Summary Kaltenbach – Hochzillertal/Hochfügen (SKi-optimal)

Summary & description of the ski resort Kaltenbach – Hochzillertal/Hochfügen (SKi-optimal)

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Wide slopes at the Kristallexpress in Hochzillertal

Summary of the ski resort Kaltenbach – Hochzillertal/Hochfügen (SKi-optimal)

Highlights:

Perfectly groomed slopes and wide runs, modern chairlifts and gondolas, top-class gastronomy, very family-friendly, excellent snow reliability, free parking garage, easy access from the Inntal motorway, two attractive valley runs into the Zillertal, skiing already from 7:30 a.m. (early-bird skiing)

Negative points:

Connection between the Lamark and Holzalm sides (Hochfügen), no ski lift from Aschau into the ski area

Description Kaltenbach – Hochzillertal/Hochfügen (SKi-optimal)

Directly from Kaltenbach, the Hochzillertal I + II eight-seater gondola lifts take you up into the Hochzillertal ski area. The newer Hochzillertal III eight-seater gondola has no mid-station, allowing you to reach the slopes even faster and without waiting times. A connecting trail leads to additional lifts that take you up to 2,377 m. The most modern lifts serve the front side: the Sonnenjet six-seater chairlift, Mizun six-seater chairlift, Wimbachexpress 10-seater gondola, Schneeexpress eight-seater chairlift, and Kristallexpress eight-seater chairlift.

From the mountain stations, beautiful “autobahn” runs, wide and gently sloping, lead back to the valley station, or you can take an easy slope towards Hochfügen. With the detachable Marchkopf four-seater chairlift, also known as the Wedelexpress, you can soar up to 2,377 m. This is also where the Zillertal Shuttle eight-seater gondola from Hochfügen ends.

Just below the mountain stations is the Wedelhütte, a 5-star gourmet hut with 11 premium suites. A very nice descent leads down towards Hochfügen, first towards the Holzalm six-seater chairlift and then on south-facing slopes and through forest in the lower section to the other lifts of Hochfügen, which can also be reached by car from Fügen, about 900 m lower, via a well-signposted 12 km road. The road leads directly to the lifts and ends at a parking lot.

You can also start your ski day with the Lamark I and II drag lifts. Here, beginners will find two ideal, wide, and easy slopes. Others simply ski from the mountain station of the drag lifts over to the 8er-Jet Hochfügen and the Pfaffenbühel double chairlift. These two lifts take you up to over 2,100 m, offering even more options. You can go even higher with the Waidoffen six-seater chairlift, which takes you to the highest point in Hochfügen at 2,330 m. Parallel to this lift, two easy and wide slopes invite you to enjoy relaxed turns.

One of these runs passes the 8er-Alm, a recommended stop directly at the mountain station of the 8er-Jet. A little further down is the Pfaffenbühel II drag lift, which serves an intermediate, an advanced, and a mogul slope.

From up here, there are three valley runs available, in all levels of difficulty: easy, intermediate, and advanced. At the bottom, on the other side of the road (unfortunately not directly accessible on skis—you have to take them off to cross the road), you’ll find the detachable Holzalm six-seater chairlift with weather protection hoods and more intermediate slopes. It’s best to ski here in the afternoon, as all the runs are then in the sun.

Especially recommended on this side are the wide slopes and, after fresh snowfall, the long and expansive powder fields. For refreshments, there’s the cozy Holzalm and the inns Aar Wirt, Montana Alm, and Hotel Lamark. Now, take the Zillertal Shuttle back up to the Marchkopf. An intermediate and an advanced slope lead back down to the Wedelexpress. To reach the other slopes in the Hochzillertal ski area, take the Wimbachkopf four-seater chairlift, also known as the Top-Express, back to the mountain station of the Sonnenjet.

From the mountain stations of the Wimbachexpress and Schneeexpress, you can continue over to the Öfeler double chairlift and the Kristallexpress eight-seater chairlift. At the mountain station of the Kristallexpress, you’ll find the exclusive Kristallhütte, where you can relax on the sun terrace, in waterbeds, or by the open fireplace and enjoy the excellent cuisine.

The detachable Neuhütten six-seater chairlift with weather protection hoods serves wonderful intermediate to advanced runs on the 2,217 m high Gedrechter. From the mountain station of the Neuhüttenbahn, you can access the slopes at the Sonnenjet, the central station, and the long valley run.

For lunch, you should visit the Kristallhütte, Wedelhütte, Albergo, Platzlalm, Kaltenbacher Skihütte, or on the Hochfügen side, Aar-Wirt, Holzalm, or Montana Alm. They offer good food at reasonable prices and help you avoid the crowds.

Before tackling the fully snow-covered valley run (Stephan Eberharter Goldpiste) or the ski route to Aschau, you should recharge at the Mountain View. In the valley, right at the base station, you’ll find some nice après-ski spots, such as the Postalm or the VIP Bar.

In the Hochzillertal/Hochfügen ski area, everyone gets their money’s worth—families with children, advanced skiers, or simply those who enjoy the experience—there’s something for everyone here.