A spectacular archaelogical find, the glacier mummy "Ötzi", has made the Ötztal valley world-famous. The valley separates the Ötztal Alps from the Stubai Alps starting with the town Oetz to the north, and leading through to the world-famous town of Sölden at the southern end of the valley with numerous fantastic activities and attractions along the way. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ski mountaineering, snow-shoe hiking, and ice climbing during winter, as well as hiking, mountaineering, climbing, biking and adventure sports like rafting, canyoning, and paragliding during summer.
At the entrance to the valley, the Haiming Apple-Road leads through the beautiful scenery. The exceptionally mild and dry climate is clearly noticeable here. The Tschirgantmassiv mountain range shields the Ötztal from the cold northern winds, and is known to be one of the driest regions of the Alps due to the rain being diverted by the high mountains higher than 3,000 metres above sea-level. Due to this mild climate, there are peaches, grapes, and sweet chestnuts to be found growing near Sautens and Oetz. The landscape changes the further south you travel. In Umhausen and Längenfeld the valley is rather wide with lush green fields. As you get closer and closer to the Ötztal Alps and its 86 glaciers, you get to the town of Sölden at the end of the valley, and Obergurgl, Hochgurgl, and Vent which are located at 2,000 metres above sea-level. Approximately 250 mountain peaks reach more than 3,000 metres above sea-level here in the Ötztal, creating a stunning alpine setting. The highest mountain in Tyrol, the Wildspitze, is located in the Ötztal Alps and measures 3,768 metres above sea-level.
In the stunning alpine setting of the Ötztal Alps there are numerous fantastic ski resorts to enjoy. The huge glacier in Sölden (144 kilometres of slopes), the high altitude resort Obergurgl-Hochgurgl (110 kilometres of slopes), and the family orientated ski resort Hoch-Oetz (39 kilometres of slopes) all offer a fantastic ski holiday suited for anyone. All cross-country skiers can take advantage of the wide range of different tracks in the Ötztal valley. With all levels of difficulty available for skaters and classic skiers, the 185 kilometres of cross-country ski tracks in the Ötztal even include tracks all the way up at 2,500 metres above sea-level, guaranteeing impeccable snow-conditions.
The Ötztal valley during summer is highly popular with all hikers, mountaineers, and climbers. As a member of the Austrian Hiking Villages, the Ötztal guarantees the highest quality for all holiday makers. This quality control includes checks of accommodation, hiking trails, and even the villages. The award of the hiking quality seal is carried with great pride. Hiking in the Ötztal is suitable for the entire family, with many family-friendly trails and destinations to choose from. For a more vertical approach, the 20 climbing areas with 750 different routes to take offer a huge variety. The Ötztal also has 8 via ferrate routes available to explore and ensure spectacular views after an exciting climb. The Stuibenfall via ferrata near Umhausen is an absolute highlight. The Ötztal offers guests the opportunity to enjoy Tyrol's warmest swimming lake, natural springs with healing properties, adrenaline-fueled fun with the steepest water-slide, water ramps and so much more at the Area 47, relaxation and swimming at the at the Aqua Dome and the Piburg Lake.
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