Ötztal

The Ötztal is the perfect destination for those dreaming of a winter vacation filled with endless adventure.

Here, an impressive variety of winter sports awaits—from skiing and snowboarding to freeriding in a breathtaking alpine setting.

With a total of six ski resorts, reaching up to 3,340 meters above sea level, the Ötztal offers an unparalleled winter wonderland. The largest resort, Sölden, is a true mecca for winter sports enthusiasts. It captivates visitors with its long runs, such as the famous descent from the Rettenbach Glacier down to the valley, and provides numerous off-piste deep-snow routes. However, the high alpine terrain also comes with risks such as avalanches, crevasses, and sudden weather changes. For a safe freeriding experience, it’s highly recommended to explore with an experienced local mountain or ski guide.

What makes the Ötztal so special is its versatility—it’s also one of Austria’s top ice climbing destinations. You can experience this thrilling sport on several frozen waterfalls throughout the valley. There's no doubt that ice climbing isn’t something you just jump into without guidance. So, if you’re new to the sport but ready for a frozen vertical adventure, the expert guides in the Ötztal will be happy to help you get started!

For those looking to add more activities to their hiking and biking adventures, the region also offers 19 climbing areas with 700 routes for "vertical fun" on the rocks. In addition, AREA 47, Europe’s largest outdoor park, awaits you. Covering 95,000 square meters, AREA 47 offers more than 40 action sports. One highlight is one of Austria’s largest wakeboarding facilities, where you can enjoy the exciting sport from early May to mid-October, thanks to a state-of-the-art lift system.

There’s plenty to do on the water in the Ötztal as well. The Ötztaler Ache, a powerful mountain stream that carves its way through wild gorges toward the Inn River, is legendary among white-water enthusiasts. So, if you’re up for an action-packed adventure where you might find yourself longing for solid ground beneath your feet, a rafting tour on the Ötztaler Ache is just what you need. The routes are guided by certified rafting guides who will lead you safely through the waves and rapids.

Where mountain streams carve their way through gorges, over waterfalls, and through eroded basins, the conditions are perfect for a canyoning tour. At the entrance of the Ötztal, you'll find some of the best gorges for a guided route. Whether it’s a multi-hour journey through the Auerklamm, where jumps up to 16 meters await, or the beginner-friendly Rosengartenschlucht, the Ötztal is a true canyoning paradise.

Climbing via ferrata is one of the most exciting summer activities. Scaling a vertical landscape using steel rungs and ladders, with stunning views into the depths, requires a good dose of courage and a sense of adventure. The ten via ferrata routes in the Ötztal are perfect for gradually increasing your skills, so you don't have to tackle exposed sections right from the start. It’s best to begin at the beginner-friendly Piburg via ferrata, and then step up your game as you gain experience. With time, you might even take on the legendary Reinhard-Schiestl via ferrata and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Ötztal and Stubai Alps!