Winter Holidays in the Pitztal without Skiing: 9 Experiences
Winter Offers More Than Pistes
You do not have to ski to look forward to winter in the Pitztal. Discover the valley on foot, on cross-country skis, on a sledge or simply wrapped in a warm blanket. Sometimes the best item on the programme is no item at all: snow falls outside, the water is warm inside and the day is allowed to slow down.
These nine experiences show how varied a winter holiday in the Pitztal can be without skiing.
1. Walk through the Snow to Mittelberg
The winter path through the Innerpitztal leads via Weißwald, Plangeroß, Tieflehn and Mandarfen to Mittelberg. You can walk the full route or choose a shorter section directly from Mandarfen.
Sturdy shoes, warm clothing and the current path status are essential. For a peaceful walk, you need little more than time.
2. Go Deeper into Winter on Snowshoes
More than 79 kilometres of marked snowshoe routes are spread throughout the Pitztal. The choice ranges from shorter outings to demanding tours.
Beyond secured paths, winter is alpine terrain. If you have little experience, join a guided tour. That way, an adventure does not become an unnecessary risk.
3. Glide Along the Valley Trail
Around 75 kilometres of trails offer opportunities for classic cross-country skiing and skating. In suitable conditions, the valley trail reaches Mandarfen. There are also high-altitude trails and a training trail in the village.
An introductory lesson makes it easier to get started. After that, the calm rhythm often arrives sooner than expected.
4. Toboggan Down into the Valley
Twelve tobogganing opportunities and more than 21 kilometres of runs make the Pitztal enjoyable on runners as well. The best-known is the approximately six-kilometre natural run at Hochzeiger. Depending on the season, there are also evening tobogganing options in Mandarfen.
A helmet, sturdy shoes and controlled riding are essential.
5. Take a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
Wrapped in a blanket and accompanied by the sound of bells and horses’ footsteps, the Pitztal looks different again. Rides are offered during the day and in the evening and usually last around an hour.
As places are limited, booking early is worthwhile.
6. Ride Up to Café 3440
Non-skiers can also reach Café 3440 when the lifts are operating. The Gletscherexpress and Wildspitzbahn take guests up to 3,440 metres. At the top await Austria’s highest coffee house, homemade cakes and views of the Wildspitze.
Weather, wind and lift operation determine whether the journey is possible, so check the current information on the same day.
7. Try Ice Climbing
More than 45 icefalls and over 58 ice and mixed routes make the Pitztal a special area. Beginners should only gain their first experience with professional guidance. Specialist equipment can be hired from providers.
If you do not want to climb yourself, the frozen waterfalls are also an impressive winter landscape to admire from a safe distance.
8. Explore the Valley with the Guest Card
The Pitztal Guest Card includes free use of public buses to Imst and many regular cross-country trails, as well as selected programmes and discounts.
That means you can leave the car where it is. Find current services and exceptions in the digital myPitztal holiday guide or ask at reception.
9. Take a Slow Wellness Afternoon
Sometimes the best winter plan is a bathrobe. At the Mandarfner Hof and the directly connected Wildspitze sister hotel, you can enjoy an alpine sauna, indoor pool, heated outdoor infinity pool and relaxation rooms.
While the temperature drops outside, everything can become softer inside. A massage or treatment turns a free afternoon into a proper break.
A Shared Holiday, Even When Not Everyone Skis
Mandarfen is ideal for couples, friends and families with different winter wishes. Skiers start across the road at the Rifflsee cable car, while others walk, cross-country ski or enjoy a quiet morning. Later, everyone meets again for an afternoon snack, in the spa or at dinner.
Nobody has to do the same thing for a holiday to feel shared.
Discover more possibilities on our page about Winter Holidays in the Pitztal.