Our top 9 winter to-dos
Highlights for your winter holiday
Ötztal - a true winter wonderland with lots of charm and authentic Tirolean warmth. From all the activities that you can enjoy here with us, we have put together a few of our favorite winter to-dos and insider tips especially for you. Have fun browsing through and trying them out (hopefully soon).
1. Nordic high altitude track Gries
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, there are very reliable snow conditions and a wintry atmosphere. 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.
2. Ice skating on lake Piburger See
Lake Piburg’s location is unique. Nestled between mountains and forests, it lies like a hidden natural gem. In winter, when a thick layer of snow blankets the landscape in white, the lake exudes a special sense of tranquility and an almost mystical atmosphere. 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!
3. Toboggan trail Stablein
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.
4. Southern Nordic ski trail
This one really tests your stamina! Your performance isn't measured in meters of elevation gain, but in kilometers covered. In total, you'll cover over 11 kilometers on this route—and you're guaranteed to work up a 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.
5. AQUA DOME - Tirol Therme
In winter, the AQUA DOME reveals its very special charm. While the snow-covered mountain landscape outside is enchanting, you can relax wonderfully in the warm saltwater pool. But the spa has much more to offer: Spanning 22,000 square meters, you’ll find 12 indoor and outdoor pools with water temperatures ranging from 34 to 36 °C, a sauna area with seven saunas, a large children’s area, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a beauty salon. Be sure to set aside plenty of time, enjoy this soothing break, and leave the slopes for another day.
6. Toboggan run Feldringalm
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.
7. Schweinfurterhütte
The winter hike to splendid Schweinfurter Hütte takes approx. 2 hours. The pleasantly ascending route only gets steeper at the end of the hike, and barely lets you feel the almost 500 altitude meters 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.
8. Guided snowshoe hiking route to Feldkögele
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.
9. Snow playground
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.
Even more ideas for your vacation
This article was originally published in December 2021 and was updated on June 29, 2026.
Verena Nicolussi Castellan
For Verena, the mountains are a lot more than just a travel destination: they represent both home and freedom. Be it hiking, snowboarding or other outdoor activities, she perfectly recharges her energy and discovers new favorite places. Guided by the motto "always preferring the outdoors", she shares recommendations that she is passionate about, also aiming to inspire readers to discover nature, the mountains and Ötztal firsthand.