Nestled amidst the majestic Zillertal Alps, Gerlos beckons with its snow-covered peaks, charming village atmosphere, and diverse ski terrain. This guide will equip you with all you need to know for an unforgettable winter escape in this picture-perfect Austrian resort.
Hitting the Pistes
The ski season in Gerlos typically runs from early December to mid-April, with reliable snow conditions throughout. For guaranteed sunshine and longer days, consider visiting in January or February.
Terrain Variety: Gerlos boasts 160 km of slopes spread across 84 runs, catering to all levels. Gentle blues meander through picturesque forests, while challenging reds and exhilarating blacks test the mettle of experienced skiers.
Zillertal Arena Access: Gerlos is part of the expansive Zillertal Arena, offering a combined 52 lifts and 238 km of slopes. You can ski directly to neighbouring resorts like Zell am Ziller and Königsleiten, increasing your skiing options tenfold.
Snowpark Paradise: Freestylers rejoice! The Snowpark Gerlos at Vorkogel boasts beginner-friendly rails and jumps, progressing to challenging features for seasoned veterans. Hone your skills in the Boarders’ Playground and witness breathtaking stunts at regular freestyle shows.
Off-Piste Excitement: Powderhounds seeking untamed terrain can venture beyond the marked slopes with experienced guides. Explore hidden couloirs and untouched snowfields on the Gerlosstein or Isskogel mountains, experiencing the thrill of backcountry skiing.
Lift System: Modern lifts whisk you effortlessly up the mountains, including the Dorfbahn Gerlos gondola, which offer heated seats and stunning views. The Isskogelbahn, directly from the village, provides efficient access to the main ski area.
Insider Tip: Purchase a Zillertal Arena Skipass for access to all lifts and slopes within the entire ski area.
Beyond the Slopes
Gerlos offers much more than just skiing. Explore the nearby historical town of Zell am Ziller, visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, or take a day trip to the breathtaking glaciers of Hintertux.
Charming Village: Gerlos village exudes a traditional Alpine charm with quaint shops, cosy cafes, and lively après-ski bars. Stroll along the main street, soak up the festive atmosphere, and enjoy delicious Austrian cuisine.
Relaxation: Unwind at the Freizeit Arena with its indoor pool, sauna, and steam bath. Treat yourself to a massage or spa treatment for ultimate relaxation.
Off-piste Activities: Take a break from skiing and explore the winter wonderland on snowshoes, try your hand at ice skating, or embark on a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride.
Culture: Visit the charming city of Innsbruck for its historical sights, museums, and lively atmosphere.
Après-ski: After a day on the slopes, indulge in lively après-ski at numerous bars and pubs offering live music, dancing, and refreshing drinks. For a more relaxed experience, cosy up in a traditional Gasthaus with a glass of local wine and regional specialties.
Insider Tip: Take advantage of the free ski bus network connecting Gerlos to neighbouring villages and ski resorts.
With its diverse offerings, Gerlos caters to families, couples, and solo travellers alike, ensuring an unforgettable winter experience in the heart of the Austrian Alps.
Where to Stay
Hotel Victoria: An adults-only luxury retreat boasting an infrared sauna, Finnish sauna and herbal sauna. Enjoy cocktails on the sun-soaked terrace or treat yourself to homemade ice cream as you gaze on the mountain views. On the doorstep you’ll find the Dorfbahn cable car so you can literally stagger from bed to slope. Each bedroom has a private balcony overlooking the incredible scenery, a flat-screen cable TV and other amenities to make your stay at the Hotel Victoria feel like home.
Gerlosperle: Hard to beat for location, the ski training slope is just 15 metres away and the more challenging slopes can be accessed by foot in less than 10 minutes. If you want to explore further afield, a short walk will take you to the Isskogelbahn Cable Car that serves the wider Zillertal region. With a children’s playroom on site, you can enjoy a fireside meal at the Dahuam restaurant serving tasty regional dishes.
Haus Hildegard: A self-catering option in Gerlos, Haus Hildegard is a peaceful Tyrolean style apartment with a fully equipped kitchen, lounge and balcony overlooking the stunning mountain range. You can access the onsite sauna cabin after an exhilarating day on the slopes, with ski storage and drying facilities also available. Request their fresh baked rolls and head out for a 5-minute walk to the Zillertal Arena, or cross the road to catch the free resort ski bus for adventures beyond Gerlos.
How to Get There
Flying to Salzburg from the UK is the best way to reach Gerlos, although you can also get to the resort from Bolzano, Innsbruck and Munich. Transfers from Salzburg airport to Gerlos take around two and half hours so pre-booking your shuttle transfer is crucial. There are 34 flights per week from the UK and the flight time is about 2 hours. British Airways, BA Euroflyer and easyJet run direct flights from London.
Overview
UK to SZG Flight Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
SZG to Gerlos Distance: 188 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: approx 2 hours 30 minutes
Types of Transfer
Shuttle Direct provides a range of airport transfers to Gerlos that you can book in advance. We pride ourselves in offering a reliable airport transfer from Salzburg to Gerlos no matter which option you pick.
You can book seats for a Gerlos transfer on our shuttle bus service. This is a great way to travel economically but reliably. Our buses will pick you up at the airport and drop you off at a central stop in the resort.
For a service that delivers you door-to-door, we also provide pre-booked airport taxis from Salzburg to Gerlos. Your driver will be waiting for you as you exit the Arrivals hall and will take you and your party, along with all your luggage, to your accommodation.
Some of our clients prefer a private transfer from Salzburg to Gerlos. For those who choose this option, a dedicated driver will greet you in the terminal. You’ll be whisked off to your resort in a luxury vehicle – a great way to start and end an unforgettable ski trip.
Skiing holidays involve a lot of equipment, and our customers who arrive with their own skis or with a large group often choose a Salzburg airport transfer by minibus. Pre-booking one of these vehicles guarantees plenty of space for your luggage and a door-to-door service for your group.
Choosing the Right Transfer
We understand that organising a holiday can be a headache, so we aim to reduce the pain of your airport transfer arrangements. Our choices divide along the lines of cost and convenience.
Cost: For customers who want to keep transport costs to a minimum, we recommend booking places on the Gerlos transfer shuttle bus. The coaches are reliable and comfortable, and our designated stops are conveniently situated for accommodation throughout the resort. Larger groups can also find economies by booking a minibus transfer and sharing the cost of the hire.
Convenience: If you want to prioritise maximum convenience, our private vehicles and airport taxis are the answer. Travel from Salzburg to Gerlos and back again in a logistics-free, stress-free fashion with your own personal driver who is responsible for delivering you to the door of your final destination.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct has your onward journey covered. From budget-friendly shared rides to luxurious private chauffeurs, we offer a wide range of transfer options to suit every pocket and preference. Climb aboard our comfy vehicles, driven by experienced professionals, and let us whisk you away to your final destination safely and reliably. Wherever you’re headed, we’re there to take the stress out of your arrival. So sit back, breathe easy, and enjoy the ride!
