Mandarfner Hof Blog

Pitztal Glacier: Hiking, Skiing and the Wildspitze

The Pitztal Glacier is one of the most impressive natural spectacles in all of Tyrol. At over 3,000 metres above sea level, a glacier accessible year-round shows a completely different face depending on the season. In summer a quiet place for hikers, in winter one of the snowiest ski areas in the Alps. You are very welcome to experience both.



Up to the Glacier via the Wildspitzbahn

The journey into the glacier world begins with the Glacier Express in the valley, which brings you to the mid-station. From there the Wildspitzbahn takes over and carries you up to 3,440 metres above sea level. From Mandarfen the valley station is easy to reach and the ride takes only a few minutes. What opens up at the top is difficult to put into words.


Pitztal Glacier in Summer

The Pitztal Glacier in summer is a place apart. While temperatures rise in the valley, snow still covers the glacier above. Glacier tours, high-altitude hikes and views across the surrounding three-thousanders draw walkers from across Europe. Hiking the Pitztal Glacier means strapping on crampons, taking in the silence and understanding why the high mountains hold such a pull. Café 3440 waits as a reward at the top.


The Wildspitze

At 3,774 metres, the Wildspitze is the second highest mountain in Austria and the landmark of the Pitztal. From the Wildspitzbahn it feels close enough to touch. Experienced mountaineers can summit it; everyone else is very welcome to admire it from the panoramic terrace of Café 3440. Seeing the Wildspitze in Pitztal from this close stays with you.



Pitztal Glacier in Winter

In winter the glacier becomes a ski area of a particular kind. 25 kilometres of pistes, snow that holds well into May and skiing at up to 3,440 metres above sea level. The Pitztal Glacier is one of the highest-altitude ski areas in Austria. Beginners, families and freeriders each find their terrain depending on ability. The runs are long and the powder snow is the stuff of legend.



Starting Point Mandarfen

Boutique Hotel Mandarfner Hof in Mandarfen is ideally placed for anyone wanting to explore the Pitztal Glacier. Short drive to the valley station, no detours, no parking headaches. Whether a summer day trip or a full ski day in winter, the glacier is the natural first excursion from here. You are very welcome to put it on the plan for every single day.


Pitztal Glacier Marathon and PAGT
Das Gletscherkino auf dem Mittagskogel
Pitztal Glacier: Hiking, Skiing and the Wildspitze
Zwei Personen essen Kuchen auf einer Bergterrasse mit Bergpanorama
Café 3440 in Pitztal: Coffee at the Top of the Glacier
There are cafés with a nice view.
Aperitif im Mandarfner Hof – Stilvoll genießen im Boutique Hotel Pitztal
Adults Only Hotel in Tyrol: November at Mandarfner Hof
November has a quality that summer never quite reaches. The quiet is more real, the light over the three-thousanders softer, and the valley belongs almost entirely to those who know what they are looking for.
Pitztal’s Top Summer and Autumn Events – And We Are Right in the Middle of It
The Most Beautiful Hikes from Mandarfen | Mandarfner Hof
Aussenansicht vom Naturparkhaus Kaunergrat im Sommer
Pitztal Attractions: The Best Things to Do in the Valley
The Pitztal is not a valley you see in a day.
Frau macht Yoga
Yoga Hotel in Austria: Our Activity Programme
A holiday in the Pitztal can be more than mountain air and sleeping in.
Das traumhafte Gebiet vom Hochzeiger im Sommer
Hiking at the Hochzeiger in Pitztal
There are mountains you climb. And there are mountains where you simply want to be at the top. The Hochzeiger in Pitztal is both.
Infinity Outdoorpool im Hotel Mandarfner Hof
Wellness Hotel in the Pitztal: Just Let Yourself Drift.
Kulinarik im Mandarfner Hof – Kreative Genusserlebnisse
Arriving Without Compromise.
Gluten-free holidays in Pitztal without compromise. Simply let us know at booking and the team will be happy to prepare.
Frühstück im Boutique Hotel Mandarfner Hof – Genuss mit Bergblick
Taking the Morning Slowly.
There are breakfasts you miss long after the holiday is over. The breakfast at Mandarfner Hof is one of them.
The Rifflsee in Pitztal
At 2,232 metres lies the highest mountain lake in Austria.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
Glide through a snowy alpine landscape on a horse-drawn sleigh in the Pitztal. Mulled wine, tea and Haflinger horses included – a magical winter experience.
Portrait von unserem privaten Skilehrer Seppi
Our Private Ski Instructor
Meet Seppi Schwarz – a state-certified ski instructor & guide with over 20 years of experience in Pitztal, offering private lessons, freeride and ski touring.
Das Skigebiet Pitztaler Gletscher an einem schönen sonnigen Wintertag
Ski Touring High at the Pitztal Glacier
When the mountain peaks shimmer with snow and the crisp winter air takes your breath away, you’ve arrived at the heart of alpine winter sport.
Winterpanorama am Pitztaler Gletscher
Winterwandern
Winterwandern & Schneeschuhtouren in Mandarfen
Das Skigebiet Pitztaler Gletscher an einem schönen sonnigen Wintertag
The Call of the Three-Thousanders
Freeriding & Ski Touring in the Glacier Spring