Hochzeiger Pitztal Ski Resort

The Pitztal Valley is primarily known for the Pitzaler Glacier. However, there is another attractive destination close to the entrance to the valley: Hochzeiger. The ski area extends between 1,450 and 2,450 metres, offering 40 km of runs across varying degrees of difficulty.

In this ski area, the place where ski star Benjamin Raich calls home, the operators really make an effort to make families feel welcome. Pitzis Bambini Park run by Hochzeiger ski school is located directly by the valley station and offers a couple of practice lifts for kids. There is another practice lift further up the hill at the Hochzeiger middle station, too. All blue-marked runs carrying the number 1 (i.e. 1a, 1b and 1c) are ideally suited for family skiing. The next step up is probably the Zirbenabfahrt (no. 11), a handsome run where Pitzi the mascot explains the FIS mountain rules to youngsters.

More than half of the runs are red, intermediate trails and offer plenty of variety. There is something for every taste, from wide groomers (e.g. the Niederjöchl trail) through to timed courses (by the Rotmoos Bahn lift).

The Zollberg run (no. 6) and FIS course on no. 2 will both be highly enjoyable trails for advanced skiers.

In addition, Hochzeiger offers visitors TWO signposted off-piste ski routes as well as a permanent mogul run if you like it bumpy. The most demanding challenges come in the shape of four black-marked runs, most notably the Benni Raich course. The black-marked run no. 12 down from Sechszeiger is also guaranteed to get your pulse racing.

Hochzeiger terrain park is located in the heart of the ski area. The park offers an easy and medium line with more than 15 features, including a 6m downbox, a 6m rainbow box and jumps.

The Zeigerrestaurant at the middle station is the culinary centre point of the ski area. This is likely in part due to the self-service restaurant’s easy-to-reach location for non-skiers. The architect used a great deal of glass in the design, allowing non-skiers to share in the magical winter panoramas on cold days.

The Hochzeigerhaus in the heart of the ski area is a charmingly traditional lodge serving regional fare. If you want to stay as close to the slopes as possible, you can even rent a room here. The nearby Stalderhütte is the place to go for hearty down-to-earth food and a generous sundeck. The Tanzalm, also close the middle station, is the place to come for dancing as the name suggests!

Experts should head for the black-rated Rotmoos run no. 4 and of course tackle the difficult Benni Raich course. Everyone else should make sure to give the lengthy no. 11 a try. The Niederjöchl run is also a lot of fun and joins with other trails to extend all the way down into the valley.

There is a 6km sled run running through the middle of the ski area. Sledders hitch a ride up to the middle station where they can start their descent. The run offers an ear-popping 550 vertical metres of altitude difference from top to bottom. Sledders can even take to the course under the lights after the sun goes down every Thursday night.

The Tanzalm’s umbrella bar is not the only place to party. After the mountain closes, the bars in Jerzens and Liss in the valley come to life. Popular local spots most notably include the Hennenstall and Bar Illegal. And if you are looking for more nightlife, the neighbouring towns of Wenns and St. Leonhard are also home to a number of bars.

Jerzens has a range of different restaurants in addition to the lodges up on the mountain. Restaurant Pitzloch offers traditional dishes from the region, while the Pizzeria Bauernstube serves pizza piping hot from the oven.

From Munich, drive via Garmisch-Partenkirchen, take the Fernpaß and then head through Imst into Pitztal.
From Stuttgart, drive via Kempten and Memmingen towards Füssen/Reutte and then once again pass Imst and continue on to Pitztal. Both routes can be driven without hitting the motorway, saving on toll fees.

Imst is the closest train station to the ski area, and regular Postbus buses depart from here bound for Pitztal.

The nearest airport is in Innsbruck (approx. 55 km away). From here, you can take a taxi or public transport to the ski area.