The picturesque town of Gerlos transforms into an Austrian wonderland over the winter months. Its many chalet-style buildings become heavily laden with snow and the green forests and bright, white mountains look like a picture postcard. This beautiful part of the world is full of snowy surprises and is sure to delight everyone who visits.
Gerlos is a brilliant destination for a family skiing holiday as the town provides easy access to the Zillertal Arena, with four slopes running all the way back to Gerlos itself, as well as child-friendly runs, snowparks and more.
Read on to find out about the great attractions both on and off the slopes on your trip to the Tyrol region.
Family Walking Routes
There are a number of lovely walks around Gerlos; the resort boasts 30km of winter hiking trails. Taking the kids on a walk is a great opportunity for them to have some old-fashioned fun in the snow – I’m thinking snowball fights, so you’d better be prepared! Walking is also a wonderful way to explore the countryside at a slower pace than whizzing down a slope. Keen photographers should definitely take the opportunity to capture some gorgeous photographs.
Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started.
Wimmertal
This walk starts at the entrance to the Gerlos-Gmünd valley which is accessible from the main road. The hike has quite a gentle start then a short, steep climb which brings you to the stunning alpine pasture known as the Wimmertalam. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
- Walking Time: 1 hour
- Distance: 2 kilometres
- Climb: 170 metres
Schönachtal
Begin the walk by crossing the Gasthof Oberwirt Bridge then head along the road towards the entrance to the Schönachtal Valley. This walk is great for children as, after a short, steep section, you reach the Jörgleralm snack station. Once refreshed, continue to the Stinkmoosalm and enjoy the view. After an hour’s walk you will reach the snack bar at Lackenalm pasture – now is the moment to indulge in a hot chocolate or a warming cup of tea.
- Walking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Distance: 3 kilometres
- Climb: 140 metres
Top Tip: Pack sturdy walking shoes and warm socks to get the most out of these winter wonderland walks.
Zillertal Arena Ski Resort
The Zillertal Arena Ski Resort is spread over four mountains and is easily accessible from Gerlos by cable car. There is a huge range of runs available and plenty of restaurants and cosy huts where you can rest, catch your breath and enjoy the views.
Family-Friendly Fun
The best thing about the Zillertal Arena for families is that there are lots of child-friendly amenities, meaning all the family can enjoy a day out on the slopes. Above the nearby town of Zell am Ziller there is a large area set aside for beginners and children. Some of the snowparks around the resort are also open to younger skiers, as are a few of the funparks. If you want to delight the kids, make sure to spend a few hours in Gerlosstein with its thrilling 200m snowtubing run.
Ski Tours
A family ski tour is a lovely way to explore the area and spend some quality time together. You can find routes suitable for beginners or, if your kids are more experienced skiers, why not put aside a morning to tackle a longer and more interesting tour?
This recommended route will take over three hours, so it is best suited to adventurous families with a bit of stamina.
Schwarzach Valley
Begin your tour at the car park in the Schwarzach Valley and head south across beautiful pastures towards the Weißbachalm. You’ll see a hut and need to keep it on your right. Then follow a flat track through the forest before the route reaches the wide, open pasture of the Weißbachalm Mitterleger. Continue south on a broad mountain ridge towards the Seespitze. Stick to the ridge and move across a series of rises and hollows. On the right will be the Seespitze but you will take the left ridge which is more level.
The descent simply retraces the route of the ascent.
- Tour Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Climb: 1,187 metres
Top Tip: Check the avalanche report before you set off – better safe than sorry!
Where to Stay
Gästehaus Waldruh – This comfortable, characterful hotel offers families large rooms, hotel-wide Wi-Fi and a shared lounge full of Alpine charm. It has a children’s playground and a sauna, so everyone can let off some steam after a fun day out.
Hotel Gasthof Reiderhof – Hotel Gasthof Riederhof is situated just outside Gerlos and offers guests beautiful views of the surrounding area. It has a great restaurant serving both traditional and international cuisine. Guests benefit from a games room and table tennis – perfect for a family night in.
Hotel Sonnenhof – Slap bang in the centre of the town, Hotel Sonnenhof is ideally placed for exploration of the resort. It has bright, airy rooms, a lovely restaurant and friendly staff always ready to share their insider knowledge of the region.
How to Get There
To reach Gerlos simply catch a flight from the UK to Salzburg Airport (SZG). The flight takes just under two hours from London and you can choose from a handful of airlines. Once you reach Salzburg you’ll need a transfer to Gerlos. The journey takes around two and a half hours by road and the best option is to pre-book an airport transfer.
I always recommend booking with Shuttle Direct because their booking system is so easy to use, there are no hidden costs and the transfers are great value compared to other services.
Overview
- UK to SZG Flight Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- SZG to Gerlos Distance: 188 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 2 hours 36 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct we provide excellent transfer services in over 50 countries and counting. No matter which of these countries you choose, our friendly drivers offer comfortable and reliable transportation.
