Königsleiten

Königsleiten is a romantic alpine village at 1,600m perched on the Gerlos Pass between Tyrol and Salzburg - the highest and most snow-reliable base in the Zillertal Arena, the largest ski area in the Zillertal. From this elevated position in Austria's Salzburg region, you can ski directly from your accommodation onto 143km of pistes and 52 lifts stretching from Krimml/Hochkrimml in the east to Zell am Ziller in the west - crossing the border between Salzburg and Tyrol as you go. Every accommodation in Königsleiten is ski-to-door, the village sits right in the centre of the ski area, and the high altitude (skiing to 2,500m) ensures near-100% snow reliability throughout the season.

The Zillertal Arena has 84 runs - 24 blue, 49 red, and 11 black - served by modern lifts including gondolas and high-speed chairs. One of Austria's longest valley runs drops 1,930m of vertical and can be skied in a single descent. The ski area connects four villages (Zell am Ziller, Gerlos, Königsleiten/Wald, and Krimml/Hochkrimml) via a network of lifts and the scenic Gerlos Alpine Road. Fourteen free on-mountain features include SkiMovie, speed check, and photopoints. The Hot-Zone Snowpark in Gerlos covers 30,000m² at 2,020m with lines for beginners to professionals. The Zillertal Superskipass extends access to all Zillertal resorts (541km), including Mayrhofen, Hochzillertal, and the Hintertux Glacier.

Königsleiten itself is small, charming, and defined by its collection of traditional chalets clustered on the sunny mountainside. The southern exposure catches the sun beautifully, and the atmosphere is more intimate and romantic than the livelier villages of Gerlos and Zell am Ziller further into the Zillertal. The nearby Krimml Waterfalls - Europe's largest, dropping 380m in three cascades - provide a spectacular excursion. The Pinzgau valley below connects to a 200km cross-country trail network. Thirty-four mountain huts and restaurants across the Zillertal Arena provide regular dining stops, and Königsleiten's own Schirmbars and ski huts create a sociable, convivial après-ski atmosphere.