Advanced and expert ski touring enthusiasts can look forward to some of the classics in Tirol: the Rofanspitze (2,259 metres) on the shores of Lake Achensee, the Lampsenspitze (2,875 metres) in the Sellrain Valley and the Hochgrabe (2,951 metres) in East Tirol. Each and every one of them offers wonderful views of the snowy Tirolean Alps. Skiers who want to enjoy these tours will need excellent skiing ability and experience of off-piste ski touring. Both the ascents and descents are steep and challenging in places. Avalanche safety equipment is a must.
Tip 1: Sellrain Valley
The Lampsenspitze (2,875 metres) in the Sellrain Valley is one of the most popular ski touring mountains near Innsbruck. Its open slopes and reliable snow cover make it ideal throughout the season. From bottom to top there are around 1,200 vertical metres to climb. In 2008 a trail was created for ski touring enthusiasts. Comprising several information boards, it gives information about the local terrain and ski touring in general. At the start of the route there is a checkpoint where you can make sure your avalanche transceiver is working. This is a relatively safe ski tour as long as you stick to the marked route. It is also suitable for snowboarders using splitboards. Read more about the Sellrain Valley ski tour
Tip 2: Innsbruck
The Wattental, a side valley branching off from the Inn Valley 20km east of Innsbruck, is home to the Lizumer Hütte. This cosy hut high in the mountains is a good base camp for many ski tours in the area. Read more about the Innsbruck ski tour
Tip 3: Lake Achensee
The Rofanspitze (2,259 metres) in the Achensee region offers fine views and great skiing. The descent into the valley is long at over 1,600 vertical metres, but thanks to the cable car there are just 400 vertical metres to complete on foot. Read more about the lake Achensee ski tour
Tip 4: East Tirol
Its wonderful views and beautiful location in the Villgratental Valley make the 2,951-metre-high Hochgrabe mountain near Innervillgraten a popular place for ski touring. Skiers will, however, need good overall fitness levels to enjoy the experience. Read more about the East Tirol ski tour
Tip 5: Wildschönau
Hidden away in the most remote part of the Wildschönau, the Großer Beil mountain (2,309 metres) is great for ski touring in total peace and quiet. The slopes are excellent and the cosy Gressensteinalm hut serves hearty food to hungry guests. Read more about the Wildschönau ski tour
Tip 6: East Tirol
There is plenty of good ski touring in the Glockner Mountains. One of the absolute classics is on the Figerhorn mountain (2,743 metres) with its south-facing slopes. The upper slopes are reserved for experts only, but the area lower down is suitable for ski touring enthusiasts of all abilities. Read more about the East Tirol ski tour
