Ski touring

Ski touring in the Schnalstal Valley – For beginners and experts, from the valley to the glacier

With the Weißkugel and numerous other 3,000-metre peaks, the Schnals ridge is one of the most beautiful ski touring areas in the Alps. The Schnalstal Valley and the Schnalstal Glacier offer ideal conditions for ski tourers of all levels: generally favourable snow conditions, high-alpine landscapes and varied routes ranging from enjoyable ascents to challenging summit tours. A particular advantage is the glacier cable car, which significantly shortens many approaches. This makes numerous Schnals peaks relatively easy and time-efficient to reach – a benefit for both beginners and experienced ski tourers. Since 2026, there has been a marked ski touring route from Kurzras (2,011 m) up to Grawand (3,212 m). The route is marked with green flags and runs alongside the ski slope. The opening status can be found on the Alpin Arena Senales website: www.schnalstal.com.

Guided ski tours & alpine expertise

State-certified mountain guides accompany winter sports enthusiasts on ski tours through the Schnalstal Valley and the Ötztal Alps. In addition to classic summit destinations, they also offer individual tour suggestions off the beaten track. Important alpine bases include the Similaun Hut and the Schöne Aussicht Hut, both open until early May.

Tour tips & maps

The 15 most beautiful ski tours in the Schnalstal Valley, each with a short description, are presented in the brochure of the Schnalstal Tourism Cooperative. We also recommend the topographic hiking and ski touring map, available for €10.00. Both can be obtained at the tourist office in Karthaus.

Safety information

All routes described are suggestions only. Information regarding opening status is provided without guarantee. Always check snow and weather conditions locally and consult the current avalanche report before every ski tour. Up-to-date information: https://avalanche.report

Ski touring route Maso Corto - Grawand

Ski Tour Maso Corto - Grawand (7 km | 1,200 m ascent). Open Dec-Apr, 9-17 h. Start: Roter Kofel chairlift. Ascent at own risk; descent on groomed piste.

Ski touring route from Maso Corto to the top station of the glacier cable car on the Grawand.

The route is about 7 km long with roughly 1,200 m of elevation gain. Depending on snow conditions, the route is expected to be open from December to April and only during piste operating hours (9:00–17:00). The tour starts at the Roter Kofel chairlift in Maso Corto (2,011 m). The green-marked route follows the piste and leads upward right next to the groomed slope (outside the actual ski piste). Breaks are possible at the Teufelsegg Hut (after 400 m of ascent) or at the Bella Vista refuge (after 800 m of ascent), located directly on or close to the route. The route passes several lifts and huts, offering multiple options to shorten your tour. For example if you don’t want to complete the entire route, you can take the Roter Kofel chairlift to skip the first section. Important: Follow all instructions on the posted signs. Take extra care at crossings: downhill skiers always have right of way. The descent back to the valley is possible until 17:00. The ascent is at your own risk and is currently free of charge except for the parking fee (€6/day).

Duration 3:57 h

Length 7 km

Difficulty medium

Difference in height uphill 1178 hm

Difference in height downhill 1178 hm

Difference in height 3197 m