A beautiful winter hiking tour on the Lauzaun plateau (2,430 m. a.s.l). Here you are rewarded with a fantastic view of several 3,000 m peaks.
Starting point: Mountain station Grawand (3,212 m a.s.l) or Refuge Bella Vista (2,842 m a.s.l)
Best time: March to May
Degree of difficulty: for good skiers with Alpine experience
Day 1 ascent: 600 m elevation gain, 4 hours
The same ascent route as ski tour to the Ötzi discovery site; the trail then takes you downhill on the Niederhochferner glacier and briefly uphill to the Refuge Similaun (3,019 ma.s.l).
Day 2 ascent: 600 m elevation gain, 2 hours
The ascent goes from the Similaun lodge to Similaun in a south-easterly direction over the Niederjochferner glacier, rising only slightly to begin with but becoming steeper, up to a narrow and often monitored summit ridge.
Descent A: descend back along the ascent route.
Descent B: eastwards to the Similaunjoch pass and then northwards over the Marzellferner glacier to the Mountain hut Martin-Busch and on to Vent (A)
Descent C: eastwards to the Similaunjoch pass and then southwards over the Grafferner glacier and Graftal Valley to Inn Jägerrast (Vorderkaser) in the Pfossental Valley.
Of the 3 options, descent C (down into the Pfossental Valley) is highly recommended but only in good conditions.
This high-Alpine trail presents the hiker with dramatic views and scenic highlights.
Starting point: Maso Corto/Kurzras, car park (2,011 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 1,445 m elevation gain, 5 hours
Best time: December to May
The Schwemserspitze is south of the Weißkugel with which it creates a massif between the Schnalstal valley and Matschertal valley. The ascent is from Maso Corto/Kurzras across along Sommerweg (summer path) as far as the bridge, then in each case turning left into the Langgrubtal Valley. Then turn towards the north and climb the steep slopes as far as the Schwemser Ferner glacier. The easiest way to climb the glacier is by the south-west ridge. You can descend along the same route.
For good skiers with Alpine experience
The mountain bike tour from Kurzras to the Lazaun Hut is a short but impressive climb to the sunny Lazaun Plateau in the rear part of the Schnalstal Valley. It’s perfect for athletic riders and those looking to enjoy breathtaking views in a short amount of time.
From the glacier village of Kurzras (2,011 m), a forest road winds its way uphill in several switchbacks through larch and stone pine forests. The steady ascent is rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding three-thousand-meter peaks – from the Finailspitze to the majestic Weißkugel.
After around 400 meters of elevation gain, the destination is reached: the Lazaun Hut at 2,430 meters. On the sunny terrace of this summer-managed mountain hut, visitors can enjoy homemade South Tyrolean specialties and gain insight into the protected alpine moor located on the high plateau.
The untouched Lagauntal, one of the most beautiful valleys in South Tyrol, and the mountain pasture Bergl are also a popular place of excursions in winter. You hike through a snowy, idyllic high mountain landscape with extensive larch forests.
Starting point: Pfossental Valley, car park Gasthof Jägerrast inn (1,693 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 1,625 m elevation gain, 5-6 hours
Best time: March to mid-June
The Texelspitze is not only well known for its Nature Park but is also very popular because of the wonderful ski touring run. However, the tour is somewhat difficult due to the long climb through the Pfossental valley. After travelling along the forest path on the bottom of the valley for about 5 km you’ll arrive at Maso Gelato/Eishof farm at 2,069 m a.s.l. Take a right here over the stream and southwards, firstly on a sleep slope and then across splendid ridges to arrive at the Texelferner glacier. Cross the glacier, the trail rising in a southerly direction as far as the south-west side of the summit. The final steps to the summit can be taken once you’ve removed your skis. The best descent is by the same route.
For good skiers with Alpine experience
Starting point: Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau (1,508 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 1,586 m elevation gain, 5 hours
Best time: March to May
A double summit (western summit 3,083 m a.s.l, eastern summit 3,094 m a.s.l) to the west of the Mastaun summit and the Mastaunjoch pass. Take the trail upwards from Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau through the Mastauntal Valley, as with Tours 9, until you reach flat ground having negotiated the steep slope. Then, take a right in a north-westerly direction until you come to the Mastaunjoch pass (2,927 m a.s.l) and the quite difficult climb up to the western summit. You can also turn off towards the north beneath the Mastaunjoch pass and climb to the eastern summit, which is the easier one. The descent is similar to the ascent.
For practised skiers with Alpine experience
A great tour from Maso Corto/Kurzras up to a splendid summit with a glorious view.
The cross-country slope Lazaun is situated next to the mountain station of the Lazaun cable car at 2,400 meters above sea level and is suitable for beginners. It is approx. 3 km long.
The mountain bike tour from Madonna di Senales to the scenic Lafetzalm offers an ideal mix of outdoor activity and breathtaking alpine landscapes. This lesser-known route leads through tranquil forests and across sunlit slopes, always accompanied by impressive views of the Ötztal Alps.
The tour starts in the quiet village of Madonna di Senales. A steadily ascending forest road winds past traditional mountain farms and through peaceful coniferous woods. With each turn, the views become wider until the trail opens up to the high pastures and the charming Lafetzalm at around 2,050 meters. During summer, the alpine hut is open and serves traditional South Tyrolean dishes – a perfect spot to rest and enjoy the view before the relaxed descent back to the valley.
The mountain bike tour from Madonna di Senales to the idyllic Mastaunalm is a real insider tip for anyone wishing to discover the unspoiled beauty of the Schnalstal Valley on two wheels. The route leads through a wild and romantic larch forest, alongside the rushing Mastaun stream, always accompanied by views of the surrounding three-thousand-meter peaks.
Starting from the small pilgrimage site of Madonna di Senales, the gravel path gently climbs through the untouched Mastauntal Valley – a true gem in the Ötztal Alps. The ascent is steady yet manageable, and rewards riders with a profound sense of peace far from the tourist crowds. At 1,810 meters, the Mastaunalm is a real treasure: nestled in a soft alpine landscape, it offers not only breathtaking views but also the warm hospitality South Tyrol is known for.
The mountain pasture Lafetz lies on 2,015 m a.s.l in the middle of a magnificent natural landscape. There you will be rewarded with an exclusive view of the Similaun, the Ötztal Alps and the place of discovery Ötzi.
Easy and magnificent path from the mountain hut Vorderkas/ inn Jägerrast to the mountain pasture Eishof, also suitable for children and elderly people. In the further course more and more surefootedness is required.
Tips: the informational boards along the Alpine Pasture Experience Trail (Almerlebnisweg) are interesting. Not far from mountain pasture Rableid, there is a lime kiln, in which the limestone from the Hohe Weiße mountain was fired to make building lime, which was also presumably used to construct the monastery in Certosa/Karthaus.
The chairlift with four seats brings pedestrians and skiers up to 3.212m to the mountain station of the glacier cable car.
The mountain bike tour from Karthaus to the Klosteralm is a rewarding ride that blends nature with cultural heritage. It begins in the quiet village of Karthaus, once home to the Carthusian monastery “Allerengelberg”, and follows a peaceful forest road up into the alpine world.
The gravel path ascends steadily through a dense mountain forest, making it suitable even for less experienced riders looking for a scenic challenge. Along the way, panoramic views open up over the Schnals Valley and the surrounding peaks.
After gaining around 800 meters of elevation, the Klosteralm awaits at approximately 2,150 meters. Nestled among open alpine meadows, this traditional mountain hut is a tranquil retreat. During the summer months, guests can enjoy hearty South Tyrolean dishes and warm hospitality – the perfect reward before heading back down to the valley.
The two to ten kilometer long high-altitude cross-country ski track on the Schnalstal Glacier is located at about 3,000 meters above sea level. Open from early October to December, it offers athletes from various national teams ideal conditions for the high-altitude training for the preparation of the next racing season. Also a lot of amateur cross-country skiers choose the Hochjoch track to do their season warm-up.
The new black-labeled run is a training track for slalom and giant slalom specialists, offering the international elite in Alpine skiing the possibility to complete challenging workouts at the Senales Valley glacier skiing area in early autumn. But watch out: with a drop of 200 meters and an inclination of almost 60%, the Leo Gurschler ski slope is for experts only! It is in fact named after the local pioneer and visionary Leo Gurschler, who built the only glacier skiing area in South Tyrol, here in Senales Valley, 40 years ago.
Starting point: Certosa/Karthaus (1,327 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 1,602 m elevation gain, 4.5-5 hours
Best time: December to May
Also orographically speaking to the right of the Penaudtal Valley and more southerly towards Vinschgau Valley. The ascent is also from Certosa/Karthaus into the Penaudtal Valley, as with the ski tour to the Grubenspitze, but to Mountain pasture Penaud; continue up the Penaudtal Valley, take a left at altitude 2,500 and climb the lateral valley in a south-easterly direction. It is possible to reach the summit on skis. Descend by the same route.
For good skiers.
This unglaciated peak on the southern edge of the Ötztal Alps is on the border between Italy and Austria and is one of the easiest 3000 m-peaks to climb in the mountain range. It offers a wonderful panorama view towards the southern Schnalstal Valley and the Weißkugel (3,739 m a.s.l.).
Route A
Starting point: Maso Corto/Kurzras, Koflhof farm (1,938 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 1,497 m elevation gain, 5 hours
Best time: December to May
To the south, the Saldurkamm mountains sweep down towards the Schlandrauntal valley, to the west towards Matschertal valley and to the north towards Maso Corto/Kurzras over the Lagaunalm Mountain Hut. The tour to the Saldurspitze is quite challenging but spectacular. The ascent starts at Koflhof farm (0.7 km before Kurzras) and takes you through the Lagauntal Valley. From the uppermost section here, continue upwards and to the right through the steep tunnel valley to the Lagaun glacier and then northwards until you are beneath the Saldurspitze. A short, steep tunnel valley connects the southern ridge of the mountain with the glacier.
You can descend by the same route (moderately difficult), or by the steep north-east wall and the Lazaun Mountain Hut to Maso Corto/Kurzras (difficult).
For good skiers with Alpine experience
Route B
Starting point: Maso Corto/Kurzras, car park (2,011 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 1,424 m elevation gain, 5 hours
Best time: December to May
To the south, the Saldurkamm mountains sweep down towards the Schlandrauntal valley, to the west towards Matschertal valley and to the north towards Maso Corto/Kurzras over the Lagaunalm Mountain Hut. The tour starts on the mountain station of the Lazaun cable car. From the mountain station Lazaun, we continue on the level and then follow the slight incline up to the Lagaunferner glacier. This is the way to the Saldurjoch pass; there is a ski depot here. On foot over the north ridge to the summit. In good weather conditions, you can start the climb to the summit before the Saldurjoch pass taking the steep north flank. You can only descend by this route (difficult) if weather conditions are good.
For good skiers with Alpine experience
The chairlift brings you from the glacial lake back to the glacier and the Ötzi Biwak. There you can choose between the easy, blue ski run S1 or the Leo Gurschler steep. Here you can find also connection to the Grawand chairlift and following to the Schnalstal Glacier Cable Car which brings you back to valley.
Starting point: Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau (1,508 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 1,472 m elevation gain, 4.5 hours
Best time: December to May
Together with the Kleinen Wigenspitze that is slightly northwards, the Hohe Wiegenspitze rises between the Mastauntal and the Penaudtal valleys. Climb from Unser Frau through the Mastauntal valley, passing by the beautifully situated Mountain pasture Mastaun (1,810 m a.s.l). At the end of the valley, once you have negotiated the steep slope you will be on flat ground again. The trail continues, taking a sharp left, over the hollows of a wide valley and finally rising sharply over the western ridge to the summit. Descend by the same route.
For good skiers with Alpine experience
The mountain bike tour from Karthaus to the secluded Penaudalm is one of the most impressive experiences in the Schnals Valley. For those who embrace a physical challenge and love untouched alpine landscapes, this route offers pure nature and serenity.
Starting in the village of Karthaus, the trail leads through the village itself and then climbs past rustic mountain farms. From there, a forest road ascends steadily through dense mountain woods and wide alpine meadows. The tour is physically demanding, but not technically difficult – ideal for ambitious bikers seeking solitude and a deep nature experience.
After about 1,000 meters of elevation gain, the destination is reached: Penaudalm, at around 2,316 meters, nestled in an awe-inspiring high alpine setting. Up here, time seems to stand still. In summer, South Tyrol’s highest managed alpine dairy serves simple regional dishes – a true taste of Alpine culture, far from the everyday. (In 2025, the hut will remain closed.)
Ski lift at the border of the glacier with access to the easy, sunny and flat Finail ski run (blue).
Starting point: Mountain station Grawand (3,212 m a.s.l) or Refuge Bella Vista (2,842 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 700 m elevation gain, 3 hours
Best time: November to May
Descend to the edge of the right-hand tongue of the Hochjoch glacier at approx. 2,700 m a.s.l. Follow the hilly moraine ridges rising diagonally eastwards until you come to a short, steep slope and the edge of the glacier. The trail continues over a wide but rather flat glacier to Hauslabjoch pass at 3,279 m a.s.l with spectacular views. From this point, you already have an unimpeded view of the Ötzi pyramid. After a short downhill trek you come to the stone pyramid at 3,210 m a.s.l. Descend using the same route and then the valley trail to Maso Corto/Kurzras.
For intermediate level skiers with Alpine experience
Archaeological trail A10 is a particularly beautiful hike but somewhat longer and at times at higher altitudes.
An extremely interesting and beautiful trail through Pfossental valley, part of the Texelgruppe Nature Park. This is the largest nature park in South Tyrol and if you’re lucky, you’ll see some of the fauna that lives here.
The mountain bike tour from Jägerrast to the historic Eishof is one of the most scenic routes in the Texel Group Nature Park. Set within the wild beauty of the Pfossental Valley, the trail leads through one of South Tyrol’s most unspoiled alpine landscapes.
Starting at the Jägerrast inn (approx. 1,700 m), the tour follows a wide and well-maintained alpine road that climbs gently into the valley. The ascent is moderate, while the scenery becomes more impressive with every turn: rushing streams, blooming alpine meadows, and rustic huts line the way.
After about 300 meters of elevation gain, the destination is reached: the Eishof, located at 2,069 meters and one of the oldest alpine farms in South Tyrol. Surrounded by towering peaks, this quiet alpine refuge is open in summer and offers traditional South Tyrolean food – a perfect spot to rest, refuel, and reconnect with nature.
