Winter hiking tips
The most beautiful winter hikes in the upper Vinschgau Valley
Winter walks
Duration
Altitude
Difficulty
1 - 2 h walking time
140 hm
The Schliniger Alm is only about 2 km from the village of Schlinig and is an ideal winter hike for the afternoon or as a family walk. In addition to warm hospitality at the alm (open and managed in winter), this short and easy hike gives a great impression of the Schlinig valley.
Short description
You reach the starting point in Schlinig from the hotel in about 4 minutes. There is a car park right at the entrance to the village. From here, walk through the little village of Schlinig (1,738 m) along a tarmac road, then continue on the forest path to the Schliniger Alm.
This route is also suitable as an easy warm-up tour in the afternoon, as it involves only a small difference in altitude. The alm is managed, and a stop is highly recommended.
place to stop for refreshments
Schliniger Alm2 - 3 h walking time
200 hm
The Reschner Alm is situated above the Reschen Pass, close to the Austrian border. From here, the panoramic view stretches across Lake Reschen, the distinctive Klopaierspitze, and the peaks of the Ötztal Alps. The Reschner Alm is open and managed throughout the winter and is easily accessible via the “Kopfer Bridge” (Rojen valley), making it an ideal winter destination.
Short description
The starting point for the winter hike to the Reschner Alm is the so-called “Kopfer Bridge” just before Rojen, where there is a car park. This is reached via Reschen, past the Schöneben ski area and then on towards Rojen.
From the car park, follow a gently rising forest track through sparse woodland. Across lovely clearings with repeated open views of Lake Reschen, you soon reach the Reschner Alm.
place to stop for refreshments
Reschner Alm2 - 3 h walking time
250 hm
A snowshoe hike to the Matscher Alm is a truly special experience. The name “Matsch” comes from “Amatia” and means “the lovely valley”. Anyone setting out on a snowshoe tour here will quickly discover that the valley lives up to its name. The Matscher valley is not only one of the most beautiful side valleys of Vinschgau in summer, but also in winter.
Short description
The best place to park is at the Glieshof. From here, follow the wide farm track along the left side of the valley to the Matscher Alm.
At a fork, the route leads across meadows up to the alm at an altitude of 2,045 m. You return to the car park at Glieshof along the same path. The total hiking time is about 2 to 3 hours.
The views of the Saldur peaks, Ramudel and Upi valleys are magnificent from this vantage point.
place to stop for refreshments
Matscher Alm oder Glieshof2 - 3 h walking time
350 hm
The winter hike to the Höfer Alm is especially ideal after fresh snowfall and can be started directly from our hotel. The route leads through beautiful, tranquil woodland along a gently rising forest road up to the Höfer Alm.
Short description
The starting point for this easy winter walk is the car park at the Watles chairlift valley station in Prämajur at 1,718 m.
From the valley station, the path leads in just a few minutes into a small larch forest, where you already enjoy stunning views of the villages of Mals, Glurns, and Schluderns with the surrounding peaks.
place to stop for refreshments
Höfer Almca. 2 h walking time
120 hm
The winter hike to the Melager Alm is in the Langtauferer valley at the heart of the Ötztal Alps, offering one of the most beautiful valley heads in the Alps. The route from Melag to the Melager Alm is an easy and straightforward walk.
Short description
The starting point Melag in the uppermost Langtauferer valley is reached from Burgeis towards the Reschen Pass; at Graun, turn right into the Langtauferer valley. There is a large car park at the entrance to the village.
Allow about one hour for pure walking time (total time around 2 hours).
From the car park, walk to the far end of the village and follow the signs for the winter hiking trail leading to the alm, which is also managed in the winter months.
place to stop for refreshments
Melager Alm4 - 5 h walking time
600 hm
The winter hike to the Planeiler Alm leads along the sunny side of the beautiful Planeil valley to a panoramic alpine pasture with fantastic views of the rarely visited peaks of Valvelspitze and Rabenkopf. The path to the Planeiler Alm is usually well accessible for hikers, but you should always check the current conditions at reception.
Short description
The village of Planeil (1,600 m) can be reached either via Burgeis or via Mals and Ulten (ask at reception about current road conditions). The car park is located at the entrance to the village on the right.
From the car park, walk through the picturesque village of Planeil and follow the alm track (trail no. 6) gently upwards through the high valley, alongside the Punibach stream, towards the Planeiler Alm.
At the Petesettes farm, a bridge crosses the Puni stream to the left. From here, the route leads through a larch forest. Shortly before reaching the alm, you cross a small side valley—then it’s only a short distance to the beautifully situated alpine pasture.
The view from here into the Münstertal valley and the Sesvenna group is magnificent.
