The Pitztal Valley offers a huge range of climbing options for all ages, interests and abilities.
The family-friendly Kletterpark Hochzeiger and the region's easy via ferrata climbing routes are ideal for beginners. The same goes for the new boulder area in Ritzenried and some of the sport climbing routes.
One discipline where the Pitztal Valley leads the way is ice climbing. The 40km valley has around 45 small and large frozen waterfalls in winter, some of which are up to 160m high. The closer visitors get to the end of the valley, the better the views become of the Pitztal Glacier, the highest glacier in Tirol.
Sport climbing routes in the Pitztal Valley
The Pitztal Valley has five sport climbing areas catering for all abilities. Beginners will enjoy the climbing in Gletscherstube and Jerzens-Hochzeiger as well as Richi's Wall in Stillebach. The widest selection of routes, around 90, can be found at the Hexenkessel area near Plangeross, though most of the climbing there is not easy. The high-alpine climbing area near the Kaunergrathütte at over 2,800m has something for everyone. Climbing equipment can be hired from the hut.
All sport climbing routes at a glance
Multi-pitch climbing routes in the Pitztal Valley
The climbing area near the Kaunergrathütte has a number of multi-pitch routes rated around 6 on the international scale. There is a slightly larger selection in the climbing area above Mittelberg, where beginners and experts will find plenty to keep them entertained.
All multi-pitch climbing routes at a glance
Via ferrata climbing routes in the Pitztal Valley
The Klettersteigpark Pitztaler Gletscher is home to four different via ferrata climbing routes: one for beginners and children, one for intermediate climbers, one rated D- and one for experts only. The one thing they all have in common is that they offer fantastic views of Tirol's highest glacier at the end of the Pitztal Valley. The Steinwand via ferrata in Arzl, near the start of the valley, is also good and offers both an easy option and a more difficult route.
All via ferrata climbing routes at a glance
Bouldering in the Pitztal Valley
The new bouldering area known as Mandlers Boden was opened in summer 2017 and is located above the village of Ritzenried. Climbers can look forward to 55 rocks with no fewer than 176 different boulder problems (from easy peasy to fiendishly difficult) to solve. All the rocks are connected by a path. There is also a grass area in the middle for BBQs and chilling in summer.
More about the Rietzenried bouldering area
Ice climbing in the Pitztal Valley
No other region in Tirol has as many ice climbing routes as the Pitztal Valley. Among the most famous of the 45 options is the Eisklettergarten Taschachschlucht at the end of the valley, which has mainly easy routes secured with hooks drilled into the rock and ice. The Notwegfall waterfall at 2,500 metres above sea level is a spectacular location in winter and can be climbed up to a height of 160m. Last but not least, the 35m "Eissäule" near Neurur offers a real challenge in the form of the Havanna Route.
All ice climbing routes at a glance
Climbing parks in the Pitztal Valley
The Alpin-Center Hochzeiger in Jerzens offers not only a rope bridge and a zipwire but also the "XP-Abenteuerpark", a high-rope adventure park leading through a forest. There is also a play area for toddlers and young children. Both parks are excellent for groups and families with children.
Climbing centre in the Pitztal Valley
Check in and start climbing! The Bio-Hotel Stillebach near St. Leonhard has its own 150m² indoor climbing area and a campus board. There are over 85 routes for everyone from beginners to experts. The hotel also offers a rental service for climbing shoes and the option of purchasing an annual pass. Holders of an annual pass can climb 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
