167 km
1250 m - 2500 m
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Test report Zillertal Arena
Skiresort.info Test of the ski resort Zillertal Arena
Total result: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Test Zillertal Arena
The review Zillertal Arena was created by Skiresort.info, the world’s largest test portal for ski resorts.
Test result: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Skiresort.info Test Winner 2011:
Among the Top 10 best ski resorts worldwide >>
Best Innovations: Four new gondola lifts >>
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 Zillertal Arena
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
The Zillertal Arena is the largest ski resort in the Zillertal and stretches from Zell am Ziller over Gerlos, Koenigsleiten all the way to Gerlosplatte and to Krimml in the province of Salzburg.
Runs/slopes
Altitude difference
1250 m (Valley 1250 m - Mountain 2500 m )
Lifts/ cable cars
49
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 11 ← 9
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 11 ← 9
The Zillertal Arena offers slopes for everyone, from easy slopes in Gerlos on the Isskogel, to intermediate slopes in Zell am Ziller, to an infinite amount of deep snow slopes in Koenigsleiten. There are also 4 permanent race courses and 3 SkiMovie courses.
Runs/slopes
Total 167 km
Easy
42 km
(25 %)Intermediate
115 km
(69 %)Difficult
10 km
(6 %)
Longest run
9 km
Run location
above tree line, under tree line
Worth knowing
- Valley run available
- Speed measurement course offered
- Public race course with time measurement
- Skiline
- SkiMovie
The new Koenigsleiten Gipfel lift with seat heating began operating in the 2011/2012 season. The t-bar Kreuzwiesen in Zell am Ziller will be replaced by a new state of the art 6-person chair lift with covers for the 2012/2013 season. Modern feeder lifts lead from the different towns up to the ski resort. Zell am Ziller and Gerlosplatte offer the most modern chair lifts with covers. On the connection from Gerlos to Koenigsleiten, the chair lifts do not have covers.
Number of ski lifts
49
Total capacity
83631 Passengers / hour
Length of all lifts
57.0 km Total
Lifts and cable cars
1
10
22
14
2
Additional
3
5
Most of the main slopes have complete snow-making capabilities. About half of the slopes in the Zillertal Arena have snow-making capabilities. Due to the high altitude (almost everything is over 1300 m), the ski resort is very snow secure. The run through the Wilde Krimml and many slopes in Koenigsleiten and the Gerlosplatte are dependent on natural snow.
Worth knowing
- Artificial snow-making
361 Snow canons
50 % of the slopes have snow-making capabilities
- The valley run is open most of the time.
Season 2008/2009
140 Days open
140 Days when valley run open
140 Days when valley run open
Season 2009/2010
123 Days open
123 Days when valley run open
123 Days when valley run open
Season 2010/2011
140 Days open
140 Days when valley run open
140 Days when valley run open
Photos
The slope preparation is excellent.
All slopes are presented in excellent condition every morning. The preparation is done via wind machines that enable a clean preparation.
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
All parking places are free and are equipped with a parking guidance system. The ski resort can be accessed in about 20 minutes from the Inntal autobahn. It is possible to park directly at the Rosenalm lift and the nearby Karspitz lift in the valley. The access from Mittesill over the Gerloser Alpenstrasse from Krimml and Wald is free of charge for skiers goint to the Zillertal Arena (Gerlosplatte). The toll fee is covered by the lift companies.
Access via A12 Inntal-Autobahn, Exit Achensee-Zillertal
- Rosenalmbahn (Rohrberg), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 22 km · approx. 21 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, well-developed, without significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
- Isskogelbahn (Gerlos), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 41 km · approx. 40 Minutes driving time
Roads: Side road, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
- Fussalm X-Press (Gerlos), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 43 km · approx. 43 Minutes driving time
Roads: Side road, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: limited amount available, Stone parking lot, free of charge
- Sonnwendkopfbahn (Wald Im Pinzgau), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 49 km · approx. 48 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Side road, Mountain road, Mountain pass road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
- Plattenkogelexpress I (Hochkrimml), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 49 km · approx. 46 Minutes driving time
Roads: Side road, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Stone parking lot, free of charge
- Königsleitenbahnen (Wald Im Pinzgau), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 50 km · approx. 51 Minutes driving time
Parking spaces: limited amount available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
- Filzsteinbahn (Krimml), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 52 km · approx. 51 Minutes driving time
Roads: Side road, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
- Duxeralmbahn (Krimml), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 53 km · approx. 50 Minutes driving time
Roads: Side road, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, free of charge
Access via A10 Tauernautobahn, Ausfahrt Knoten Pongau
- Filzsteinbahn (Krimml), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 107 km · approx. 103 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Side road, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge - Duxeralmbahn (Krimml), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 108 km · approx. 99 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Side road, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, free of charge
Trail map and overview maps:
There are two trail maps (pocket format and hand format) containing all ski resort information. For the size of the ski resort, the trail map is very clear. The slopes are indicated with numbers, but unfortunately the names corresponding to these numbers are not found on the map.
There are two trail maps (pocket format and hand format) containing all ski resort information. For the size of the ski resort, the trail map is very clear. The slopes are indicated with numbers, but unfortunately the names corresponding to these numbers are not found on the map.
Information boards and sign-postings on the slopes:
Good sign-posting in the complete ski resort with trail maps at every junction and information regarding the direction to the main towns.
Good sign-posting in the complete ski resort with trail maps at every junction and information regarding the direction to the main towns.
Cleanliness is considered important and the sanitation facilities are in good condition.
High value is placed on environmental protection: forest protection zones, ski bus station directly at the valley station in Zell, free ski buses between the individual towns and within the complete Zillertal. All mountain huts are connected to the sewage system and the complete ski resort is an alm area in the summer.
Public transportation/ on-site mobility
- No direct train connection
- Comprehensive ski bus network
- Scheduled busses
Photos
The employees are generally friendly. They could be even more helpful at certain lifts in helping guests to board.
Cozy huts are spread out throughout the ski resort. There is a good balance between self-catering and serviced restaurants. Most huts offer local specialties and large sun terraces. Zillertal Arena has also caught on to the trend and focuses even more on offering high quality menus and lounges.
37 Mountain restaurants & Ski huts
Gastronomy tip
-
Larmachalm
At the valley station of the Larmachbahn in Koenigsleiten
Newly renovated ski hut with a grandiose terrace. Self-catering and serviced restaurant with grilled chicken station on the terrace. You can enjoy exquisite drinks and dishes in the Larmach Lounge.
-
Gipfeltreffen
At the mountain station of the Dorf lift 2 in Koenigsleiten
One of the highest restaurants in the Zillertal Arena ski resort with sun terrace and high quality food and drinks.
Mountain hut tip
-
Rössl Alm
Located in Gerlos on the valley run.
Traditional and cozy hut with a high standard of quality. Après Ski as of 15:00 with DJ.
-
Prölleralm
The Proelleralm is located at 1465m above sea level, directly on the Krummbach run in Gerlos.
Cozy dining rooms, wait service and delicacies such as homemade Tyrolean Schlutzkrapfen and Stanitzel with cream.
-
Kreuzjochalm
In Zell am Ziller between Hanser X-Press and Kreuzjoch X-Press at 2100m
Homemade specialties, from gulash soup to Jausenbrettl to Kaiserschmarrn. Value is still placed on local dishes here.
-
Rosis Schnitzelhütte
On the Sport run Nr. 18
Gain your strength in Rosi's Schnitzlhuette with hearty Tyrolean cooking, the largest Schnitzels in the area, homemade pastry dishes and homemade Schnapps, or simply relax near the cozy ceramic oven.
-
Seppi's
at the Isskogel in Gerlos
Whether on the serviced terrace, pizzeria, lounge or Après-Ski umbrella bar - at Seppi's, everyone gets what they are looking for.
-
Plattenalm
Between Plattenalm lifts I+II on the Gerlosplatte
Traditional restaurant with large sun terrace and homemade pizzas.
-
Filzsteinalm
In Hochkrimml at the Filzstein lift.
Very good price-quality ratio, traditional specialties, suitable for families with its own children's play room and large sun terrace.
Photos
You will not be bored during Après Ski in Zell, Gerlos and Koenigsleiten. 27 Après Ski bars are available in the Zillertal Arena. It is a bit more quiet and cozy on the Gerlosplatte.
-
Saustad´l
At the valley station in Zell am Ziller
Directly at the valley station - you can end your ski day with good music and a good atmosphere.
-
Joggl Kessl
At the valley station in Zell am Ziller
Directly at the valley station - you can end your ski day with good music and a fun atmosphere.
-
Seppi´s am Isskogel
At the EbenfeldXpress on the valley run to Gerlos
Cool music and atmosphere before entering the valley run to Gerlos. The party continues then in the valley.
-
Après Ski Meile Gerlos
Along the entire Hauptstrasse
Cin Cin, Luigis Turbo Bar and many more. It gets a bit crazy in Gerlos.
-
Hannes´Ski Alm
Directly at the new Dorf lift in Koenigsleiten
Après Ski, umbrella bar & sun terrace - Après Ski begins in the afternoon.
Photos
There are many holiday apartments next to the slopes in Koenigsleiten and Gerlosplatte. Gerlos offers good hotels next to the valley station and there are some bed and breakfast hotels in Zell at the valley station. The hotels in Zell are mostly located in the nearby town and can be accessed comfortably with the ski bus.
Ski-in/Ski-out
There are many accommodations with direct access to the slopes and to lifts (Ski-in/Ski-out)
Towns/villages
- Gerlos
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 3600 - Krimml
Distance to ski resort 5-10 km
Guest beds 2500 - Wald-Königsleiten
Distance to ski resort fewer than 0.5 km
Guest beds 3300 - Zell am Ziller
Distance to ski resort fewer than 1 km
Guest beds 5500
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.
Photos
Evaluation criteria for special interests
There is a large selection of great children's runs and seven ski schools. Families and children are well taken care of in Zillertal Arena. The kindergarden accepts children as of 2 years old. There is even a children's restaurant in the ski resort and a daily child minder can also be booked. In addition, there is a guest kindergarden near the Arena Center in Gerlos and near the mountain station of the new Dorf lift in Koenigsleiten. For those who don't want to ski anymore, the Arena Coaster can also give them a feeling of speed.
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
- Child friendly access to lifts
- Ski kindergarten
- Ski school for children
- Child care
- Playground / park
- Tubing slope
- Mascot (ArenaFunt)
Special tips for children
-
Arena Center
Located at the mountain station of the Isskogelbahn in Gerlos, it offers 2 people movers and a lot of space for the little ones.
-
ArenaFUNtenland
The ArenaFUNtenland of the Ski School Lechner is located directly at the Rosenalm in Zell am Ziller
-
Michis Children's Area
Michis children's area is located at the mountain station of the Isskogelbahn in Gerlos and is operated by Michi's Ski School.
-
Children's Area Rosenalm
Large children's area directly at the Rosenalm in Zell am Ziller with people movers and many funny characters.
-
Children's Area Haberl
The Haberl lift and the children's area is located directly in Gerlos and is operated by the Ski School Gerlos Total.
Photos
Gerlos and Gerlosplatte are the spots for beginners. The Ebenfeld-X-Press in Gerlos is recommendable with its very wide and easy slope. There are easily accessible beginner's slopes and practice lifts in Zell and in Koenigsleiten.
Information for beginners
- Easy and manageable slope offering, which is easy to achieve
- Wide slopes
- Beginner's area
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
Ski schools on-site
Photos
Koenigsleiten is the place for freeriders. There are numerous deep snow runs around the Koenigsleiten peak. There are also many wide slopes in the Wilden Krimml and on the way to the Kapauns lift. The difficult slopes (36, 41 and 42) are also attractive for experts.
Information for advanced skiers, freeriders
- very many freeride / deep snow areas
- some mogul slopes
Slope offering advanced skiers
Runs/slopes
Total 167 km
Difficult
10 km
(6 %)Most difficult run
-
Gerlos Nr. 36 · Length 2 km · Altitude difference 400 m
Note: Always mind the avalanche warnings and barriers, please. Never ski into a closed and unsecured area.
Photos
There are snowparks and halfpipes in a few locations in the Zillertal Arena. The highlight is the Hot Zone snowpark in Gerlos.
Information for Snowboarders
- some cat tracks
- few runs with ascent
- the following runs are not suitable for snowboarders
Nr. 21 Wilde Krimml
- very many freeride / deep snow areas
Snow parks
- Hot-Zone Snowpark (Gerlos)
Located at the Vorkogel t-bar, it is the highlight of the Zillertal Arena ski resort.
- 100 m long halfpipe and noarder cross (Gerlos)
Located at the Fussalm X-Press in Gerlos
- Funpark under the "Speedy" Filstein lift (Gerlosplatte)
Small funpark with boarder cross located underneath the Filzstein lift.
- Natural halfpipe at the Plattenkogel lift (Gerlosplatte)
- Actionpark Kreuzwiese
In addition to the existing SkiMovie course, the offering for action fans has been expanded: "Snakerun" with steep curves, waves and jumps for lots of adrenalin, the BagJump (the first in the Zillertal) for the great feeling of landing on a cloud and the Speed Check Course for that ski racer feeling.
Offering snow parks
- Snow park/ Fun park
- Halfpipe
- Kicker (Jump/ Ramp)
- Rails/ Slides
- Boxes
- Wallride
- Corner / Hip
- Boardercross
- Waverides
- Pro Line
- Medium Line
- Beginner/ Easy Line
- Chill area with music
- Cross-country trail offering
Total trail length: 44 km
The high altitude tracks on the Gerlosplatte are to be recommended. From the forest, there is also a connection to other tracks in the Pinzgau region.
Trail tip(s)
-
Schoenachtal track – Stinkmoosalm
Length: 6.0 km ▪
Difficulty level: easy, intermediate
Track: double track
Cross-country skiing style: classic
fee: no
-
Innertal - Alpina track - Schoenachtal
Length: 6.0 km ▪
Difficulty level: easy
Track: double track
fee: no
-
High altitude track on the Gerlosplatte
Length: 9.0 km ▪
Difficulty level: easy
-
Wald/Koenigsleiten
Track with a connection to the over 200 km long Pinzgau track. The "Finkrunde" in Vorderkrimml is lit in the evenings until 9:30 pm. A paradise for cross-country freaks and for those who want to become one.
Length: 7.0 km ▪
Difficulty level: easy
Track: double track
Cross-country skiing style: classic
fee: no
-
High altitude track Koenigsleiten
Koenigsleiten mountain station
Length: 2.5 km ▪
Conclusion
High quality runs, very well-groomed runs, child-friendly, beautiful panorama view, deep snow runs in Koenigsleiten and the Wilden Krimml.
No valley run to Zell am Ziller
Test Report issued on 2012-03-01
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