Winterklettersteig in Hochfügen mit 2 Kletterern

There are several marked winter hiking trails around Ried im Zillertal that are easy to walk even in snow. Discover a different side of winter in Zillertal.

Winter hiking in Zillertal

For your days off the slopes, we'd like to share a few of our favorite trails. Some start in the valley, for others you take the gondola up first.

Schneebedeckte Landschaft mit einer Almhütte Haus und präpariertem Winterwanderweg

Neuhütten Winter Hiking Trail

To get to Hochzillertal, take the ski bus that stops right outside the hotel, then the gondola from the base station in Kaltenbach. Even without skis, there's plenty to enjoy up there: from the top station, a groomed loop trail leads past the Firnhütte and along the Zillertal High Road to the Hubertuskapelle, a quiet chapel with views over the valley. The way back takes you past the Kaltenbacher Skihütte and the Neuhütten settlement. The loop is about 3 km long, takes around 1.5 hours and has just under 100 meters of elevation gain, with the highest point at 1,730 m. On the way back, it's worth taking a detour to our Platzlalm for a break on the sunny terrace.

Hütte unter einer dicken Schneedecke im Winterwald.

Zillertal loop: Ried – Kaltenbach – Stumm

For a short walk, you don't need a gondola or a car. The loop starts in the center of Ried and takes you past the train station to the Ziller promenade. From there, you follow the river to Kaltenbach, cross the footbridge to Stumm and return to Ried on the other side of the Ziller. At around 4.3 km, about 1 hour 15 minutes of walking and just 25 meters of elevation gain, the loop is easy and fits nicely into a morning or an afternoon after skiing.

Schneebedeckte Berge und ein Winterdorf in einem Tal.

Schwarzachtal in Gerlos

A winter hike that works well with kids: from the Gasthof Kühle Rast in Gerlos-Gmünd, the trail leads through a narrow strip of forest into the quiet Schwarzachtal valley. After about an hour and a good 160 meters of elevation gain, you reach the Schwarzachalm hut at 1,378 m, with regional food and a cozy, warm dining room. The trail can be done on foot or on snowshoes, and if you like, you can take a sled for the way back down. From our hotel, it's about a 30-minute drive to the starting point. Ask at our front desk for the hut's opening hours.

Paar spaziert Hand in Hand auf einem verschneiten Weg.

Pfaffenbichl Winter Via Ferrata in Hochfügen

For thrill seekers: to the summit in ski boots? On the Pfaffenbichl via ferrata in Hochfügen, you can. The short route starts right at the top station of the Waidoffen 6-seater chairlift and climbs about 260 meters to 2,431 m. The highlight is a 28-meter suspension bridge. Rated B in difficulty, the route is also doable for beginners with a sure footing. The descent follows a marked path.
Info & gear: You can rent a helmet, harness, via ferrata set and gloves at the 8er-Shop at the base station of the 8er-Jet. If you have any questions, our front desk is happy to help.

Winterklettersteig in Hochfügen am Weg zum Gipfel