Skiing in the Pitztal: Which Ski Area Suits You?

Three Ski Areas, One Practice Lift and Many Ways to Enjoy Winter

Skiing in the Pitztal does not mean choosing just one mountain world. The Pitztal Glacier takes you high above the valley, the ski day at Rifflsee begins directly in Mandarfen, and Hochzeiger offers sunny, family-friendly pistes. In addition, the Mandarfen practice lift is there for anyone who prefers to make their first turns calmly.

More than 121 kilometres of pistes are spread across the three ski areas of the Pitztal. Even so, winter remains easy to navigate. From the Mandarfner Hof, it is only a few steps to the Rifflsee cable car. The glacier is quickly reached by ski bus or car, while Hochzeiger lies down the valley near Jerzens.

Which area suits which kind of ski day? Here is our comparison.

Pitztal Glacier: High Alpine and Especially Snow-Sure

The Pitztal Glacier is Austria’s highest glacier ski area. Wide natural-snow pistes, a long season and an altitude of up to 3,440 metres make it the right destination for anyone who wants to ski in early autumn or well into spring.

Up there, winter feels bigger. The landscape is wide, the air is clear and, in good weather, the view stretches across a sea of peaks. A special stop is Café 3440, Austria’s highest coffee house and confectionery.

The glacier is particularly suitable for:

• snow-sure ski days from autumn to spring
• wide pistes and high-alpine panoramas
• sporty skiers, pleasure skiers and freeriders
• a visit to Café 3440

The Pitztal Glacier and Rifflsee form one ski area. Together they offer 68 kilometres of pistes and can be used with the same ski pass. Which connection, lifts and runs are open always depends on snow, weather and operations.

Rifflsee: Almost Directly from the Hotel to the Piste

For guests of the Mandarfner Hof, the Rifflsee ski area is especially convenient: the valley station is directly opposite. Have breakfast, put on your ski boots, step outside – the route to the first lift could hardly be shorter.

The area lies high above Mandarfen and combines varied natural-snow pistes with a peaceful mountain setting. Families feel at home here, as do good skiers who appreciate sporty runs and less bustle.

Rifflsee is particularly suitable for:

• short distances and an uncomplicated start
• families and pleasure skiers
• sporty runs in high-alpine surroundings
• guests who prefer to leave their car parked

And if your legs get tired early? The way back to the Mandarfner Hof is pleasantly short. An afternoon snack, sauna and warm water are already waiting.

Hochzeiger: Sunny, Family-Friendly and Varied

Hochzeiger is located near Jerzens at the entrance to the Pitztal. The ski area reaches 2,500 metres and offers 54 kilometres of pistes. Many runs lie above 2,000 metres, alongside wide panoramas, children’s facilities and sporty pistes.

A day at Hochzeiger brings variety to a ski week in Mandarfen. Anyone who sets off in the morning discovers another side of the valley – sunnier, wider and full of possibilities for families. The six-kilometre natural toboggan run is also worth a separate trip.

Hochzeiger is particularly suitable for:

• families and mixed ability levels
• sunny ski days with a 360-degree panorama
• skiers who enjoy exploring a larger area
• combining skiing and tobogganing

Mandarfen Practice Lift: Start Small and Stay Close

Not every ski day has to begin on the glacier. Anyone standing on skis for the first time, returning after a break or practising with children will find a dedicated practice lift with a children’s area and ski-school programme right in Mandarfen.

The terrain is manageable, distances are short and the atmosphere is relaxed. Beginners do not automatically need a large-area ski pass for their first hours. Ask the ski school or practice lift about current courses and tickets.

Which Ski Area Should It Be Today?

• Start directly from the hotel: Rifflsee
• Ski as high and snow-sure as possible: Pitztal Glacier
• Family facilities and sunny slopes: Hochzeiger
• First turns and a ski course: Mandarfen practice lift
• Coffee with an extraordinary view: Pitztal Glacier and Café 3440
• A ski day without a car: Rifflsee or the glacier by ski bus

The Ski Day Begins Right Outside the Mandarfner Hof

The beauty of a ski holiday in Mandarfen is the freedom. In the morning, you can decide spontaneously: go straight up to Rifflsee, continue to the glacier or head to Hochzeiger today. And after skiing, you can quickly return to the place where warmth, good food and peace are waiting.

Discover all options on our page about Winter Holidays in the Pitztal or start planning your winter days at the Mandarfner Hof.