danger!)

Public transport access: Limited, car recommended

Highlights per route

• Grieralm: Idyllic retreat in Tux
• Höllenstein Hut: Glacier view in Hintertux
• Krummbachtal: Perfect for families
• Tuxerjochhaus: Panoramic trail from Hintertux
• Möslalm: Pure seclusion
• Henne hike: Panoramic views across the Zillertal valley
• Brandberger Kolm: The King's Route in Winter

Snowshoe hikes for explorers

Why snowshoeing?

Snowshoeing in the Zillertal offers you access to entirely new routes: off the beaten track, far from the ski slopes. You can discover quiet, snow-covered forests, make your own tracks – and move through deeper snow in a way that is easy on your joints and improves your endurance.

Suitable routes in the Zillertal

Tours like the one to the Möslalm are ideal – here you can branch off from the standard route into unprepared side valleys. The alpine route to the Brandberger Kolm is also suitable for experienced snowshoers (including equipment and knowledge of avalanche safety). In the Tuxerjoch area, there are high-altitude routes that vary depending on snow conditions.

Equipment & Tech Tips

• Crampon-compatible winter boots are mandatory
• Telescopic poles with large snow baskets support you in deep snow.
• Always use avalanche equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel) on tours above 2,000 m or on unsecured slopes.
• Be sure to pay attention to local avalanche warning levels.

Recommended snowshoe tours in the Zillertal

• To the Möslalm from Finkenberg (with extension)
• Brandberger Kolm – only recommended with avalanche equipment!
• High plateaus around the Tuxerjoch

Safety and equipment tips for winter hikers

5 important safety tips

• Always check the weather forecast and avalanche report.
• Never start without sturdy footwear with deep winter treads.
• Always carry a headlamp – darkness comes sooner than you think
• Enter in the tour log or share start/finish with friends
• Above 2,000 m: Avalanche safety kit is mandatory

Checklist: What you need for your tour

• Waterproof, breathable winter clothing (layering principle)
• Hiking boots with a high shaft and good tread
• Ski or telescopic poles with snow baskets
• Thermos flask with warm tea
• Gaiters in deep snow
• Avalanche kit for alpine tours

Comparison table: Which route suits you best?

tour	Elevation gain	Length of time	Road surface	Place to stop for refreshments	panorama	Public transport accessible	Difficulty level
Grieralm	250	1.5 – 2 h	prepared	✓	medium	✓	light
Höllenstein Hut	400	2.5 – 3 h	partially cleared	✓	high	✓	medium
Krummbachtalalm	200	1 – 1.5 h	prepared	✓	medium	✓	light
Möslalm	350	3 h	natural	✓	medium	conditional	medium
Tuxerjochhaus	450	2.5 – 3 h	natural	–	high	✓	medium to severe
Brandberger Kolm	800	5 – 6 h	unprepared	–	very high	no	difficult