Our top 10 winter to-dos

The access to the cross-country ski trail is at the edge of Gries, a lovely mountain hamlet. Due to the trail's high altitude at 1600 m, it makes a splendid attraction. The 8.5 km long route, which leads around the entire village and into the valley towards Sulztal, is not that easy. Therefore, it is particularly recommended for advanced Nordic ski fans. The route starts along Fischbach brook leading towards Vögelas bridge, the highest point of this track. After crossing the brook for the last time and shortly before you get back to the access point, there is the last steep section before you reach your destination.

The location of scenic lake Piburger See has something very special. The lake nestles amidst mountains and forests like a hidden jewel. Everything seems very tranquil and sometimes a bit mystical if covered with fog. On cold winter days when the ice is thick enough, ice skating on lake Piburger See is an absolute must. The 2 kilometer long and 4 meter wide track meanders across the lake. Leisurely ice skating, playing hockey or dancing across the ice like an ice princess - it's all possible here. The atmosphere and the landscape complete this unique experience!

You have to conquer some 500 altitude meters and about 1.5 hours of ascent to lovely Stableinalm in Vent. With a little stamina it won’t be a problem! The view from the pasture hut and the landscape on the way up are incredibly beautiful. Accompanied by awesome vistas of the three thousand meter high peaks opposite, such as Ramolkogel, Firmisanschneide and Talleitspitze. A stop at Stableinalm to warm up and restore energy is also worthwhile. You can go down by mountain lift (chairlift from Stableinalm), on foot or toboggan. A 5 km long course leads in wide hairpin bends down to the valley floor amidst the fabulous high Alpine backdrop.

The hike to the enchanted forest is a lot of fun, especially for families. It starts at the Sautens elementary school: from here you walk along a forest path by exploring manifold activity stations. At various stops, children get to know more about bees and squirrels, forest animals and many other creatures. At the end of the theme trail there is a small playground that invites you to play in warmer temperatures with less snow. Then you simply return to the starting point and your hotel or restaurant for refreshments.

Fitness and stamina are required here! Your performance is not measured in altitude meters, but based on the distance covered. The entire southern Nordic ski trail is almost 10 kilometers long, so you definitely do meters here and you are guaranteed to sweat. The route also has a lot to offer in terms of landscape as it leads past dense forests and the AQUA DOME spa center - Tirol Therme Längenfeld, across meadows, over bridges and along rushing mountain brooks. Due to the varied terrain and the spectacular view of the Ötztal mountains this trail is fairly popular among cross-country skiers of all ages. Let your muscles work and beat our estimated time of about 2 hours.

In winter the AQUA DOME has a very special charm while relaxing in the warm brine pool and marveling at the breathtaking winter landscape all around. But the thermal baths have a lot more to offer. On some 22,000 square meters there are 12 indoor and outdoor pools filled with 34-36° Celsius warm water, a sauna world with 7 sauna parlors, a large children's area, a restaurant, a fitness center and a beauty department. Phew ... probably one day is not enough? That's right, of course, but you should definitely take your time and enjoy at least a day here. The slopes and the snow will certainly still be there also the next day.

From the Sattele parking area in Ochsengarten you head towards Feldringalm. And you won't take a mountain lift ride but walk on foot! Lace up sturdy winter boots, put your rucksack on your back and off you go. The toboggan run leads about 1 hour uphill and it is never particularly steep. At quaint Feldringalm you enjoy a refreshment stop to warm up your cold fingers, have a coffee or even lunch. The toboggan then takes you downhill again on the easy toboggan run perfectly suitable also for families. Toboggan rental is available directly from Feldringalm.

The winter hike to splendid Schweinfurter Hütte takes approx. 2 hours. While walking you hardly notice the difference in elevation of almost 500 altitude meters. The pleasantly ascending route only gets steeper at the end of the hike, and barely lets you feel the altitude difference. Scenic Schweinfurter Hütte is located at 2034 meters in very quiet terrain below Sömenspitze summit. The mountains around the hut are among the quietest within Ötztal in winter, a fact that makes Schweinfurter Hütte so popular among winter sports aficionados, winter hikers, tobogganing fans and ski tourers.

The lovely tour to Feldkögele at 2018 m starts in the beautiful mountaineering village of Vent. After a first steep ascent, the trail mainly leads along flat forest paths which are not only a perfect protection against wind and weather, but also invite you to indulge into the white winter wonderland around Vent. A great advantage: on a guided tour you don't have to concentrate on signposts, trail forks or the like, but only on the fabulous tour and ultimate fun in the snow. It's not the speed that counts, but the moment itself - promising pure relaxation and ultimate freedom.

Romping around and playing hard, having great fun and doing nonsense. Especially in winter, every garden or field invites you to snowball fights and other fun-packed winter games. This is exactly what Ötztal has to offer when it comes to snow playgrounds, including the one in Niederthai. An entire area where you can do exactly what you want, from making snow angels or building snow castles to all other outdoor games. In Niederthai there is also a special highlight to marvel at – Ötztal's giant snowman. Sliding hills and rubber tires offer even more tobogganing fun in small format.