In contrast to challenging conditions at some lower ski areas in the Alps, particularly the western Alps, the Austrian ski areas of the Tirol (Tyrol) have seen consistent snowfall this winter - and are just receiving further doses of fresh as we post this Press Release from the Tourist Office (via Heaven Publicity).
Five Glacier Resorts
For freeriders
The five Tirolean glaciers are great for freeriders.
The 'Pitztal Wild Face', an extreme freeride event in March, has been held on the north face of the 3,159 metre high Mittagskogel since 2013. In addition, numerous lines run through Pitztal, from the Swiss descent on the Mittelbergbahn over wide slopes, to steep gullies right next to the slope on the Hinterer Brunnenkogel.
The Kaunertal Glacier, with its 36 kilometres of off-piste slopes, is also an incredible place for freeriders. The favourites here are the Nörderberg variant down to Fernergries and the Langtaufers variant to South Tyrol in Italy.
The Stubai Glacier is also one of the top freeride areas in the country. In the Powder Department, 13 exciting runs await guests in open, unsecured terrain.
Finally, beginners and experts will find the perfect powder run on more than 70 kilometres of off-piste options in Sölden.
Stay Safe: anyone who wants to enjoy the freedom of freeriding should be aware of the risks. Aside from very good knowledge of the terrain, the most important rules are never go off-piste alone, always have appropriate equipment, be aware of Alpine dangers, and check the avalanche report and weather forecast before setting off. Latest avalanche information can be found here: https://avalanche.report/bulletin/latest
For freestyle skiers and snowboarders
All five glacier resorts have incredible snowparks, with kickers, jumps, pipes, rails and boxes ready to be tackled. Head to Betterpark Hintertux, which is open from mid-April to mid-June, and is the highest and most snow-sure freestyle spot in Austria. There is everything for perfect jumps here, plus a changing jib setup. Equally exciting is Snowpark Kaunertal, which is open from mid-April 2024. The longest jibline in the Alps can be found here, plus plenty of amazing setups. From 24 March to 14 April 2024, Stubai Zoo presents itself in a large XL setup with pro, medium, jib and easy lines on the Gaiskarferner, making it one of the largest snow parks in the world.
For families
Whether big or small, there are great experiences across the five glaciers for every member of the family. Younger kids can join a big Easter egg hunt in the snow on the Hintertux Glacier – find the colourful Easter eggs, solve the fun puzzle, and collect a sweet reward. Older children can experience 600 horsepower at the snowcat test area in Hintertux at an altitude of 3,250 metres altitude. On selected days, guests can even try driving a snow groomer free of charge (under supervision).
For families wanting to introduce their kids to more wintersports, why not join the BIG Family event on Stubai Glacier? Here, toddlers through to teenagers can try out the varied ski offerings including the BIG Family Slalom, the BIG Family Action Days and Boardercross to the Fun Slope. The Stubai Glacier also offers free travel for children under 10 years of age (accompanied by a paying parent).
Dates for the diary - Events
For more information about winter holidays in Tirol, please visit: www.tyrol.com/winter-holidays