If you ask passionate skiers and snowboarders where they feel most at home in the Alps, chances are the Zillertal Arenawill come up again and again. For good reason: this vast, snow-sure, beautifully connected ski area offers everything winter sports enthusiasts dream of: long slopes, modern lifts, varied terrain, great après-ski, and charming alpine villages like Gerlos, where Romex Stays offers its luxury mountain apartments.
The Zillertal Arena is more than a ski resort. It is a winter playground that attracts loyal visitors year after year, many of whom return to Gerlos because of the perfect balance between adventure, comfort, and atmosphere.
In this blog, we explain why the Zillertal Arena is such a beloved destination, what makes it truly unique, and why winter lovers — from thrill-seeking skiers to relaxed cruisers — keep coming back.
A ski area with endless variety
The Zillertal Arena is one of Austria’s largest interconnected ski regions, stretching from Zell am Ziller to Königsleiten and all the way to Gerlos and Hochkrimml. With over 150 kilometers of groomed slopes, the area offers more than enough space to explore for an entire week or even longer.
What makes the Zillertal Arena so appealing is the variety. You won’t ski the same run twice unless you want to. Every part of the mountain feels different: some areas are wide and sunny, others showcase dramatic mountain views, and some are designed for speed or challenge.
For beginners
Soft, wide blue slopes make learning safe and enjoyable. Ski schools in Gerlos and the surrounding villages are known for their excellent instructors, many of whom teach in multiple languages, including Dutch and English.
For intermediate skiers
This is where the Zillertal Arena shines. Long, flowing red runs connect the valley to Gerlos, Königsleiten, and Zell am Ziller, letting you ski full-day circuits without repeating the same piste.
For advanced skiers and experts
Challenging red and black runs, moguls, and high-speed sections offer adrenaline and technical skiing. The Hochkrimml area is especially popular for its steep, sporty terrain.
For snowboarders and freestyle lovers
With several snowparks, including one of the most popular in the region, freestylers find jumps, rails, boxes, and features suitable for beginners and advanced riders.
This variety is one of the reasons why winter sports enthusiasts from across Europe continue to choose the Zillertal Arena: you simply never get bored here.
Snow-sure conditions all season long
Reliable snow is one of the biggest factors for choosing a winter destination. Nobody wants to book a ski holiday months in advance only to find out there’s not enough snow. Luckily, the Zillertal Arena is known for its excellent snow guarantee.
Gerlos sits at a higher altitude than most Austrian ski villages, and the slopes reach up to 2,500 meters, meaning conditions are strong from early December into spring. Snow cannons cover the majority of the ski area, ensuring that even during warmer periods, the pistes stay in good shape.
This makes the Zillertal Arena a favorite among:
- dedicated skiers who want perfect pistes,
- families booking long in advance,
- couples who prefer skiing outside the busy holiday weeks,
- and groups who want reliable conditions for a special winter trip.
No matter when you visit, you can count on well-prepared pistes and winter landscapes that look as if they came straight out of a postcard.
Modern lifts and seamless connections
One of the biggest frustrations in some ski resorts is outdated lifts or long queues. The Zillertal Arena has invested heavily in modern infrastructure, making moving around the area fast, smooth, and comfortable.
The Dorfbahn Gerlos is a perfect example. Located just minutes from our Romex Stays accommodations, this state-of-the-art gondola takes you high into the mountains within minutes. Warm cabins, fast transport, and minimal waiting times mean more skiing and less standing still.
Across the ski area, detachable chairlifts, heated seats, and high-capacity gondolas keep the flow moving throughout the day. Even during holiday periods, the lift system is efficient and well-designed.
For winter sports enthusiasts, these improvements make a huge difference. You want to ski — not wait — and that is exactly what the Zillertal Arena provides.
Long ski days and scenic panorama routes
A big reason experienced skiers love the Zillertal Arena is the ability to take long, scenic day tours. You can start in Gerlos, ski all the way to Zell am Ziller, have lunch on a sunny terrace, and make your way back through different valleys and mountain ridges.
Panorama routes offer spectacular views over the Zillertal Alps, the Pinzgau region, and snow-covered peaks stretching across the Austrian landscape. If you enjoy exploring rather than sticking to one mountain, this ski area is a dream.
The feeling of freedom, of skiing from valley to valley, crossing ridge lines, and discovering new slopes is exactly why so many winter sports fans choose the Zillertal Arena over smaller or less connected resorts.
A strong après-ski culture
The Zillertal Arena isn’t just known for skiing, it’s famous for its lively après-ski culture. Gerlos is at the center of this. Cin-Cin, Seppi’s, Luigi’s, Little London, and countless other spots bring energy, music, and alpine fun to the afternoons and evenings.
This combination is why wintersport enthusiasts adore the area:
- Ski hard during the day
- Celebrate in the afternoon
- Relax in your apartment in the evening
It’s everything a winter holiday should be. Even if you don’t want to party every night, the atmosphere of Gerlos brings life to the village and makes every ski day feel exciting and social.
The ideal winter base
Gerlos is widely regarded as one of the best base camps within the Zillertal Arena, and it doesn’t take long to understand why. Its central position in the ski area allows you to head effortlessly in multiple directions, whether you’re carving your way toward Königsleiten, exploring the slopes above Zell am Ziller, or staying close to the village on the scenic Gerlos-side pistes.
The atmosphere in the village adds to its appeal; there is always movement, warmth, and energy, with cozy restaurants, inviting cafés, and lively après-ski spots creating a vibrant yet charming alpine setting.
Complementing this is the exceptional comfort offered by Romex Stays, whose Residence Zillertal and Gerlos Alpine Estate provide modern, high-end apartments in unbeatable locations. With quick access to the lifts, beautiful mountain views, and spacious, stylish interiors, these accommodations offer a level of ease that makes every winter day flow naturally.
For wintersport enthusiasts who value both performance on the slopes and comfort off them, Gerlos delivers the perfect balance: a place where skiing feels effortless and the experience feels like home, only better.
Why winter lovers return every year
Winter lovers return to the Zillertal Arena year after year for the same compelling reasons: the feeling of endless skiing freedom, the assurance of reliable snow, and the vibrant atmosphere that stretches from the slopes to the après-ski scene.
The modern lift system makes every corner of the area accessible, while the panoramic mountain views and authentic alpine villages create a setting that feels both expansive and intimate. Together, these elements form a winter world that has everything a true wintersport enthusiast seeks.
Staying in Gerlos elevates the experience even further, especially when your home base is one of the luxury Romex Stays complexes.
Residence Zillertal and Gerlos Alpine Estate offer spacious, stylish apartments designed to make every ski holiday feel effortless. With modern interiors, generous living spaces, and quick access to the lifts, they provide comfort and convenience for couples, families, and groups alike.
Combined with the lively character of Gerlos and the outstanding terrain of the Zillertal Arena, these accommodations create the perfect blend of action, atmosphere, and alpine luxury.
With the first snow falling, the village full of winter energy, and the Zillertal Arena delivering everything a ski lover could wish for, this season is the perfect moment to experience Gerlos for yourself.
With our current 10% last-minute discount on stays at Residence Zillertal and Gerlos Alpine Estate, it’s even easier to turn your winter plans into reality.
Whether you’re booking a spontaneous ski escape or securing a well-deserved alpine break, this offer gives you the chance to enjoy premium comfort at an exceptional rate. Availability is limited, so don’t wait too long.