Imagine standing up at dawn and starting directly into the challenge. As soon as you are all set for the day, take the Karspitzbahn lift up to the Zillertal Arena and at 2,500 meters it is there in front of you.

The red slope “Sports Downshill” no. 18 (“Sportabfahrt”). With 4,400 meters full of opportunities to further sharpen your technique. And with plenty of room for perfect carving, so you can train your middle and long turns optimally. If you are fast enough, you will be the first to stand up there at the top in the morning and can start directly on the beautifully frosty track after a breath-taking view of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy the feeling! Just don't forget to give everything you have for a sporty ride.

Of course, you can also take it easy. But I always say to myself: there is still a lot to be achieved on this route. And indeed I test it a little bit more every time. I don't go for walks; I rather give it everything directly. The leisure part can come after it – if not already the next challenge beckons.

And then to the longest downhill run in Austria …

Once you've arrived in the valley with a smile on your face, quickly take a picture for Instagram. It's good to use a quick note on your today´s achievements for a later comparison with your sports fellows. And if you want to go one better, you will continue to the longest continuous downhill run in Austria. It leads from Übergangsjoch in the Zillertal Arena for amazing 10 kilometers down to the valley – with an elevation difference of 1,930 meters. Your endurance will be put to the test for sure! After that, you can feel what you've achieved all over your body.

Zillertal Arena – the all-round talent among ski resorts

Sure, meanwhile it's far from an insider's tip. After all, the Zillertal Arena is one of the 50 largest ski resorts in the world. And yet I don't get tired of recommending it for new ski encounters. Because if I really want to go to my limits, sharpen my technique and set new personal bests, I always find the right challenge at this great ski resort.

And I don't have to have a bad conscience because I'm on my own again. In Zillertal, my family likes to be there every time as well. Just thinking about the 14 great sled runs with a total of 45 kilometers (!) length, the kids get immediately shining eyes as soon as I make that suggestion. And there is hardly anything more beautiful than a trip to the Gerlosplatte in Hochkrimml to enjoy a pleasant sunny day. With its comfortably wide slopes, which are ideally suited for a relaxed family visit.

The Zillertal Arena is certainly my absolute favorite among the ski resorts because you have everything in one place: sporty The Zillertal Arena is certainly my absolute favorite among the ski resorts because you have everything in one place: sporty routes for testing different terrain types, but also family-friendly slopes, magnificent views and plenty of possibilities for fun and relaxing. We like to treat ourselves to a relaxing afternoon in the spa (“Erlebnistherme”) in Fügen. The children get their money's worth and I can recharge my batteries in the sauna for the next days. From time to time with a small massage to relieve my tired muscles.

For a perfect start to the ski season

You have the best snow in the Zillertal Arena from the end of November to the middle/end of April – that is, even throughout the Easter vacation. During this time, the conditions are always perfect thanks to the high altitude and the Hintertux glacier. But I also like to use the slopes in October and November to start off the season here with extensive testing and technical sessions. The challenging and sometimes rapidly changing weather conditions are yet not always easy. But, after a few days, I am always well prepared to take on new challenges in other places in Europe. If you haven't been there so far, try it out. And let me know how it was for you.