Europe:

Hintertux, Austria

Hintertux, one of five villages in the Tux Valley, sits at the base of the Zillertal Glacier Lift, which rises from 1,500 m.  From the top of this lift you get a spectacular view of the ski area which is unique in terms of glacier skiing.

Once on the glacier the terrain is vast and varied. There are wide open slopes for great cruising. Many of the designated trails are well groomed, but good skiers will find moguled areas and steep pitches. There are many off piste options where a guide is recommended. No matter what your ability, the Hintertux Glacier provides lots of variety.

At the base of the mountain at the end of the day, you'll find many people to party with in an apres ski environment that is uniquely Austrian.  And when it's time to return to your accommodation, you will be well looked after. Many of the hotels have spa facilities and meals, well around here it's home cooked and hearty to satisfy your hunger after a day of skiing.

Knowing what is under the snow is a good idea because safety is a consideration in a glacier environment. Common Sense is key on the glacier. The benefit is consistent winter snow conditions and year round skiing, In the summer and early fall, ski teams from around the world train up here on the glacier.

Hintertux is one of the few places on earth where the skiing never ends. One fascinating aspect of the glacier is that it is constantly moving up to 15 m per year.  This requires lift towers which sit directly on the glacial ice to be moved each year to maintain their alignment. In places the ice pokes through the snow surface as a reminder of the crevices and caves that lurk below.