181 km
Ski Resorts > Europe > Austria > Tyrol > Zillertal > Kaltenbach/Hochzillertal-Hochfuegen (SKi-optimal)
560 m - 2377 m
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Test report Kaltenbach/Hochzillertal-Hochfuegen (SKi-optimal)
Skiresort.info Test of the ski resort Kaltenbach/Hochzillertal-Hochfuegen (SKi-optimal)
Total result: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Test Kaltenbach/Hochzillertal-Hochfuegen (SKi-optimal)
The review Kaltenbach/Hochzillertal-Hochfuegen (SKi-optimal) was created by Skiresort.info, the world’s largest test portal for ski resorts.
Test result: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Skiresort.info Test Winner 2011:
Best Ski Resort Worldwide >>
Test Winner: Mountain Restaurants & Ski Huts >>
Best Ski Hut: Kristallhütte >>
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
Further evaluation criteria
Evaluation criteria for special interests
In detail: Test report for ski resort Kaltenbach/Hochzillertal-Hochfuegen (SKi-optimal)
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
Since the connection of Hochzillertal and Hochfuegen to SKi-optimal in the 2004/2005 season, the ski resort is one of the largest in the Zillertal.
Runs/slopes
Additional runs
25 km Marked ski routes
Altitude difference
1817 m (Valley 560 m - Mountain 2377 m )
Lifts/ cable cars
37
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 4 ← 5
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 4 ← 5
Slopes of all levels of difficulty cause the hearts of both beginners as well as experts to beat faster. Optimally prepared slopes and mainly wide runs await guests in Hochzillertal as well as in Hochfuegen. The slopes in the upper part of the resort are in open terrain. Runs lead through forest aisles down to the valley. The majority of the slopes are intermediate and suitable for most skiers.
Runs/slopes
Total 181 km
Easy
40 km
(22 %)Intermediate
101 km
(56 %)Difficult
40 km
(22 %)
Additional runs
Marked ski routes
25 km
Longest run
11 km
Run location
above tree line, under tree line
Worth knowing
Modern gondola lifts lead up to the ski resort. Modern chair lifts, some with covers and seat heating, bring guests up to the ski resort. Ample tow ropes and t-bars are provided for beginners.
Number of ski lifts
37
Total capacity
57030 Passengers / hour
Length of all lifts
35.0 km Total
Lifts and cable cars
5
10
15
7
Additional
3
Due to the ski area's high altitude location, it is very snow-secure. Valley runs and all important slopes have snow-making capabilities. The valley run to Hochfuegen is always open.
Worth knowing
- Artificial snow-making
400 Snow canons
80 % of the slopes have snow-making capabilities
- The valley run is open most of the time.
Season 2008/2009
150 Days open
96 Days when valley run open
96 Days when valley run open
Season 2009/2010
145 Days open
110 Days when valley run open
110 Days when valley run open
Season 2010/2011
140 Days open
105 Days when valley run open
105 Days when valley run open
Photos
The slope preparation is excellent.
High value is placed on slope grooming and the slopes are prepared from 16:30 through the whole night.
Tip: By new snow, an optimal slope prepartion is not always possible, even with a large effort. In addition, the new snow can not combine with the snow lying underneath and moguls are created quickly. For safety reasons, usually no slope preparation is possible during operating times.
Photos
Further evaluation criteria
Only 15 km from the Inntal autobahn, the best parking places are waiting for you in Kaltenbach with a large parking garage directly at the lift. In Hochfuegen, you can park directly at the different lifts. Due to room changeover on Saturdays, there can be a lot of traffic in the Zillertal.
Access via A12 Inntal-Autobahn, Exit Achensee-Zillertal
- Hochzillertal lifts (Kaltenbach), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 15 km · approx. 16 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, well-developed, without significant incline
Parking spaces: enough available, Car park, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
- 8er-Jet Hochfuegen (Hochfügen), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 22 km · approx. 25 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
Trail map and overview maps:
The trail map is exemplary. All lifts, cable cars and slopes are easy to recognise. The complete ski resort is displayed. Restaurants and important points are highlighted. On the back, the whole Zillertal is shown.
The trail map is exemplary. All lifts, cable cars and slopes are easy to recognise. The complete ski resort is displayed. Restaurants and important points are highlighted. On the back, the whole Zillertal is shown.
Information boards and sign-postings on the slopes:
It is easy to find your way. The sign-posting is clear and apparent as well as the marking of the individual slopes.
It is easy to find your way. The sign-posting is clear and apparent as well as the marking of the individual slopes.
A high level of value is placed on cleanliness and hygiene. The toilets at the Kaltenbach valley station are in an especially top condition even after 16:00.
Photos
The exemplary separation of waste and the cordoning off of forest areas is commendable. Unfortunately, no flora and fauna conservation areas have been set up. The ski buses and public transportation are supported.
Awards:
Showcase project: separation of waste in the ski resort
Public transportation/ on-site mobility
- Train connection
The Kaltenbach train station of the Zillertalbahn is located approx. 500m away. Ski buses will bring you to the ski resort. - Comprehensive ski bus network
- Scheduled busses
- Ski buses run every 15 min. from Fuegen to Hochfuegen. In the Hochzillertal region (Kaltenbach, Ried, Aschau and Stumm) the ski bus runs several times a day and is free. In addition, another free ski bus is provided from the following towns to Hochfuegen and Kaltenbach: Kramsach, Muenster, Wiesing, Strass, Schlitters and Uderns.
Photos
The personal is friendly but could at times be a bit more helpful to guests entering the lifts.
There is almost no other ski resort featuring as many high-quality restaurants as in Hochzillertal. Culinary delights and cozy mountain huts provide an optimal range of places to take a break.
18 Mountain restaurants & Ski huts
Gastronomy tip
-
Wedelhütte
At the crossing between Kaltenbach and Hochfuegen at 2352m
New opening during the 2009/2010 season: the ski hut invites you to an extravagant chalet atmosphere for relaxation and happy feasting. The upper floor offers something special. In the exclusive Wedel Lounge, you can experience the cultivated service of a gourmet restaurant.
-
Kristallhütte
At the mountain station, Oefeler double t-bar
Gourmet restaurant at attractive prices - curry wurst and fries will not be found here
Mountain hut tip
-
Platzlalm
Above the mountain station Hochzillertal gondola lift
Let yourself be spoiled by Tyrolean specialties. When the weather is nice, on the sun terrace or by the crackling fire in the lounge.
-
Abfahrtshütte
On the ski run to Aschau
The rustic ski and sledging meeting place with mountain hut flair and a cozy atmosphere. Authentic Zillertal traditional food is still served here and the après ski is also well-represented. Just be careful not to miss the last shuttle bus to the valley station of the Hochzillertal lifts.
-
Kaltenbacher Skihütte
In the middle of the ski resort at 1800m at the 6 person chair lift Neuhuetten (Hochzillertal)
Rustic ski hut with Tyrolean specialties and après ski bar in front of the building
-
Zillertaler Schialm
At the mountain station, Hochzillertal gondola lift
Cozy hut with traditional specialties and après ski bar
-
Schistadel
On the run to the middle station in Hochzillertal
Pleasant place to take a break on the run from Hochzillertal to the middle station.
-
Aarwirt
Near the valley run Holzalm Hochfuegen
The sophisticated ski restaurant for the culinary enthusiast located directly in the Hochfuegen ski resort.
-
Zirmstadl
Above the mountain station Hochzillertal gondola lift
The Zimstadl, which is also known as Mäc Alm, offers traditional and Zillertal specialties. Large sun terrace and from 15:00 to 16:00, it's Willi Time with 1,50 Euro Willi shots.
Photos
There are many bars waiting for you in at the valley station in Kaltenbach. It is also possible to begin après ski in the ski resort. Hochfuegen also offers good après ski possibilities.
-
Postalm
At the valley station in Kaltenbach
Daily après ski party as of 15:00 with cool music and good atmosphere. Live music until late into the night.
-
Tiroler Stadl
At the valley station of the Kaltenbach gondola lifts
Good atmosphere is guaranteed in the Tiroler Stadl and the Hexenbar because everyone who comes down in the gondola passes by.
Photos
In Hochfuegen, all accommodations are located directly at the slopes. The Kristalhütte, Platzalm and Wedelhütte are in the ski resort. The Hotel Seetal is located directly on the valley run in Kaltenbach. Additional accommodations are available in huts in the ski resort and at the valley station in Kaltenbach.
Ski-in/Ski-out
There are many accommodations with direct access to the slopes and to lifts (Ski-in/Ski-out)
Tips
-
Wedelhütte
At the crossover between Kaltenbach and Hochfuegen at 2352m
11 premium suites as well as a wellness area with sauna, steam room and outdoor whirlpool are awaiting guests. An infrared cabin is integrated into every suite. Guests are spoiled with culinary treats in the evening.
-
Kristallhütte
at the mountain station Oefeler at 2147m
The highlights are a sauna with panorama view and an outdoor whirlpool. The food is 5-star quality. If you would like to reserve one of the 8 elegant double rooms, you should book well in advance. There are also 2 Ice Suites available in the igloo in front of the Kristallhuette.
Towns/villages
- Aschau im Zillertal
Distance to ski resort 1-2 km - Fügen
Distance to ski resort 10-20 km
Guest beds 4900 - Hochfügen
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 630 - Kaltenbach
Distance to ski resort fewer than 0.5 km
Guest beds 6200 - Ried im Zillertal
Distance to ski resort 1-2 km - Stumm im Zillertal
Distance to ski resort fewer than 1 km - Uderns
Distance to ski resort 2-3 km
Note: For the evaluation, only the accommodations which are located directly on the slopes and lifts, or have very easy access to the ski resort have been considered.
Evaluation criteria for special interests
For small children there is the Zwergerl Club in Hochzillertal and Hochfuegen. Families and children will find all they need here as there is a lot on offer in Hochzillertal and Hochfuegen.
Information for families and children
- Kid's Land/ separated area for children
- Merry-go-round
- Wave ride for children
- Adventure course
- People mover
- Children's lifts
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
- Ski kindergarten
- Ski school for children
- Child care
- Nursery
- Playground / park
- Children's toilets
- Mascot (Bobo)
Special tips for children
-
Zwergerl Club Hochzillertal
Zwergerlclub with full-day care for children from 0-7 years in the mountain station of the gondola lift in Hochzillertal.
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Zwergerl Club Hochfuegen
Zwergerlclub in Hochfuegen near the Restaurant Panorama with full-day care.
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Kids World Hochzillertal
The Kids World is located at the mountain station of the Hochzillatal gondola lift. They have their own children's cinema, restaurant, toilet and a lot of room for playing. A separate area for ski races and obstacles is also provided.
-
Optimal Children's Ski School
Separate children's area at the mountain station of the Hochzillertal gondola lift with covered people-mover and funny characters.
-
Children's Park Hochfuegen
Small park for children located at the Lamark lifts in Hochfuegen.
Photos
The ski resort offers a large beginner's area at the mountain station Hochzillertal as well as the Lamark lift in Hochfuegen. In Hochfuegen, there is an easy valley run. Beginners should take the gondola down to the valley in Kaltenbach.
Information for beginners
- Easy and manageable slope offering, which is easy to achieve
- Wide slopes
- Beginner's area
- Easy valley run
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
Ski schools on-site
Photos
Advanced runs are provided for experts and others at the Schnee-Express, Wedelexpress and at the Pfaffenbuehl. A large freeride area is available for example at the Zillertal Shuttle gondola lift. Free skiing areas and freeride info points complement the offering.
Information for advanced skiers, freeriders
- very many freeride / deep snow areas
- some mogul slopes
Slope offering advanced skiers
Runs/slopes
Total 181 km
Difficult
40 km
(22 %)Additional runs
Marked ski routes
25 km
Most difficult run
-
Valley run to Aschau · Length 11 km · Altitude difference 1800 m
new since the 2009/2010 season
Note: Always mind the avalanche warnings and barriers, please. Never ski into a closed and unsecured area.
Photos
The Almdudler Park Hochzillertal is available with its own lift, excellent freeriding possibilities and nearly all runs are suitable for snowboarders.
Information for Snowboarders
- few cat tracks
- no runs with ascent
- very many freeride / deep snow areas
Snow parks
- Almdudler Park Hochzillertal
The Almdudler Park Hochzillertal is located near the exit of the 8 pers. chair lift, Schnee-Express.
- Halfpipe Hochzillertal
The natural halfpipe is located next to the Hochzillertal mountain station
Offering snow parks
- Snow park/ Fun park
- Halfpipe
- Kicker (Jump/ Ramp)
- Rails/ Slides
- Boxes
- Wallride
- Boardercross
- Waverides
- Pro Line
- Medium Line
- Beginner/ Easy Line
- Chill area with music
- Cross-country trail offering
Total trail length: 50 km
There is a high altitude trail in Hochfuegen as well as in Hochzillertal. In the valley area, there are many kilometres of groomed trails (depending on snow conditions).
Trail tip(s)
-
High elevation trail Hochzillertal
Difficulty level: intermediate
Track: double track
Cross-country skiing style: classic
fee: no
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High elevation trail Hochfuegen
Difficulty level: intermediate
Track: double track
Cross-country skiing style: classic
fee: no
-
Valley trail between Fuegen, Uderns, Ried, Kaltenbach, Aschau
Difficulty level: easy
Track: double track
Cross-country skiing style: classic
fee: no
Conclusion
Quality of the runs, culinary offering, family friendliness, very well groomed slopes and wide runs, snow reliability, free parking garage, well-signed road to Hochfuegen
Connection between the Lamark and the Holzalm side (Hochfuegen)
Test Report issued on 2012-03-01
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Highlights
Hotel Pachmair
****
3/4-board+inclusiv drinks,swimming pool,skibus direct from hotel!
6271 Uderns im Zillertal
3 km to ski resort Details »
3/4-board+inclusiv drinks,swimming pool,skibus direct from hotel!
6271 Uderns im Zillertal
3 km to ski resort Details »
Familienhotel Seetal
****
Our hotel is directly situated next to the ski slope- so you can ski right away in the morning to the cable car station or you can take our ski bus.
6272 Kaltenbach
0 m to ski resort Details »
Our hotel is directly situated next to the ski slope- so you can ski right away in the morning to the cable car station or you can take our ski bus.
6272 Kaltenbach
0 m to ski resort Details »
Hotel & Chalet Wedelhuette
*****
5 star comfort right in the ski area at 2352m
6272 Kaltenbach
0 m to ski resort Details »
5 star comfort right in the ski area at 2352m
6272 Kaltenbach
0 m to ski resort Details »
Kristallhütte
*****
A juwel in the Alps in the ski resort at 2147m
6272 Kaltenbach
0 m to ski resort Details »
A juwel in the Alps in the ski resort at 2147m
6272 Kaltenbach
0 m to ski resort Details »
