High in the Zillertal Arena, Gerlos combines a snow-sure location with a famously lively après-ski scene. Sitting at 1,246 m and stretching up to 2,505 m, it offers 150 km of varied slopes that cater to both relaxed family trips and adventures for more experienced skiers. Expect ski runs leading right into town, scenic winter walks in the surrounding valleys, and an atmosphere that stays buzzing from first lifts until late into the night.
This guide covers all you need to plan your perfect Gerlos ski holiday, from its slopes and restaurants to key village highlights and tips for unwinding after a day on the mountain.
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Gerlos lies in western Austria’s Zillertal region, linking Tyrol to Salzburg via the Gerlos Pass.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
Gerlos has evolved from a traditional farming community into one of the most popular ski destinations in the Zillertal. The village centre, split by the Stausee valley, features chalet-style architecture, hotels with modern spas, and direct gondola access via two main lift stations: the Dorfbahn (new slope down to it) and the Isskogelbahn. A ski bus or a short stroll gets you to either base. The resort stands out for its altitude (high by Austrian standards), guaranteeing reliable snowfall throughout most of the season. The vibrant après-ski, with bars along the main street, also gives the resort a fun, social edge.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lively après-ski scene | South-facing slopes can get slushy by April |
| Good snow reliability | Short bus ride needed to main gondolas for most accommodations |
| 150 km of ski slopes with runs into town | Limited expert terrain |
| Well-positioned within the Zillertal Arena | Runs can get busy in peak season |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Gerlos has to offer.
Gerlos is known for its welcoming nursery areas near the Dorfbahn and Isskogel mid-station. The slopes are broad and gentle, especially at the top of Isskogelbahn, ideal for building confidence. Hochkrimml, also in the same Arena lift pass, has extra easy runs if you want a change of scenery.
With 88 km of red-marked pistes, Gerlos excels for mileage-hungry intermediates. The mid-altitude runs wind through scenic valleys, while the higher slopes near Konigsleitenspitze (2,315 m) deliver stunning viewpoints. You can ski village to village, like a day trip to Zell or Königsleiten, cruising mostly on manageable reds.
Although only 12 km of the runs are officially black, Gerlos hides some challenging terrain. Near Falschbachbahn you’ll find steeper red/black descents, plus opportunities for off-piste lines when snow conditions allow. Further advanced options lie in the broader Zillertal Arena, like the Nordhang in Königsleiten.
Gerlos boasts the Snowpark Gerlos (30,000 m²) near the Vorkogel lift, featuring a beginner and medium area, plus a fun run with banked turns, rails, and small jumps. The park is shaped twice daily and includes a chill-out zone with music. Freestylers can also check out Actionpark Kreuzwiese in Zell or Funpark Hochkrimml.
The ski season in Gerlos started on December and is supposed to end by April 21st. If for next winter you're planning a ski holiday to Gerlos, be sure to explore our Gerlos deals for the best offers available.
Gerlos, offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 24 cm (9.4 in) and 29 cm (11.4 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.3 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 24 cm (9.4 in) but occurs more frequently across 3.5 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of February, traditionally the snowiest week in Gerlos, with 37 cm (14.5 in) of snow over 4.1 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 18 cm (7.0 in) of snow over 2.8 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 24 cm/9.4 in | 3.1 days |
| January | 29 cm/11.4 in | 3.5 days |
| February | 24 cm/9.4 in | 3.5 days |
| March | 23 cm/9.0 in | 3.7 days |
| April | 18 cm/7.0 in | 2.8 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Gerlos offers a lively mix of Tyrolean comfort food and international flavours. Whether you’re craving a rustic hut meal on the slopes or a gourmet dinner in town, you’ll find a diverse range of dining experiences. Highlights include:
Après-ski is very lively here, one of Gerlos’s main draws. By late afternoon, umbrella bars and terraces start filling up, and venues like Cin Cin, Little London, and the Almbar pump out music to keep skiers dancing in their boots. If you prefer a quieter vibe, hotel lounges and smaller pubs let you savour local schnapps or Austrian wines without the party crowds. Entertainment frequently continues well into the night, affirming Gerlos’s status as an après hot spot in the Zillertal Arena.
Download Gerlos village map pdf here
