Gerlos

Gerlos became part of the wider Zillertal Arena ski area when the connecting lifts were installed in 2000. Today the ski area is large by Austria standards (163km) and far ranging. To ski from one end to the other and back would take a good skier all day (with little hanging about) and takes in several mountain ridges and different valleys. This makes for an interesting ski area. Most of the slopes face south and get a lot of sun. This is both a blessing and a curse as skiing late into April is not really possible despite the excellent snow making facilities.

The resort centre spans both sides of the Stausee Valley and is pretty lively regards an après ski scene. There are also some good hotels in the resort (notable the Hotel Gaspingerhof with its smart spa) as well as some well-priced catered chalet options. A newly created slope allows skiers and boarders to get down to the village centre (Dorfbahn Lift) at the end of the day.

The two main gondola stations are on the edge of the resort which means taking the efficient bus service to get to and from the skiing. The ski area is mostly suited to intermediates and beginners but experts will enjoy the red runs leading down from the peak of the Konigsleitenspitze at 2,315m altitude.