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Winter hiking in the Pitztal
The glistening snow and the majestic mountain landscape in the Tyrolean Pitztal attract not only skiers and snowboarders. Winter hikers also get their money’s worth here. The Pitztal offers numerous prepared winter hiking trails where you can enjoy the surrounding breathtaking natural scenery to the fullest. We have listed the best winter hiking routes in the Pitztal for you – both at lofty heights and in the valley!
Winter hiking on the Pitztal glacier & Rifflsee
At the Pitztal Glacier, Austria’s highest skiing area, not only sun-drenched slopes await you, but also many winter hiking trails. So you can also discover the HIGHEST IN TYROL on foot! Below you will findtwo recommended options for winter hiking on the Pitztal Glacier and the nearby Rifflsee.
Winter hiking at the Rifflsee
During a winter hike in the deeply snow-covered area of the Rifflsee, you will get your personal time-out. Already the ascent with the Rifflsee cable car lets you relax. The clear air, the snow-covered slopes and the view of the surrounding mountains invite you to recharge your batteries. The leisurely winter hike begins at the Sunna Alm restaurant. From there you go directly to the cross-country ski trail, where the winter hiking trail also runs. Depending on your pace, the hike takes an hour.
Hiking on the Pitztal Glacier in winter - Chapel of White Light
Only a few minutes’ walk from the Kristall glacier restaurant is the Chapel of White Light – an architectural work of art made of white Carrara granite at 2,900 m above sea level. Once you have reached this historic destination on the Pitztal glacier, you can walk around the chapel on the meditation path, far away from the ski slopes, and find peace.
For nature lovers and sports enthusiasts who not only enjoy winter hiking, but also skiing or snowboarding.
Winter hiking to lodges in the Pitztal
You not only want to enjoy the impressive natural scenery in the Pitztal, but also regional delicacies? There is probably no better place for a snack than at an alpine lodge! The following lodge hikes are our absolute favourites.
On the move in the Kaunergrat Nature Park
The Kaunergrat Nature Park House at Gachen Blick is the ideal starting point for the unforgettably beautiful Harbe Round – a 2.5-hour circular hike to the Harbe meadows, to the small Harbe pond and back again. After the hike, the Kaunergrat Nature Park House invites you to rest. Enjoy regional dishes and a magnificent view.
Winter hiking around the Pitztal - up to the Gogles Alm
At the Gogles Alm in Fließ, in the Kaunergrat Nature Park, a breathtakingly beautiful view of the surrounding mountain landscape awaits you at 2,017 m above sea level. At the bus stop “Abzweigung Gogles”, below the Kaunergrat Nature Park House, this wonderful winter hike leads along a 5.2 km long and well-prepared forest path to the alpine lodge (walking time: approx. 1.5 hours). After a breather, you can either walk back or speed down to the starting point on a sledge (sledges can be rented at the Gogles Alm).
Winter in the Pitztal - Hiking to the Hochzeigerhaus
This winter hike also takes you high up – to the Hochzeigerhaus at 1,840 m above sea level. The starting point is the Jerzens Kaitanger bus stop. From there, follow the signs up through the pine forest until you arrive at the sunny Stalderhütte after about 1.5 hours. From there it is only a 5-minute walk to the Hochzeigerhaus. Treat yourself to a nice break in the hut before you take the same path back down to the valley.
Winter hiking in the valley
You don’t necessarily have to be high up to experience unique moments in the Pitztal. You can also explore this beautiful Tyrolean region on foot while winter hiking in the valley. We have the most beautiful tour recommendations for you.
Winter hiking Pitztal - from Liss to Jerzens
On this easy winter hike you follow the signs from the hamlet of Liss in the direction of Jerzens village. The trail takes you through the hamlets of Larchwies, Haag, Breitwies and Oberfeld for about 50 minutes until you reach the centre of Jerzens village. There you will find refreshment stops that invite you to linger (e.g. Hotel zum Lammwirt, Restaurant Zirm).
Hiking along the valley cross-country ski trail
In St. Leonhard you can embark on an extended winter hike along the 21 km long valley cross-country ski trail from Mittelberg to Wiese. The route is absolutely perfect for enjoying the magical atmosphere of the snow-covered winter landscape. Entry and exit are possible in every hamlet (Mittelberg, Mandarfen, Tieflehn, Plangeroß, Köfels, Stillebach, Scheibe, Enger, Wiese). You decide how long your winter hike should be.
Kitzgarten ravine in the Pitztal - Winter hiking
From the Zaunhof/Hairlach bus stop, a prepared winter hiking trail leads you through the wild and romantic Kitzgarten ravine to the hamlet of Wiese (walking time: approx. 45 minutes). After a cosy stop at the Hotel Gasthof Wiese, you can either choose the same return route or take the bus back to the starting point.
Stillebach tour
In the village of Stillebach in the Pitztal valley, a comfortable, approx. 40-minute circular hike awaits you. The starting point is the Stillebach bus stop. Cross the first bridge at the stable and follow the prepared winter hiking trail to the left until you reach the next bridge. Turn right here and hike in the direction of Weixmannstall. Pass a chapel and return to Stillebach. Here you can treat yourself to a nice break in the “Grünzeug” restaurant..
Winter hiking and dining in the Pitztal
Of course, a cosy stop for refreshments is a must on a winter hike. You can recharge your batteries in the many many mountain restaurants and alpine lodges in the Pitztal. Look forward to many regional delicacies and magnificent views!
A particularly spectacular panoramic view awaits you at Café 3440, Austria’s highest café, which is easily accessible by the Wildspitzbahn. Perfectly adapted to the summit, the café is embedded gently in the rugged glacier world. Here you can experience mountain pleasure with all your senses. A little insider tip: don’t miss the cake from the in-house pastry shop!
Your digital map for winter hiking in Pitztal
If you decide to go winter hiking in the Pitztal a hiking map is recommended to inform you about the route. You can also get an overview of all the hiking trails that are available in winter. There is an interactive hiking map for the Pitztal on the website of the tourism association. Alternatively, you can also buy the hiking map “Pitztal Alpenwelt” at the ticket offices of the cable cars.