Water strider Mutsbühl (Mutsbichl) Vent

Surefootedness

Rofner Ache

• The Rofner Ache consists up to one third of suspended matter, sand, debris and stones. Overall, the catchment areas of Gurgl and Vent yield an estimated debris volume of about 260,000 m³ or 700,000 tons annually.

WATER IN THE ÖTZTAL

Water, the defining element of the Ötztal.

The freshwater melted from glaciers by the sun feeds the meadows and the Ötztaler Ache, which runs through the 65 km long valley. The catchment area of the Ötztaler Ache covers 893 km² with an altitude range between about 700 and 3,774 m. This glacial meltwater fills the water reservoir for the population and provides drinking water supply.

Glaciers store three quarters of all freshwater reserves and thus represent the largest natural water reservoirs in the world.

In the year 1770, the advancing ice repeatedly dammed large lakes, which caused catastrophic floods throughout the Ötztal and even in the Inn valley when they burst. The natural hazard motivated people to engage more with their environment and promoted glacier research. The diversity of water in the Ötztal serves not only science. The Ötztal glaciers are also recreational areas for residents and guests, as these "ice wonders" additionally serve as hiking and especially skiing areas. Furthermore, glacial meltwater has enabled action-packed leisure activities such as rafting, white-water rafting and many more.

More info about hiking in the Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/wandern 

The hike starts at the valley station of the Wildspitze double chairlift in Vent. From there, you walk past the mountaineers' chapel and, keeping left, cross the bridge over the Venter Ache. From there, continue on the signposted path towards Mutsbühel. Right at the beginning, some altitude meters need to be mastered, but the varied path makes you forget all efforts. Slowly you leave the wooded zone behind and walk uphill over green meadows. At the destination, you will be rewarded with a gigantic panoramic view.

From Mutsbühl, you walk almost at the same altitude with a fantastic view further towards Ramolalm (not managed). There you walk over lush alpine pastures and descend left on a hiking trail. On the descent through a wooded area soon you will meet the Central Alpine Trail, which you follow back to Vent.