Snowshoeing

The Reschner Alm is located above the Reschen Pass, close to the Austrian border. From the Reschner Alm, the view stretches across Lake Reschen, the distinctive Klopaierspitze and the summits of the Ötztal Alps. The Reschner Alm is also open and managed during the winter months.

Short description

The starting point of this snowshoe hike is the village of Reschen on the Reschen Pass. It is best to park near the small drag lift directly on the left after the village.
The snowshoe hike to the Reschner Alm is one of the most beautiful winter routes in the Upper Vinschgau valley. At first, the notorious ‘Oberwind’ may still be blowing, but before long, you reach the sheltered forest at Valierteck (trail no. 5) via the Pofel meadows. Passing a small chapel, the route continues through deep snow to the alpine trail (no. 5a), which leads directly to the Reschner Alm.
From there, the view over the frozen Lake Reschen and towards the striking summit of the Klopaierspitze is truly unique. The descent is quick and easy, either across the meadows or along the same route back, soon returning to the starting point in Reschen.
The snowshoe hike to the Reschner Alm offers wonderful terrain and breathtaking views over the Reschen area. Despite the 500 metres of ascent, this route is highly recommended; its sunny south‑eastern exposure means it enjoys sunshine from early morning onwards.

Total distance

The tour from Schlinig to the Kälberhütte can be easily reached from our hotel, as it takes only five minutes to get to Schlinig, the starting point of this snowshoe hike. The snowshoe tour to the Kälberhütte leads through beautiful woodland up to the picturesque Kälberhütte, idyllically situated just below the tree line.

Short description

The starting point of the snowshoe hike to the Kälberhütte is the small mountain village of Schlinig. The village can be reached from our hotel in just five minutes. It is best to park at the beginning of the village on the left-hand side (large car park).
From there, follow the road to the end of the village of Schlinig (1,738 m) and turn left below the cross-country ski centre. Immediately after the bridge, continue on the forest road (trail no. 10 – direction Monterodes). Through the beautifully snow-covered winter forest, you will reach the Kälberhütte (2,137 m) after about 1.5 to 2 hours.
The hike to the Schlinig Kälberhütte is moderate, with the last 100 metres of elevation being slightly steeper, yet it is easily manageable even for beginners.
The descent is best made along the same route as the ascent.

A snowshoe hike to the Matscher Alm is a truly special experience. The name Matsch derives from "Amatia", meaning "the lovely valley". Anyone exploring Matsch on snowshoes will quickly realise how fitting that description is. The Matschertal is not only one of the most beautiful side valleys of the Vinschgau in summer but also an exceptionally rewarding destination in winter.

Short description

It is best to park your car at the Glieshöfe and follow the wide forest path on the left side of the valley towards the Matscher Alm. At a junction, the path continues over the meadows up to the Matscher Alm at an elevation of 2,045 m. The return to the car park at the Glieshof follows the same route. The total walking time is about 2 to 3 hours.
The panoramic view of the Saldur peaks and the Ramudel and Upi valleys is truly magnificent.

Variant

For those who find this tour too short, it is also possible, given sufficient snow conditions, to start directly from the village of Matsch and follow the meadow trails up to the Glieshof (approximately 2 to 3 hours round trip).

place to stop for refreshments

The snowshoe hike to the Höfer Alm is ideal especially after fresh snowfall and can even be started directly from our hotel.
The route follows a gently rising forest road through peaceful woodland up to the Höfer Alm, offering wonderful views along the way.

Short description

The starting point of this easygoing snowshoe hike is the car park at the valley station of the Watles chairlift in Prämajur (1,718 m).
From the valley station, the trail leads within a few minutes into a small larch forest, from which there are already breathtaking views of the villages of Mals, Glurns, and Schluderns lying in the valley below.
Especially after fresh snowfall, this route offers a beautiful and peaceful nature experience.

place to stop for refreshments

The snowshoe hike in the Avigna Valley is a peaceful and solitary tour through a beautiful high‑mountain valley, far away from busy ski areas and crowded trails.

Short description

The starting point for the hike into the Avigna Valley is Taufers in the Münstertal, just before the Swiss border, which can be reached from our hotel via Mals and Laatsch.
From Taufers, a snowshoe tour can be undertaken into the Avigna Valley. Shortly after passing the schoolyard, turn right to enter the valley. The route leads past the old sawmill and across the bridge, continuing on the broad trail no. 1 into the Avigna Valley. The trail can be followed as far as the Mangitzer Alm.

Variant

With good conditions and sufficient experience, this tour can be extended up to the Scarljoch (S‑Charl Pass).

place to stop for refreshments

The hike to the Stilfs Alpine pasture is a rewarding snowshoe tour in the Ortler region, far from lifts and crowds. Anyone seeking tranquillity in a unique, pristine winter landscape will be truly delighted by this snowshoe hike.

Short description

The starting point for this tour is the car park at the wildlife enclosure Fragges (1,742 m – Stilfs farms), reached via a mountain road (Stilfserhöfe) which branches off between Gomagoi and Stilfs.
From the car park at the wildlife enclosure, a gentle ascent leads up to the Upper Stilfs Alpine pasture. Follow trail marker no. 2 along the beautifully maintained path through woodland before it joins the alpine road. Following this track, you reach the Stilfs Alpine pastures.
The Upper Stilfs Alm lies at an altitude of 2,077 metres and is now also open in winter (weekends – information at reception). Wanderers can expect a marvellous snow-covered winter landscape on this tour. However, current trail conditions should be checked at the hotel, as the path can sometimes be icy and therefore more challenging in the forest section.

Variant

From the same starting point, you can also take the hike to the Furkelhütte (3–4 hours). The Furkelhütte lies in the middle of the Trafoi ski area and is also managed.

place to stop for refreshments

The snowshoe hike to the Kälberhütte in Sulden offers especially fantastic views of the Sulden trio: Königspitze, Zebru, and Ortler. Although the Kälberhütte is not serviced, this tour is still a rewarding destination amidst the striking peaks of the Ortler group.

Short description

The snowshoe hike to the Kälberhütte starts in Sulden, right by the Hotel Marlet. The best places to park are just below Hotel Marlet or opposite the Hotel Post.
From the Hotel Marlet, follow the signposted route along trails no. 18 and 19, and in about 1.5 to 2 hours you will reach the Kälberhütte at 2,248 m.
Although not serviced in winter, the hut rewards snowshoe hikers with a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountain peaks. The spectacular view of the Sulden trio in particular makes this tour a unique experience.

place to stop for refreshments

The hike to the Brugger Alm delights with a beautiful ascent past a picturesque little church and wonderful views over the upper Vinschgau valley.

Short description

The starting point of this winter hike is the car park at the Fischerhäuser. From the car park, first take trail no. 8 to the Fauler See. From here, a small detour to the Fischgader farms (no. 5) is worthwhile.
Head back to the Fauler See and continue along the alpine road (no. 8) past a wayside shrine to the little church of St. Martin. Here, hikers are rewarded with a glorious view over the upper Vinschgau valley.
Following the Zerzerbach, you reach the Brugger Alm in about thirty to forty-five minutes. The Brugger Alm is not serviced in winter. The view into the untouched Zerzertal, with the imposing Vernungspitze in the background, defines the landscape around the Brugger Alm.
Descend along the same route as for the ascent.

The hike to the Planeiler Alm leads along the sunny side of the beautiful Planeil valley to a panoramic alpine pasture, offering wonderful views of the rarely visited peaks of the Portlesspitze, Valvelspitze, and Rabenkopf.

Short description

The village of Planeil (1,600 m) can be reached via Burgeis or via Mals and Ulten (please check road conditions at reception). The car park is at the entrance to the village on the right-hand side.
From the car park, walk through the picturesque village of Planeil and follow the alpine path (trail no. 6) steadily upwards through the high valley, alongside the Puni stream, towards the Planeiler Alm.
At the Petesettes farm, a bridge crosses the Puni to the left. From there, the route continues gently uphill through a larch forest. Shortly before the alm, a small side valley is crossed; from there it is not far to the beautifully situated alm.
The view from here into the Münstertal valley and the Sesvenna range is magnificent.

place to stop for refreshments