Discover family-friendly ski resorts in Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
Whether you want quiet slopes or off-piste thrills such as tobogganing and torchlit walks, there’s much to discover in this off-the-radar region of the Austrian Tirol
Tiroler Zugspitz Arena comprises six of the Austrian Tirol’s friendliest resorts– and it all adds up to 142km of beautifully groomed slopes.
Here among the peaks near the German border you’ll find pistes that suit all levels and ages. It may not be on everyone’s radar yet, but Tiroler Zugspitz Arena is already a firm favourite with families who appreciate a ski holiday that offers excellent value for money.
On the slopes
Free shuttle buses connect all six villages to the ski areas, making it easy to get around and discover one quiet set of slopes after another. Take a ride on the lifts at Ehrwalder Alm and you’ll probably spot wild mountain goats roaming through the forests.
Once you reach the top, you’ll have a choice of wide, gentle slopes as well as more challenging ones for intermediate and advanced skiers - don’t miss out on the Panorama Piste running down from the Issentalkopf if you want a thrilling ride. Snowboarders and freestylers can head over to Snowpark Ehrwalder Alm to pit themselves against its jumps and rails.
On the sun-drenched south-western slopes of Ehrwalder Wetterstein, you can bask under blue skies while enjoying mountain hospitality. Relax on the wide terraces of Gamsalm with a hefty plate of Tirolean specialites in front of you – preferably some blueberry Germknödel, a delicious cross between a jam-filled doughnut and a steamed bun.
If you’re too impatient to wait until the lifts open, join First Track early every Thursday morning on the Lermoos gondola. You’ll be whisked up to the Grubigstein mountain and have pristine pistes to yourself along with views of Zugspitze.
Off the slopes
The fun doesn’t end once you stop skiing. Grab a sled and whizz down the slopes of Ehrwalder Alm twice a week when it’s open for evening tobogganing. Join a guided wander through the magical woods on a torchlight walk and savour the immense stillness of the mountain air.
Prepare to be dazzled during the night-time ski shows at Lermoos and Berwang, when torchlight processions of skiers snake down the hill in a lively display. And if that’s not enough of a spectacle, some skiers even dash through a burning ring of fire.
When you arrive in Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, you’ll be given a Top Snow Card.
Use this to take the train across the border into Germany, opening up the option to ski in Garmisch Partenkirchen, Grainau and Mittenwald once you’ve discovered the pleasures of the Austrian Tirol.
With daily scheduled flights to Innsbruck from London Heathrow and London Gatwick, as well as services from Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool, it’s easy to discover the Austrian Tirol. For more details see zugspitzarena.com and visittirol.co.uk