With its 535 km of slopes and several top-class ski resorts, the Zillertal in Tyrol is renowned as a true winter sports stronghold. The fact that the valley is so popular during the winter months is, of course, also down to its unique après-ski experience. Whether in rustic bars right by the slopes or trendy party venues in the valley: the atmosphere is guaranteed to liven up after a long day’s skiing. SnowTrex knows what makes après-ski in the Zillertal so special and shows you where to find the best huts and bars, or when the top events take place.
Après-ski in the Zillertal – pure atmosphere meets winter tradition
Après-ski is an integral part of everyday winter life in the Zillertal. Even in the afternoon, once the last turns have been carved into the snow, the parties get underway in the ski bars or mountain huts. And here, the motto is always: it’s all about the mix! Traditional Tyrolean music creates an authentic atmosphere, whilst in many bars DJs also spin the decks, bringing chart hits, Schlager or electro with modern beats. This guarantees a great atmosphere at après-ski in the Zillertal, because here you can celebrate in a lively and relaxed way. From locals in lederhosen to holidaymakers in ski boots: everyone is welcome to join in the fun! In the Zillertal, Mayrhofen and Gerlos are considered the real hotspots, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the valley is quiet, as there’s at least one bar in almost every après-ski resort – perfect for an après-ski holiday!
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True classics – the best après-ski spots in the Zillertal
Mayrhofen
- Skiing distance: 142 km in the Mountopolis – Mayrhofen/Hippach ski area
- Highest point: 2,500 m
- Live: Weather report from Mayrhofen
This popular resort lies at the end of the Zillertal valley and is one of Austria’s best-known après-ski hotspots! This is partly because the parties start as early as the afternoon on the slopes in the Mountopolis – Mayrhofen/Hippach ski area at the Penkenjoch. The same goes for the sunny terraces of the mountain huts, such as the “Pilzbar”, where the atmosphere really gets going every day from 3 pm during the winter season. In Mayrhofen, however, party-loving winter sports enthusiasts should definitely not miss a visit to the “Ice Bar” at the Penkenbahn, where party hits, beer and shots are on offer from 5 pm – while stocks last. And just around the corner, the “Brück’n Stadl” beckons as another legendary barn bar. During the ski season, the place really comes alive almost every evening with live music ranging from accordion to DJ sets, and people actually dance on the tables here from 3 pm until well past midnight!
Things take a slightly more international turn, with fewer party hits, at the “Scotland Yard Pub”, the ski resort’s most iconic British pub, featuring live rock and a relaxed vibe. In the evening, Mayrhofen’s most famous nightclub, the “Harakiri Bar”, opens in the centre, where everything from pop, rock and DJ sets is played in rotation until the early hours of the morning, getting the dance floor going.
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Zillertal Arena
- Kilometres of slopes: 150 km in the Zillertal Arena ski area
- Highest point: 2,500 m
- Live: Weather report from Zell am Ziller
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The Zillertal Arena comprises the two ski resorts of Zell am Ziller and Gerlos, offering a seemingly endless array of après-ski options. In a sense, the party starts right at the valley station in Zell am Ziller, where several venues await. These include the “Saustad’l” and “Bubi’s Krocha Alm” – two cosy wooden huts where, in winter, people dance and sway to popular après-ski drinks every day. Right next door is the “Jogg’l Kessl”, the umbrella bar at the Karspitzbahn, which is known for its lively atmosphere that lasts well into the evening. And the ski resort itself also scores highly with party hotspots right on the slopes, such as the “Rosenalm” or the “Kreuzwiesenalm”, where après-ski often begins as early as the early afternoon on the sun terraces.
Gerlos is considered the party mecca of the Zillertal Arena, attracting an international crowd throughout the winter. The British pub “Little London” has achieved cult status when it comes to partying, with celebrations taking place daily from 4 pm until midnight. Just a few steps away, skiers and snowboarders can head to “Cin-Cin” still wearing their ski boots, where Schlager and chart hits are played until late into the night. Other popular spots for après-ski fans in Gerlos include “Haberl’s Skibar” and the “Country Club Garage”. Here, night owls can continue partying until 2 am in some cases. A special party highlight in Gerlos is “Seppi’s Gerlos”, an umbrella bar right on the slopes.
During the day, winter sports enthusiasts will find a rustic hut there, serving traditional specialities to fortify them for the rest of the day’s skiing, whilst after the lifts close, DJs spin tunes in the same spot, creating an Ibiza vibe in the snow. The atmosphere is just as lively at the nearby “Krimmler Kuhstall”. The atmosphere is a little more laid-back, but no less lively, in Königsleiten, where visitors can round off their day’s skiing in comfort at the “Schatzi Alm Bar” and the “Castello Schirmbar”.
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Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach
- Skiing area: 110 km in the Hochzillertal – Hochfügen – Spieljoch ski resort
- Highest point: 2,378 m
- Live: Weather report from Kaltenbach
As well as the two party hotspots in Mayrhofen and around the Zillertal Arena, après-ski fans in the Zillertal should also pay a visit to Kaltenbach, where exclusive mountain hut dining meets a down-to-earth party atmosphere. In the Hochzillertal – Hochfügen – Spieljoch ski area, elegant huts such as the “Kristallhütte” (at an altitude of 2,150 m) or the Wedelhütte attract visitors during the day. Here, alongside relaxed lounge music, there are open fireplaces, whilst top-class culinary specialities are served and some drinks even come from their own wine bar. Particularly at the start of the season during the “Ski Food Festival” or at the “ALPICON Closing” at the end of the ski season, these two mountain huts become true event venues and hotspots on the scene.
That doesn’t mean, however, that Kaltenbach skimps on classic après-ski fun. Quite the opposite! Right by the valley station, just like in the other ski resorts of the Zillertal, venues such as the rustic “Postalm” or the stylish “sChic Bar” invite you to party, where a spicy Jagatee or mulled wine awaits after your final run, whilst DJs play live. They create a great atmosphere among the winter sports enthusiasts, who in turn can seamlessly carry the party on into the evening at the surrounding bars and clubs, celebrating until the early hours of the morning.
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Tux and Fügen
- Skiing area: 64 km in the Hintertux Glacier ski resort
- Highest point: 3,250 m
- Live: Weather report from Tux
Après-ski can also be enjoyed on the Hintertux Glacier at altitudes of up to 3,250 m. The first port of call there is, of course, the “Hohenhaus Tenne Hintertux” at 1,500 m, one of Europe’s largest après-ski huts, which is also open daily all year round. During the ski season, DJs play there from 3 pm, and on Thursdays there are even regular top party acts on stage. The “Tenne” is known for its rustic alpine hut atmosphere and modern lighting and sound system, making it a must for anyone who still has energy for a party after skiing on the glacier.
Down in the valley in Fügen, by contrast, things are a little more laid-back, but no less welcoming. The “Pizz Pub” is located right next to the Spieljoch valley station. During the day it’s a cosy restaurant, which transforms into a popular après-ski spot with traditional music in the evenings – a place many locals also frequent regularly. In the town centre, the “Kosis” is a stylish lounge bar that invites you to linger in a relaxed atmosphere during the week, whilst at the weekend it hosts lively celebrations with live concerts and DJ sets.
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Events and trends – more than just daily après-ski in the Zillertal
As well as the established bars and huts, special top events during the ski season also enrich the après-ski scene in the Zillertal. First and foremost, of course, people here talk about the “Snowbombing Festival”. This takes place every year over a week in April in Mayrhofen. The town is then transformed into an alpine festival stage, where top international DJs and live bands perform, whilst further parties take place in the mountains. As such, “Snowbombing” is regarded as one of the biggest winter festivals in Europe, attracting thousands of music and snow enthusiasts to the Zillertal every year. However, there’s plenty on offer here not just at the end of the ski season, but throughout it too. For instance, the “Ski Food Festival” in the Hochzillertal heralds the start of the winter season every December with a mix of culinary delights and partying. From the same location, the “ALPICON Festival” also takes place in spring, with many mountain huts turning into open-air stages.
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Another party trend in the Zillertal is the use of unusual venues such as igloo bars. The best example of this is the “White Lounge” at an altitude of 2,000 metres in Mayrhofen. The igloo hotel features a bar where relaxed DJ tunes play amidst the ice walls and cool drinks are served. And, of course, visitors can stay overnight here: in exclusive snow suites! To add variety to the parties, many huts and bars in the Zillertal now organise themed evenings for après-ski. So, alongside 80s parties or a rock night, there are also live bands and unplugged concerts.
Alternatives to après-ski parties in the Zillertal
After a long day’s skiing, the Zillertal offers plenty of alternatives for winding down the remaining hours until dark – and beyond – in a more relaxed way than with après-ski. A classic option is, of course, tobogganing, which is available on several natural toboggan runs around Mayrhofen, Gerlos and the surrounding area. Take, for example, the 7 km-long toboggan run at Hainzenberg/Gerlosstein, which is floodlit until 1 am in winter and easily accessible via the Gerlossteinbahn. Winter sports enthusiasts who prefer a fast-paced yet even more unusual experience in the snow can try their hand at snow tubing. In Hainzenberg in the Zillertal, there are special runs where you can hurtle down the slope on rubber rings, and this is usually free of charge. Night-time or torchlight hikes through the snow-covered landscape away from the hustle and bustle are also offered here.
Relaxation is also available at the end of the day in thermal baths, such as the Erlebnistherme Zillertal in Fügen, which offers 1,000 square metres of water, a sauna area and a whirlpool for unwinding. Here, winter sports enthusiasts can float in the warm water after an intense day on the slopes, loosen their muscles in the steam room or treat themselves to a massage. Many hotels in the Zillertal also offer similar facilities, with cosy wellness areas or lounge areas featuring open fires.
FAQ on après-ski in the Zillertal
Which resort in the Zillertal has the best après-ski atmosphere?
Mayrhofen and Gerlos are the après-ski hotspots in the Zillertal. Mayrhofen has plenty of bars and clubs, including the legendary “Brück’n Stadl”, the “Ice Bar” and the “Harakiri Club”, where the party goes on until late at night. Gerlos is also renowned for its lively après-ski scene. Bars such as the “Little London” or the “Cin-Cin” also attract an international crowd, making the ski resort the party hotspot of the Zillertal Arena. And the atmosphere in Zell am Ziller is excellent too, particularly at the valley station in the “Saustad’l” or the “Jogg’l Kessl”.
Is there also après-ski at the ski huts in the Zillertal?
Yes, many ski huts and mountain bars in the Zillertal offer proper après-ski as early as the afternoon. On the 2,095-metre-high Penkenjoch in Mayrhofen, umbrella bars such as the “Pilzbar” get the party started with music and drinks even whilst the slopes are open. In Gerlos, skiers and snowboarders can party right by the slopes at “Seppi’s Schirmbar”. The same applies to the Zillertal ski area. There, huts such as the “Rosenalm” or the “Kreuzwiesenalm” play après-ski hits from midday onwards in winter.
What major après-ski events are there in the Zillertal?
The best-known event is the “Snowbombing Festival”, which takes place every April in Mayrhofen. For a whole week, international DJs and live bands perform, and there are parties in the mountains. In addition, some ski resorts also organise special events, such as the Hochzillertal with its “Ski Food Festival”. This combines culinary delights with après-ski at the start of the season. At the end of the season, the “ALPICON Festival” featuring electronic music also takes place here. In addition, many mountain huts host weekly themed parties or evenings of live music.
What après-ski alternatives are there in the Zillertal?
Winter sports enthusiasts who aren’t keen on loud parties will, however, find plenty of alternatives in the Zillertal. Night tobogganing is a popular option, for example on the 7 km-long toboggan run at Hainzenberg, where you can toboggan until 1 am. Snow tubing is also available in Gerlosstein. And those seeking relaxation can visit the Erlebnistherme Zillertal in Fügen with its thermal pools, slides and saunas. Furthermore, the ski resorts offer evening ice skating or leisurely winter walks.
How late does the après-ski party go on in the Zillertal?
Most après-ski parties usually start straight after the lifts close, i.e. around 3.30 pm or 4 pm, at the mountain huts and valley stations. The party often goes on there until around 7 pm, and in some bars even later. Afterwards, the action moves to the bars and clubs in the ski resorts. Many bars in Mayrhofen or Gerlos stay open until midnight or 1 am. Some nightclubs and bars, such as the “Harakiri Bar” in Mayrhofen, stay open even later. This means winter sports enthusiasts in the Zillertal can party from the afternoon until the early hours of the morning. The duration of the parties depends on the day of the week and the season. But generally speaking, entertainment is available virtually round the clock in the Zillertal.
