- Pitztal Guest Card included free of charge
- right next to the Rifflsee Cable Car
- 1.5 km from the Pitztal Glacier
- Access to the cross-country ski trail network right in front of the hotel
- Children's lift & magic carpet behind the hotel
- Bus stop right nearby
- 15% off at our partner ski rental shop Skiprofi
Winter in the Pitztal Valley
A Snow Paradise Right on Your Doorstep
When the first runs of the season are already possible on the Pitztal Glacier in September, a particularly long winter season begins in the Pitztal. Starting in December, the family-friendly Rifflsee ski area—with guaranteed snow—adds another attraction. The Rifflsee cable car is located directly across from the Zirbenhof and takes you to the slopes in just a few minutes.
Our ski hotel in the Pitztal Valley is the ideal starting point for a variety of winter activities. The Pitztal Glacier is just 1.5 kilometers away; you can access the network of cross-country trails right in front of the hotel, and the ski school, practice lift, and magic carpet are located behind the building.
Even off the slopes, winter in the Pitztal Valley shows itself at its best. Winter hikes, snowshoe hikes, tobogganing, ski touring, or a leisurely horse-drawn sleigh ride offer special vacation experiences amidst the snow-covered mountains.
Zirbenhof
Winter Highlights:
Winter Activities
Skiing & Snowboarding
Skiing fun from 1,640 to 3,440 meters above sea level: With the Rifflseebahn right across from the Zirbenhof and the Gletscherexpress just 1.5 kilometers away, you’ll be staying very close to two of the three Pitztal ski areas.
Starting in December, the Rifflseebahn will take you to the family-friendly Rifflsee ski area—which guarantees snow—in just a few minutes. At the Pitztal Glacier, Austria’s highest glacier ski area, the ski season begins as early as September. Together, the two ski areas offer 68 kilometers of slopes and can be accessed with a single ski pass.
The Hochzeiger in Jerzens, located about 30 kilometers away, offers even more variety. In total, the three Pitztal ski areas feature 121 kilometers of slopes for beginners, families, those returning to the sport, and experienced winter sports enthusiasts.
Cross-country skiing
Right in front of the Zirbenhof, you can join the 21.3-kilometer-long valley cross-country trail. The perfectly groomed trail leads along the Pitze through the snow-covered valley and offers both a classic track and a skating track. Use of the cross-country trails in the valley is included with the Pitztal Guest Card.
In total, the Pitztal offers about 75 kilometers of cross-country trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. With the Rifflseebahn, located directly across from the hotel, you can also reach the five-kilometer-long high-altitude trail at Rifflsee, at an elevation of about 2,270 meters above sea level. In the fall, another high-altitude trail at an elevation of about 2,740 meters is available on the Pitztal Glacier for training groups.
Whether it’s a leisurely outing, a workout, or a long cross-country ski tour, the impressive mountain panorama accompanies you on every route.
- Ice Climbing
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With more than 45 frozen waterfalls and numerous ice and mixed routes, the Pitztal Valley is a special destination for ice climbers. In the nearby Taschach Gorge, both beginners and experienced climbers will find challenges to suit their skill levels. Professional mountain guides offer courses and guided tours.
- Sledding
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Twelve toboggan runs totaling more than 21 kilometers offer winter fun for the whole family in the Pitztal Valley. After a leisurely hike or a stop for refreshments, you can zoom back down into the valley. The toboggan run in Mandarfen, located right behind the Zirbenhof, is especially convenient and can also be used in the evening.
- Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing
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Winter hiking and snowshoeing allow you to experience the tranquil side of the Pitztal Valley. Groomed winter hiking trails and varied snowshoe routes lead through snow-covered forests, quiet side valleys, and the impressive mountain scenery. You can also set out on leisurely winter hikes around Mandarfen.
- Freeriding & Ski Touring
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Vast deep-snow slopes and numerous touring options make the Pitztal a popular starting point for freeriders and ski tourers. Various routes wind through the high-alpine winter landscape all the way up to impressive 3,000-meter peaks. Guided tours led by experienced mountain and ski guides are also available.
- Horse-drawn sleigh ride
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Wrapped up warm in a blanket, you’ll experience the snow-covered landscape of the Pitztal at a leisurely pace. The horse-drawn sleigh rides depart from nearby Tieflehn and are available during the day or in the evening by prior reservation. A special experience for couples, families, and anyone who wants to discover the romantic side of winter.
- Ski School & Practice Area
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Right behind the Zirbenhof are the ski school and the practice area in Mandarfen. At the practice lift and on the magic carpet, children, beginners, and those returning to the sport can practice their first turns at their own pace. The Pitztal Ski School offers group and private lessons for children and adults, as well as courses in skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing.
