Hintertux sits at the very end of the Tuxertal valley, serving as the gateway to Austria’s only year-round ski area. The village itself is small and functional, consisting mostly of hotels and guest houses built to support the glacier above. For skiers, the draw is the altitude and the sheer reliability of the snow. At 3,250 metres, the Hintertux Glacier offers long, wide pistes and a vertical drop of 1,750 metres back down to the valley floor.
Mountain culture & milestones
The Tux valley was originally settled by miners and shepherds. Hintertux remained a remote outpost until 1926, when it merged with Lanersbach and Lämperbichl to form the parish of Tux. The first ski lift on the glacier opened in 1968, establishing the area as a year-round destination. Today, the lift system is anchored by the Gletscherbus gondolas, which use a dual-cable system to operate safely in high winds.
Valley bases: where to stay
Hintertux is not a sprawling resort town. It is a compact collection of accommodation right at the base of the lifts. If you want to be first on the glacier, this is where you stay. A short bus ride down the valley, the village of Tux (formerly Lanersbach) offers a wider range of hotels and a slightly livelier atmosphere, while still providing easy access to the glacier and the rest of the Zillertal 3000 ski area.
[bases table]Ski sectors at a glance
The Hintertux Glacier is the main event here. The terrain is largely open and above the tree line, with 60 kilometres of groomed pistes. The slopes above the Gefrorene Wand are wide and evenly graded, making them ideal for carving. Further down, the terrain becomes more varied. The Schwarze Pfanne is a notable valley descent, offering a long, continuous run with changing character.
[sectors table]The mountain & skiing
The skiing at Hintertux is heavily weighted towards intermediate and advanced riders. Roughly 55% of the pistes are graded red, with another 18% marked black. The high altitude means the snow stays cold and dry, particularly on the north-facing slopes. Advanced skiers often head for the off-piste routes around the Tuxerjoch and Gefrorene Wand. The Lärmstange area provides several challenging red runs with a sporty profile.
The village & après-ski
Après-ski in Hintertux is concentrated at the base of the lifts. The Hohenhaus Tenne is the main venue, offering a classic Austrian après experience in a converted barn. The party starts early here before moving to smaller bars and discos later in the evening. Up on the mountain, the Sommerberg Arena has an umbrella bar that serves as a popular meeting point before the final descent. Beyond the bars, the village has a natural ice rink and illuminated toboggan runs in nearby Lanersbach and Juns.
Snow & season
Hintertux is famous for its long season. While it was historically marketed as a 365-day ski area, recent warm summers have occasionally forced closures in August and September. However, it still boasts the longest ski season in Austria. The high altitude and northerly aspect guarantee excellent snow depth from late autumn through to early summer. Snowmaking equipment covers the lower sections, including the Schwarze Pfanne valley run, ensuring the link to the base remains open.
Summer & year-round
Summer skiing is still possible, typically from late May into July, with around 20 kilometres of pistes and 10 lifts operating. The longest summer run is over two kilometres. Beyond skiing, the Gletscherbus 3 lift takes visitors to the Gefrorene Wand mountain station at 3,250 metres, which has a panoramic terrace offering views of the Großglockner and the Dolomites. The Spannagel Cave, a 10-kilometre-long marble cave system, is another major year-round attraction located near the glacier.
Safety & mountain etiquette
Because the terrain is entirely above the tree line, it can be extremely exposed during poor weather. When visibility drops, the lower slopes around the Sommerbergalm and the valley trail 1A offer better shelter. As with any glacier, skiers must stay on the marked pistes to avoid crevasses. Those venturing off-piste should be equipped with avalanche safety gear and ideally hire a local guide.
Who it suits best
Hintertux is ideal for keen skiers who prioritize snow quality and vertical drop over extensive village amenities. It is a popular destination for early and late-season trips, as well as for national ski teams training in the autumn. The terrain is less suited to absolute beginners, as the best snow and the majority of the runs are found high up on the glacier.
Getting there
The nearest major airport is Innsbruck (85 km), followed by Munich (175 km) and Salzburg (200 km). The closest rail hub is Mayrhofen, located roughly 20 kilometres down the valley.
Deadline: February 13th
Winner Announcement: February 14th
