The Tirol region is home to no less than five glacier ski areas. Together they provide guaranteed snow and highly varied ski runs for all levels of skier and boarder from October to May - or more!PITZTAL
With slopes at up to 3,440 m, this is Austria's highest glacier ski resort. Awaiting all freeskiers and snowboarders is a large snow park and a professional half-pipe set at an altitude of 3,000 metres. Ideal high-alpine terrain for freeriders, means they can ride off-piste from early on in the season. Cross-country fans can tackle a cross-country camp on the five kilometre-long high-altitude track. The new Wildspitze cable car will replace Austria’s highest ski lift, the Pitz Panorama gondola from October 2012. The 8-person cable car, with heated seats, will take skiers and boarders more than 2km in under 6 minutes and up to an altitude of 3340m to the Hinterer Brunnenkogel. At the top station will be Austria’s highest cafe, with breathtaking views of the Wildspitze at 3774m, Austria’s second highest mountain and more than 50 surrounding Pitztal mountains over 3000m.
www.pitztal.com
STUBAI
This is Austria's largest glacier ski area, with a total of 110kms of piste between 1,750 and 3,210 metres above sea level - all less than 45 minutes away from Innsbruck.It is also recognized as the "most family friendly ski resort in the Alps" (ADAC ski guide). The BIG Family Ski Camp caters for kids aged three to 15 years with magic carpets, children's restaurant and a kindergarten. The Moreboards Stubai Zoo attracts snowboarders and freeskiers, beginners and pros. An ice climbing tower, a gentle slope designated for families and the over 50s and the summit platform also on offer.
www.stubai.at
KAUNERTAL
Besides taking you up to the amazing outlook Dreiländerblick (three country view) right at the top station (3,160m), a new cable car provides access to three runs (black, red and blue) as well as a range of excellent off-piste descents. This glacier resort also boasts one of the best fun parks in the Alps, attracting followers of both the snowboard and freeskiing scenes. The park is popular with beginners and pros alike, offering a pro, medium and easy line.
www.kaunertal.com
SÖLDEN - ÖTZTAL
Two glaciers here create a total skiing area of 20 square kilometres for all comers. The Tiefenbach Glacier has gentle, wide slopes and is very popular with less experienced winter sports fans. In contrast, the Rettenbach Glacier offers steep and challenging terrain for the more advanced skier or boarder, including the World Cup run. A programme of recent investment is also setting new standards for guests. A new eight-person gondola system transports a world record capacity of 3,600 people per hour.
www.soelden.com
HINTERTUX
Austria's only year-round ski resort offers perfect conditions for skiing 365 days a year. All-year snowboarders wax lyrical about the wonderful wide slopes, spectacular altitude, legendary après ski and, from April until December, the action-filled Betterpark. World famous teams of skiers and snowboarders choose to come to the Zillertal glacier ski area to prepare for the competition season. The latest highlight at the Hintertux Glacier, Nature's Ice Palace, fascinates with giant icicles, flawless ice formations and glittering ice crystals.
www.tux.at
