If you’re planning a ski trip to the Zillertal Valley in Austria, two destinations you should consider are Fugen and Hochfugen. These neighboring ski areas offer a range of skiing opportunities for all levels, as well as family-friendly amenities and breathtaking scenery that will make your ski vacation unforgettable.
Located in the heart of the Zillertal Valley, Fugen and Hochfugen offer access to some of the best skiing in the region.
Hochfugen is a ski area that is renowned for its snow sure level. With its high altitude and a range of slopes to suit all levels, Hochfugen is a top destination for skiers who are looking for guaranteed snow during the ski season.
Snow sure
Hochfugen is relatively snow sure. One of the reasons that Hochfugen is its high altitude. The ski area is located at an elevation of between 1500 and 2500 meters, which means that it is above the snow line and is less affected by temperature fluctuations. This high altitude ensures that the ski area receives a reliable and consistent snowfall throughout the ski season, which usually runs from November to April.
Another factor that contributes to Hochfugen’s snow sure level is its location in the Zillertal Valley. The valley is known for its microclimate, which means that it often receives more snow than other areas in the region. This, coupled with Hochfugen’s high altitude, ensures that the ski area has excellent snow conditions throughout the season.
Good mix of slopes
In terms of slopes, Hochfugen offers a range of options for skiers of all levels. The ski area has 41 kilometers of slopes, with 8 kilometers of black runs, 25 kilometers of red runs, and 8 kilometers of blue runs. This means that there are plenty of choices for both beginners and advanced skiers, as well as those who fall somewhere in between.
Fugen is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers, with gentle slopes and plenty of space to practice your turns. Meanwhile, Hochfugen offers more challenging terrain for advanced skiers, with steep runs and off-piste opportunities that will keep even the most experienced skiers on their toes.
One of the standout features of Hochfugen’s slopes is their variety. The ski area offers a mix of groomed pistes, off-piste areas, and mogul runs, which means that skiers can choose to stick to the groomed slopes or challenge themselves with more difficult terrain. There are also plenty of opportunities for off-piste skiing, with areas that are perfect for freeriding and exploring.
For advanced skiers, some of the most popular runs at Hochfugen include the black runs on the Pfaffenbuhel and Geolskopf peaks. These runs are steep and challenging, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Meanwhile, intermediate skiers will find plenty to enjoy on the red runs, which offer a mix of challenging terrain and scenic cruising.
For beginners, Hochfugen offers a range of gentle blue runs that are perfect for learning the basics of skiing. There are also ski schools and instructors who are experienced in teaching beginners how to ski, which means that those who are new to the sport will be in good hands.
Family-friendly
One of the biggest draws of Fugen and Hochfugen is their family-friendly atmosphere. Both areas offer ski schools and children’s areas, with instructors who are experienced in teaching children how to ski. The ski schools offer everything from group lessons to one-on-one instruction, and children can even take part in fun activities like treasure hunts and obstacle courses on the slopes.
For families who are looking for a break from skiing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Fugen and Hochfugen. You can take a ride on the toboggan run, go ice-skating, or even take a dip in the local swimming pool. Plus, the towns themselves are charming and offer plenty of opportunities to explore local culture and cuisine.
Hochzillertal
A connection between the ski areas Hochfugen and neighbouring Hochzillertal is made possible by the Hochzillertal-Hochfugen Ski Region. The connection between Hochfugen and Hochzillertal is the added variety that it provides for skiers. With a combined 181 kilometers of slopes, visitors to the region can spend several days exploring different runs without ever skiing the same slope twice. The variety of terrain also means that there are options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginners to experts.
Compared to other popular ski destinations in the Zillertal Valley, such as Mayrhofen and Gerlos, Fugen and Hochfugen offer a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere. The ski areas are less crowded, which means you won’t have to worry about long lift lines or crowded slopes. Plus, the towns themselves offer a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, which is perfect for those who are traveling with children.
For every budget
Another advantage of Fugen and Hochfugen is that they offer more affordable accommodation options than other areas in the Zillertal Valley. You can find everything from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels, which means you can tailor your ski vacation to your budget and preferences. Moreover, Fugen and Hochfugen are known for being slightly more affordable than some of the other big-name ski resorts in the area, such as St. Anton or Kitzbühel.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a ski destination in the Zillertal Valley that offers a range of skiing opportunities for all levels, as well as family-friendly amenities and a relaxed atmosphere, Fugen and Hochfugen are the perfect choice. With their charming towns, affordable accommodations, and breathtaking scenery, they offer everything you need for an unforgettable ski vacation.
Getting there
To get to Fügen in the Zillertal region, you can take a combination of train and bus or rent a car.
By Train and Bus: The nearest railway station to Fügen is Jenbach, which is well-connected with regular trains from Innsbruck and Munich. From Jenbach, you can take a local bus or a taxi to Fügen. The journey time is around 20-30 minutes. You can check train schedules and book tickets on the Austrian Federal Railways website, ÖBB (https://www.oebb.at/en/).
By Air: The nearest airport to Fügen is Innsbruck Airport (INN), which is around 40 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof and then take a train to Jenbach, followed by a bus to Fügen. Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to Fügen. The journey time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Another nearby airport is Munich Airport (MUC), which is around 160 km away. From the airport, you can take a train to Jenbach, followed by a bus to Fügen. The journey time is around 3 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to Fügen. The journey time is around 2.5 hours to 3 hours, depending on traffic.