Winter in Mandarfen
The Mandarfner Hof is a small 4-star boutique hotel in the upper Pitztal valley. Twenty rooms, a lot of personality and a location that makes the winter holiday pleasantly straightforward.
The Rifflsee cable car is just a few steps away. The Pitztal Glacier is also quickly accessible, and the free ski bus connects Mandarfen with other winter destinations in the valley. So the ski day starts without lengthy planning – and ends where afternoon refreshments, wellness and a fine dinner are already waiting.
Three ski areas. One practice lift. Over 120 kilometres of pistes.
Pitztal Glacier, Rifflsee and Hochzeiger add variety to your ski holiday. There’s also the practice lift in Mandarfen for your first turns, ski lessons and uncomplicated hours on the snow. The three ski areas together offer more than 120 kilometres of pistes; on the glacier, the season usually runs from autumn well into spring. Which lifts and runs are open depends on current snow, weather and operating conditions.
Skiing throughout the Pitztal
In the morning, fasten your ski boots, take a few steps, and ride the Rifflseebahn up into winter. Or take the ski bus to the glacier and, on another day, further to the Hochzeiger. The location in Mandarfen makes skiing easy: without much organisation and with plenty of options to suit your own rhythm.
Rifflsee – the ski day begins right outside your door
The Rifflseebahn is located right in Mandarfen and just a few steps away from the Mandarfner Hof. At the top, wide natural snow pistes, a tranquil high-alpine landscape, and sweeping views of the surrounding three-thousanders await. The area is suitable for enjoyable skiing days as well as for families and sporty guests.
Pitztal Glacier – high-alpine and particularly snow-reliable
At the Pitztal Glacier, you can ascend to 3,440 metres. Wide pistes, modern mountain lifts and the long season from autumn well into spring make it the heart of the winter offering. Together with Rifflsee, it forms a shared ski area with 67 kilometres of pistes and a single ski pass.
Hochzeiger – sunny, family-friendly and varied
Further down the valley near Jerzens, the Hochzeiger offers a third ski area. With 54 kilometres of pistes, sun-drenched slopes, a 360-degree panorama and options for families, beginners and sporty skiers, it makes for a great alternative for another day of holiday. There is also a six-kilometre-long natural toboggan run as part of the Hochzeiger experience.
Experience winter away from the slopes
The valley offers quiet paths, sporting challenges and experiences that will long be remembered even without a lift pass.
Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking
On prepared winter trails, you can discover the landscape at a more relaxed pace. If you want to venture deeper into the snow, the Pitztal offers more than 79 kilometres of marked snowshoe routes in varying lengths and difficulty levels.
Guided tours are a great way to experience the high-alpine winter world safely and with local expertise.
Cross-country skiing from the valley trail to the high-altitude trail
75 kilometres of trails offer classic and skating-style cross-country skiing through the Pitztal valley. The valley trail extends as far as Mandarfen, with high-altitude trails at Rifflsee and the Pitztal Glacier, as well as the illuminated night trail in Stillebach. Even in autumn, a dedicated training trail in Mandarfen expands the offering for ambitious skiers.
Sledging by day and night
Twelve toboggan and nature sledging runs covering a total of more than 21 kilometres bring variety to your winter holiday. Depending on snow and operating conditions, sledging evenings also take place directly at the Übungslift Mandarfen. At Hochzeiger, there is also a six-kilometre-long illuminated nature sledging run.
Ice climbing in Pitztal
Frozen waterfalls, north faces and ice walls make the Pitztal a special area for ice climbers. With more than 45 icefalls and over 58 ice and mixed routes, there are options for different skill levels. If you want to gain your first experience, one can go with an experienced mountain guide and should inform themselves in advance about ice, weather and avalanche conditions.
Easier winter days with the Pitztal Guest Card
Guests staying overnight in Pitztal receive the Pitztal Guest Card. It makes many journeys and experiences simpler: one can use the public buses in Pitztal free of charge up to Imst Postplatz, as well as the regular cross-country ski trails in the valley. Currently excluded are the Mandarfen training trail and the high-altitude trails at Pitztaler Gletscher and Rifflsee.
Other benefits include free participation in the Kaunergrat Nature Park’s winter programme and discounts with selected partners. The myPitztal digital holiday companion provides convenient access to current events, open businesses and personal holiday ideas.
This means the car can stay parked more often – and the winter day can begin where it is most beautiful.
Wellness after a day on the slopes
After a day outdoors, one can let the body recover. At the Mandarfner Hof, warmth, water and tranquillity await: the in-house Alpinsauna as well as an indoor pool, a heated outdoor infinity pool and relaxation rooms in the directly connected sister hotel Wildspitze
The most beautiful moment is when the cold winter air lingers over the water and one can gaze outside from the warmth of the pool. The legs feel light, the mind becomes calm, and the day on the slopes can slowly wind down.
For those seeking even more relaxation, a massage or wellness treatment can be booked. Or simply stay a little longer, perhaps with a book, perhaps with a view of the mountains, perhaps without a plan.
Pleasure that belongs to winter
A winter’s day in the Pitztal begins with breakfast that provides energy for the outdoors.
After returning, there’s the afternoon snack waiting. Something warm, a slice of cake and that good feeling of having already experienced enough for the day. In the evening, the ski day turns into a pleasurable holiday: with a fine 5-course dinner, Tyrolean roots, seasonal ideas and a glass of wine where one can happily linger on.
One can give winter moments
Sometimes the best gift isn’t a thing, but time. A voucher for the Mandarfner Hof offers anticipation of snowy mountains, days on the slopes, warm water, good food and a few days where winter reigns outside and cosiness awaits inside.
For people who love skiing. For those seeking peace. For connoisseurs. For anyone to whom you want to give not just something, but a real break.
A voucher doesn’t say: You need a holiday.
It says: One can take time for oneself.
Who the winter at Mandarfner Hof is made for
For people who love the snow but don’t need the hustle and bustle.
For couples who want to combine skiing days with wellness.
For connoisseurs who enjoy coming home in style after being outdoors.
For winter hikers, freeriders and anyone looking to find their own rhythm.
Frequently asked questions about winter holidays
Is the Mandarfner Hof a good starting point for skiing?
Yes. The Mandarfner Hof is located in Mandarfen right by the mountain railways. The Rifflseebahn and the Mandarfen practice lift are just a few steps away, and the Pitztal Glacier is also quickly accessible. With the ski bus, further winter destinations in the valley can be reached easily.
Which ski resorts are there in the Pitztal?
In the Pitztal Valley, there are three ski areas – Pitztaler Gletscher, Rifflsee and Hochzeiger – offering a total of more than 120 kilometres of pistes. In Mandarfen, a practice lift is directly available to complement the offer for beginners, returning skiers and ski courses.
How large is the Pitztal Glacier & Rifflsee ski area?
The Pitztal Glacier and Rifflsee together form a ski area with 67 kilometres of pistes. A lift pass is valid for both areas. They are connected via the valley descent, provided the descent is open.
What does the Hochzeiger ski area offer?
The Hochzeiger near Jerzens offers 54 kilometres of pistes, sun-drenched descents and a varied range of options for families, beginners and sporty skiers. The winter offering also includes a six-kilometre-long natural toboggan run. Opening times and transport connections should be checked before the trip.
Is there a practice lift in Mandarfen?
Yes. The Mandarfen practice lift with children’s area and ski school facilities is ideal for first turns and a relaxed start. Depending on snow and operating conditions, tobogganing evenings are also held there.
How long can one ski at the Pitztal Glacier?
Due to the altitude of up to 3,440 metres, the ski season at the Pitztal Glacier usually runs from September to May. The exact start of the season, the open facilities and the skiable pistes always depend on snow, weather and current operating conditions.
Are the ski areas also suitable for beginners?
Yes. Wide and clearly marked pistes are suitable for beginners and returning skiers. At the same time, more challenging options are available for sporty skiers, freeriders and ski tourers. Which areas are suitable should always be decided based on personal ability and current conditions.
Can you also go winter hiking in the Pitztal?
Yes. Around Mandarfen and throughout the Pitztal there are groomed winter hiking trails as well as more than 79 kilometres of marked snowshoe routes. Routes and accessibility depend on the weather, snow conditions and grooming. In high-alpine terrain guided tours are recommended.< >
Where can one go cross-country skiing in the Pitztal?
The Pitztal offers 75 kilometres of trails for both classic cross-country skiing and skating. These include the valley trail extending to Mandarfen, high-altitude trails at Rifflsee and the Pitztal Glacier, the illuminated night trail in Stillebach and an early-season training trail in Mandarfen.
Which winter activities are there away from the ski slopes?
The winter offer includes winter and snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing, sledging, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ski touring, freeriding and ice climbing. Which routes, courses and experiences are available depends on the season, weather, snow conditions and weekly programme.
What is included with the Pitztal Guest Card in winter?
The Pitztal Guest Card is available to overnight guests in the valley. It includes, among other things, free use of the public buses in the Pitztal up to Imst Postplatz, the regular cross-country ski trails and the winter programme of the Kaunergrat Nature Park. Exceptions apply to individual offers such as the Mandarfen training trail and the high-altitude trails; the current services should be checked on site.
Is there wellness after skiing?
Yes. House guests can use the Alpinsauna at the Mandarfner Hof as well as the indoor pool, heated outdoor infinity pool and relaxation rooms in the directly connected sister hotel Wildspitze. Massages and wellness treatments can additionally be booked.
Is catering included in winter?
Depending on the booked offer, guests enjoy the three-quarter gourmet pension with breakfast, afternoon snack and five-course dinner. The exact services are listed in the respective offer and in the booking confirmation.
Can one eat gluten-free at the Mandarfner Hof?
Yes. A gluten-free diet is a key focus of the establishment and is supported with experience, careful preparation and personal coordination. Please inform us of coeliac disease or gluten intolerance fully when making your enquiry or booking.
Does one need a car in winter?
Many winter days can be enjoyed with short walks from Mandarfen. The Rifflseebahn lift is right next to the hotel, and other destinations are accessible by regional ski bus. Which connections currently operate depends on the season and timetable.
One can experience winter in Pitztal up close
A winter holiday in Pitztal doesn’t have to choose between being active and resting.