A guide to Pitztal in Tirol
Located in North Tyrol and conveniently just 60km west of Innsbruck, Pitztal is a beautiful region of the Austrian Alps; most of the valley is part of a nature reserve - the Kaunergrat Naturpark. The Hochzeiger ski resort is family friendly ski-ing at its best, it is known to be one of the most snow sure ski areas in Europe with 90% of the runs above 2000m. Former Austrian former World Cup champion alpine ski racer and Olympic gold medallist Benjamin Raich was born here. Numerous typically Tyrolean mountain villages and hamlets extend over 25km up to the higher points of the valley. There are 15 après-ski bars 18 restaurants in the Pitztal Ski area.
Pitztal ski area
The ski area offers a balance that will keep the whole family happy with 12km of blue runs, 22km of red runs and 8km of black runs, all served by fast modern ski lifts, all with amazing views & glacial features. The lift system is good, with access from the valley via an underground funicular. Restaurants, mountain huts and bars are open throughout the ski season. But there is much more here than 40km of ski slopes. The skiable vertical is an impressive 1,760m when the Ski touring routes to well over 3000m are included. Off the pistes, the Pitztal Glacier, Hochzeiger and Rifflsee areas are all perfect for freeriding. The X Park has numerous jumps in different levels of difficulty as well as family Cross, Funline and Waveline trails. Snow is guaranteed from mid-September to mid-May thanks to the high altitude of Hochzeiger ski area and comprehensive snow-making.
Cross-country skiers will find ideal terrain to explore with professionally groomed trails of 3 to 7km on the Pitztal Glacier at 2,700m.
For something different, for all the family, the Hochzeiger toboggan run over 7km starting at 2,000m follows a track through the pine forest with a drop of 555m down to the valley station of the Hochzeiger gondola lift.
Summer in Pitztal
Pitztal offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities including tennis, yoga, lake swimming, rafting and climbing. Hiking trails extend over 380 km served by the mountain railways and gondolas of Hochzeiger, Rifflsee and Pitztal Glacier. Routes can be chosen which lead to waterfalls, crystal-clear mountain lakes for a refreshing swim for all levels. Or try the 3 to 7 day routes around the ridge of the Kaunergrat.
For a true challenge, the highest mountain of North Tyrol, the Wildspitze at 3,774 metres can be tackled. A more moderate option is the Rappenkopf peak in St Leonhard which can be reached in an easy hike starting from the Arzler Alm mountain hut. The region offers mountain restaurants and catered accommodation for hikers offering true Tyrolean hospitality. Early risers can take the Gletscherexpress to the Wildspitzbahn, breakfast is served during the summer at the dramatic peak of the Wildspitze - Austria's 2nd highest peak - at 3,440m. THE 3440 is Austria’s highest café.
For more details on Mountain Biking in Pitztal, check out our blog: Where to go Mountain Biking in the Alps
Other destinations in the Austrian alps:
Brixen im Thale, Ellmau, Fieberbrunn, Hochkönig, Kaprun, Kirchberg in Tirol, Kitzbühel, Lech, Saalbach, Söll in Tirol, Zell Am See