Hintertux’s slopes are fairly extensive and, for a glacier, surprisingly varied and occasionally challenging. Only the final ski route to the valley is in trees.
Extent of the slopes
A series of three big twin-cable gondolas goes from the base to the top of the glacier in around 30 minutes. The second and third stages are linked by a short slope at Tuxer Fernerhaus. A second smaller gondola also goes to Tuxer Fernerhaus, with a 10-seat gondola above it. From the top glacier slopes there are links across to another 1,000m-vertical chain of lifts below Grosser Kaserer. Behind Gefrorene Wand is the area’s one sunny piste, with its own triple chairlift. At Sommerbergalm a fast quad serves short, easy slopes below Tuxer Joch.
There are two runs to the valley. From Sommerbergalm there is a ski route. The second way, from Tuxer Joch down a deserted valley equipped with snowmaking, is now a red piste.
Fast lifts
There are high-capacity gondolas all the way to the top, but the shorter lifts serving most of the slopes are T-bars and slow chairs.
Snow reliability
Snow does not come more reliable than this. Even off the glacier, the other slopes are high and face north. The run from Tuxer Joch to the valley has snowmaking.
For experts
There is more to amuse experts here than on any other glacier, with a proper black run at glacier level and challenging slopes beneath. A lot of the off piste is little used.
For intermediates
The area particularly suits good, confident intermediates. The long runs down from Gefrorene Wand and Kaserer are fun. The runs to the valley are very satisfying. Moderate intermediates will love the top slopes on the glacier, and the Tuxer Joch area.
For beginners
There is a short nursery slope at valley level, but then you’re riding the gondola up to (and back from) Sommerbergalm, where there are blue runs served by drags and a chair. You’ll need a full lift pass.
Snowboarding
There are some great off-piste opportunities, but snowboarders complain about the number of T-bars.
Cross-country
There are 28km of cross-country trails around Madseit and Vorderlanersbach.
Where to Ski and Snowboard
This guide is taken from Where to Ski and Snowboard, edited by Chris Gill and Dave Watts. Chris now produces Where to Ski guides to individual countries. Find out more and receive an exclusive book discount.