When a peaceful nature experience and untouched first lines come together at an altitude of over 3,000m, this is nothing short of magic. This is exactly the mix that ski tourers are looking for. And they will find what they are looking for around Sölden, in a range of difficulty levels.
This is nothing new to passionate Alpine mountaineers because the ski tour offer which awaits in the Ötztal Alps is simple and legendary. Mountain lodge evenings bring people together as tales of the Haute Route in the Eastern Alps circulate. The Finailspitze, Wildspitze, Venter Runde, all of the names conjure up memories, experiences or a sense of anticipation. The nature off-piste is untouched and so legendarily beautiful that even hardened winter sports fans can hear their hearts beating when they see it. The clicking of a camera interrupts the magic for a moment as the sun rises above the mountaintops and the first group set off on their descent. But as always: safety first! The best way is to be accompanied by a mountain guide! Glacier crossings are only possible using a rope and in a group. Before setting off on any tour, consult the latest avalanche report, let the Welcome Desk know your provisional return time and take an avalanche transceiver device with you.
_983_1_a906ae8dd068cf46dffb096cab620977.webp)
This tour is rated as easy to medium-difficult and takes you up into the high Alpine terrain where you will be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views. Set off from the Gaisberg mountain station, via the Schönwieshütte (2,262 m) and Langtalereckhütte (2,430 m) lodges and then to the Innere Hochebenkar. Be aware - the wind gap up to the summit (3,228 m) has a gradient of up to 40 degrees and presents a particular avalanche risk.
This short yet refined ski tour sets off directly from THE SECRET. You will follow the Windaustraße and then turn right along a small trail up to the Sonnenwinklweg which runs along the Granbichlstraße. The landlord carefully prepares the route so that you can climb up to the mountain lodge evening at your leisure and surrounded by tranquillity. Don’t forget a head torch for your journey back home!
At 2,902m, our local mountain is beneath the 3,000m mark but is one of the mountains with the most beautiful views! And: You can set out directly from THE SECRET, following the Granbichlstraße through the quiet side of Sölden up to the Kleble Alm. Then over snowy fields, rock faces and edges of the terrain up to the ridge (ski store) and summit cross.
From 2,014 m at the Gasthof Rofenhof guesthouse behind Vent, head into the Rofental valley and then up the steep slopes. Around the ridge of the Plattei, you will come to the Vernagthütte lodge at 2,766 m after around 3.5 hours. From a height of around 2,900m, you will encounter the Vernagtferner glacier and at 3,080m a climate station. From here, you can continue on to the Westgipfel (3,530 m) or to the Ostgipfel (3,539 m) of the Hochvernagtspitze peaks.
Remote high mountain landscapes, far away from everything - that's the world of ski touring. You slowly gain altitude, step by step entering a world of fascination, of walking and looking which you never want to end.
Because we can! That would probably be the answer given by those who first explored the legendary Venter Runde circuit. It involves five days out in the largest continuous glacial region of the Eastern Alps, crossing the highest summit in the Ötztal Alps, passing the point where the preserved body of Ötzi the Iceman was found and floating in seemingly endless 360 degree panoramic views of mountain summits, glaciers and happiness.
Safety is always the top priority! Please follow our recommendation to be accompanied by a mountain guide. Glacier crossings are only possible in a group and using a rope. Before setting off on any tour, consult the latest avalanche report, let us know your provisional return time and take an avalanche transceiver device with you.
Perhaps ski touring is like many things in life: the things which you fight hard for make you stronger, prouder and happier. The mountains offer many rewards. Walking in step with fellow mountain fans, the untouched snow cover, the most beautiful spots which, in that moment, belongs just to us.
