- The only ski area in Austria open 365 days a year, snow permitting
- Autumn and late spring are ideal for early- or late-season skiing
- Non-skiers can ride to 3,250m and tour the ice cave inside the glacier
- Free ski buses link Mayrhofen and the Tux valley villages
- Type
- Ski area
- Where
- Tyrol
- Time needed
- 1 day
- Admission
- day ski pass from about €70-80 (2026); sightseeing tickets cheaper
The Hintertux Glacier (Hintertuxer Gletscher) sits at the end of the Tux valley, a side valley of the Zillertal in Tyrol. With lifts climbing from 1,500m to 3,250m, it is the only ski area in Austria that aims to stay open every day of the year, which makes it a magnet for early-season skiers, race teams and anyone craving snow in October.
What you'll see
A chain of gondolas, including the Gletscherbus lifts, carries you up from the valley station in Hintertux to the summit station near the Olperer, at 3,250m. On a clear day the panorama takes in the Zillertal Alps and, on the clearest days, the Dolomites in Italy.
Highlights include:
- Around 60km of pistes in winter (less in summer and autumn, when skiing is limited to the upper glacier).
- A snow park for freestylers that opens early in the season.
- The Natur Eis Palast (Nature Ice Palace), a crevasse system inside the glacier that you can visit on guided tours, with ice formations, a frozen lake and even a boat trip on some tours.
- The panoramic terrace at the top station, worth the trip for non-skiers.
Practical information
- Lift passes: a one-day adult pass costs from about €70-80 in the 2026 season. Pedestrian sightseeing tickets are cheaper. Check current prices on the Hintertux Glacier site. The Zillertal Superskipass also includes Hintertux in winter.
- Getting there: Hintertux is about 1h15 by car from Innsbruck airport. By public transport, take the train to Jenbach, the Zillertalbahn to Mayrhofen, then a bus up the valley.
- Best time to go: October and November for early-season skiing; December to April for the full ski area. In summer, conditions are best in the early morning before the snow softens.
- Altitude and weather: it can be bitterly cold and windy at 3,250m. Glacier ski areas also close temporarily in storms.
In autumn, ski in the morning when the snow is firm, then spend the afternoon at the ice cave or on the sunny terraces lower down.
Mayrhofen, Lanersbach and Hintertux village all make good bases. Browse our ski deals in Austria for packages in the Zillertal.
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Where is Hintertux Glacier?
Open in OpenStreetMap · 47.07528, 11.66778
Frequently asked questions
Is Hintertux really open all year?
The lifts aim to run 365 days a year, but sections close for weather, and summer skiing depends on snow and glacier conditions. Check the lift status before travelling.
Is Hintertux good for beginners?
There are some gentle runs, but most of the glacier suits confident intermediates. Beginners may prefer the lower Zillertal resorts in midwinter.
Can non-skiers visit?
Yes. Pedestrian tickets take you to the top for the views and the Nature Ice Palace tours.
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Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
More from ThomasOpening times and ticket prices change often; check the official website shortly before you visit.