A dream start to the season
Five slopes not to be missed
Schwarze Schneid, Black Ibex, Wilde Grub’n: the five Tyrolean glaciers boast legendary slopes that can set any skier’s heart racing. Each has that special touch that makes a descent memorable. At 15 kilometres, Schwarze Schneid in Sölden is Austria’s longest ski run: it starts at the BIG3 “Schwarze Schneid” viewing platform on the Rettenbach glacier at an altitude of 3,340 metres (the highest point in the Ötztal) and winds down through a vertical drop of 1,970 metres to the valley station of the Gaislachkoglbahn gondola.
The country’s steepest slope, meanwhile, is on the Kaunertal glacier: Black Ibex. It starts at 3,113 metres, by the top station of the Falginjochbahn lift, and reaches a gradient of 88%.
Another highlight is the Wilde Grub’n valley run in Stubai. It starts at the highest point in the ski area, at 3,212 metres, and descends to the valley station of the Eisgratbahn gondola at 1,695 metres, covering a total vertical drop of around 1,500 metres in a single run. This route hosts the Stubai Wild Ride (10 April 2027), one of the world’s most demanding giant slalom races, more than six kilometres long and featuring 160 gates.
“No mercy for the calves” (Keine Gnade der Wade) is the motto of the descent that leads from 3,250 metres directly to the centre of Hintertux village. This unique panoramic route covers a vertical drop of 1,750 metres before the grand finale along the Schwarze Pfanne slope to the valley station.
In the Pitztal valley, the Goldene Spur (“Golden Trail”) tour promises an authentic freeride experience: this special circuit connects the Rifflsee and Pitztal glacier ski areas. In around two hours, skiers cover 33 kilometres of slopes and ascend by lift through almost 3,000 vertical metres to reach an altitude of 3,440 metres on the Pitztal glacier, before returning to the valley with a descent covering a vertical drop of 1,700 metres. Skiing the Goldene Spur is recommended only when accompanied by a mountain or ski guide.
Fascinating experiences: from the Natural Ice Palace to night-time ice climbing
The five Tyrolean glaciers are spectacular both on and off the slopes. In addition to around 300 kilometres of pistes above 3,000 metres, 75 modern ski lifts and cable cars take visitors to unique attractions.
Sölden and the Ötztal valley, for example, are a paradise for ice climbing. Numerous frozen waterfalls can be climbed, even at night thanks to artificial lighting. Equally fascinating is the icy world of the Natural Ice Palace on the Hintertux glacier, which can be explored on foot, by kayak, on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or even by ice swimming. The Spannagelhöhle cave also offers the chance to visit the largest rock cave and the only marble cave in the entire Central Alps.
The Pitztal glacier, with its magnificent off-piste routes for freeriders, is home to Café 3.440, Austria’s highest café. Nowhere else can guests have breakfast — or say the all-important “I do” in a civil registry office — at a higher altitude.
The particularly family-friendly Stubai glacier boasts the Stubai Zoo snowpark and the TOP OF TYROL panoramic platform. The Kaunertal glacier, meanwhile, is an outstanding destination for sit-skiing: the glacier’s panoramic road provides direct access to the slopes and lifts. The gondola, panoramic restaurant and viewing platform are fully accessible and barrier-free, with specially trained staff.
Works by Tyrolean artist Hannah Philomena Scheiber on the Kaunertal and Pitztal glaciers are also attracting attention this winter. For the LiftART project, the artist has decorated three cabins in Kaunertal with motifs depicting the Gepatschferner, Weißseespitze and Kaunergrat. The Weißseespitze motif also adorns one of the pylons of the Karlesjochbahn lift.
Breathtaking winter events: from the World Cup to the Powder Department Ladies Days
The winter season on the five Tyrolean glaciers is packed with unmissable events. Highlights on the Kaunertal glacier include the Snowboard Opening with Eloaa (11–13 December 2026) and the Kaunertal Testival & Freeride Days (30–31 January 2027). A theoretical and practical avalanche camp led by Kaunertal mountain guides will also take place on 28–29 November and 12–13 December 2026.
On the Stubai glacier, the programme includes the Stubai Prime Parks Sessions (2–22 November 2026) at Stubai Zoo, the Intersport Testival (12–15 November 2026) and the Powder Department Ladies Days (22–24 January 2027), among other events.
On the Pitztal glacier, Café 3.440 invites guests to breakfast above the clouds every Saturday, complemented by various musical events.
Last but not least, the Hintertux glacier draws enthusiasts with the Original+ Skitest (31 October–8 November 2026) and the FIS Moguls + Dual Moguls Opening, featuring breathtaking jumps (5–7 November 2026).
White5, Snow Card Tirol and holiday packages: the keys to maximum fun in the snow
For enthusiasts wishing to explore all five Tyrolean glaciers, the White5 ski pass provides access to all lifts in Sölden’s winter and glacier ski area, as well as Kaunertal, Pitztal, Stubai and Hintertux. It costs €669 and is valid for 10 days, which need not be consecutive, during the season from 1 October 2026 to 15 May 2027.
To plan a holiday in detail, including accommodation bookings, it is worth looking at the special glacier offers: attractive packages are available in every region and for different types of accommodation.
Further information: www.tirolergletscher.com/en/index.html
With its 34 regional tourism associations, Tyrol is one of the Alps’ leading holiday destinations. Tyrolean tourism has been shaped by 200 years of history and numerous pioneering initiatives. In summer and winter, guests appreciate the Alpine landscape and nature, the high standard of service and infrastructure, and the hospitality. Based in Innsbruck, Tirol Werbung GmbH is part of the Lebensraum Tirol Gruppe and serves as the regional tourism marketing organisation. Its principal mission is to enhance Tyrol’s appeal as a holiday destination.
Sources and images: Tirol Werbung / Alessandra Fusé, Pizzinini Scolari ComunicAzione press release. Complete editorial text in English translation; photographs supplied with the release.
