Freeriding & Ski touring
The wild & quiet side of the Kaunertal
In the Kaunertal, skis don’t just take you down the mountain – they take you up it, too.
Different alpine zones and varying levels of difficulty promise diverse ski touring & freeriding possibilities in the nature park and glacier region. Vast open spaces and fresh, untracked powder are yours to discover.
Learn more about the most beautiful routes and safety standards for ski tourers & freeriders in this Tyrolean mountain valley.
Freeriding in kaunertal
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Freeriding - Freedom and a thirst for adventure on the Kaunertal Glacier
The wild side of the Kaunertal Glacier - untouched slopes, deep powder and pure alpine freedom far beyond the pistes. The Kaunertal Glacier can still be considered a secret spot for freeriders. After driving up the approximately 26 km long access road into the glacier regions, you will find a ski area that passes as an insider tip because of its location. The terrain is wide open and diverse - giving you the freedom to shape your freeride adventure your own way!
Freeride variants
At the Kaunertal Glacier, there are over 7 variants for freeriding in the back country.
The favorites in the area are the Nörderberg variant down to the Fernergries - from there you can hitchhike or take the ski bus (see bus timetable) back to the ski area. And of course the Langtaufers variant to South Tyrol/Italy - with this freeride run you should however organize some return service to the Kaunertal in advance. Or you can book the glacier safari with experienced professionals. With the new Weißseejochbahn even more freeride descents open up - and they are not only reserved for pros!
- Difficulty: moderate
- Start: Nörderjoch (Ascent approx. 1/2 hour from the mountain station of the Nörderjoch lift)
- End: Fernergries - Bridge - bus station - note the bus timetable in advance!
- Height difference: 1,135 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- Start: entry at Ochsenalmbahn mid-station
- End: Fernergries - bridge - bus station - note the bus timetable in advance!
- Height difference: 270 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- Start: entry at Wiesejaggljoch
- End: joins the black descent to the Ochsenalmbahn mid-station (here you bypass the black descent through the tunnel)
- Height difference: 350 m
- Difficulty: easy
- Start: entry at Weißseejoch (Ascent Weißseejoch approx. 1 1/2 h with approx. 300 m elevation gain)
- End: Ochsenalmbahn mid-station
- Height difference: 680 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- Beginn: entry at Wiesejaggljoch or Weißseejoch (Ascent approx. 1 1/2 hours with approx. 300 m elevation gain)
- End: Ochsenalm valley station
- Height difference: 895 m
- Difficulty: difficult
- Start: entry at Karlesjoch (mountain station Karlesjochbahn)
- End: Melag in Langtaufers – South Tyrol/Italy - Attention: organize return transport in advance!
- Height difference: 1,360 m
- Diffiulty: difficult
- Start: entry at Weißseejoch (Ascent approx. 1 1/2 hours with approx. 300 elevation gain)
- End: Melag in Langtaufers – South Tyrol/Italy
- Height difference: 1,144 m
Enjoy nature mindfully - please respect the boundaries of flora and fauna!
Get close to nature in the Kaunertal nature park and glacier region - but with respect! Stay on the marked and signposted routes, respect the mountain world and don't disturb the wildlife so that future generations can also enjoy the untouched beauty. The Ötztal Alps reserve is located at the back of the valley - please observe the rules for nature and wildlife reserves. Protected wildlife areas may not be entered or used outside the roads and paths intended for general use, including the usual local hiking trails and not outside the usual local ski routes, designated ski runs and cross-country ski trails.
Ski tours in Kaunertal
Safety first in the nature park and glacier region
The right equipment
In addition to the right clothing, every freerider and ski tourer should have a complete set of safety equipment that they know how to use:
- avalanche beacon
- probe
- shovel
- mobile phone
- ideally also an airbag avalanche backpack
With this, nothing stands in the way of a freeride adventure in the Kaunertal.
Good to know: In free avalanche awareness courses you will learn important practical tips and the professional handling of avalanche safety equipment. The creation of a snow pit, the right choice of route and general avalanche awareness are also part of the multi-day Snow and Avalanche Awareness Camp.
Emergency App & Avalanche App
If you want to increase your security, you can download the Tyrolean mountain rescue emergency app directly to your mobile phone. A check of the current avalanche situation goes without saying and there's also a handy app to do so!
Emergency App
Avalanche App Tyrol
Kaunertal ski touring paradise
The Kaunertal, nestled in the Tyrolean Alps, offers ski tourers an impressive backdrop. From beginner tours to challenging routes, everyone will find their ideal terrain here. The untouched nature, clear mountain air and majestic peaks create a unique experience you will not soon forget. After the tours, why not add a little extra stop? The Quellalpin Kaunertal with its indoor pool, sauna and restaurant invites you to relax and unwind. The Kaunertal is a paradise for ski tour enthusiasts who want to enjoy the beauty of the snow-covered mountain landscape to the fullest.
The Kaunertal is a high-alpine valley with changing weather and snow conditions. For this reason, it is unfortunately not possible to provide a ski tour map with routes. Please ask the experienced Kaunertal mountain guides for more information.
