Traveling by public transport: Sustainable holidays without a car in the Ötztal in Tyrol

Stuibenfall via ferrata in the Ötztal Valley, Austria. Magdalena Kajus from youareanadventurestory takes you on a breathtaking climb on the highest waterfall in Tyrol. At 159 meters, the Stuibenfall is actually the highest waterfall in Tyrol. And from the Explorer Hotel in the Ötztal Valley, it's only a 15-minute walk to the start of the via ferrata. At the start, you'll need a climbing harness, via ferrata set, and rockfall helmet. Via ferrata gloves and a sling with a carabiner are also recommended. With a maximum difficulty of C, but usually in the lower B range, it's also suitable for beginners and families. However, if in doubt, you should always take a mountain guide with you. Also, keep in mind that the via ferrata has a total elevation gain of 300 meters. Right at the start, there's a wire rope taut for crossing the river. A good first test to get a feel for the via ferrata. Then it's another 5-10 minute walk uphill, finally climbing an easy A-B section. Just before the main section, Magdalena takes off her jacket because it gets steeper. The first C section is also easy to master with the right technique. And then the Stuibenfall waterfall appears. The water splashes all the way to the trail. This makes the whole trail even more impressive. Finally, you cross the waterfall over the rope bridge. From there, the water is right under your feet. Then you descend via stairs and again directly along the waterfall. A light shower is free on the descent ;).

Via Ferrata Equipment: This is what you need for your via ferrata trip. The right equipment, tips, and tricks for via ferrata climbing in the mountains. Mountain guide Carl from Alpinzeit explains what you shouldn't do without to properly climb a via ferrata. Through his profession, he knows what's important when climbing, climbing, and mountaineering. You definitely need a hip belt. It should be adjustable at the hips and leg loops. Children and overweight people should use a combination harness. This is a combination of a hip belt and a chest harness. This makes the belay point a little higher. A standardized via ferrata set is also important. It must correspond to your weight class. Most sets are suitable for people between 40 and 120 kg. Lighter people should also be secured with a climbing rope. The via ferrata set is attached to the belay loop on the hip belt using an anchor hitch. Before you start, you can also check whether anyone has already fallen into the via ferrata set. Once the via ferrata set has been used in a fall, it must be replaced. Also consider a helmet to protect you in the event of a fall and from falling rocks from above. The chin strap should be adjustable, and the helmet should fit well. Always bring a first-aid kit for emergencies on via ferratas. This should be safely stored in your backpack, along with your cell phone, jacket, and water. As for footwear, you should opt for ankle-high hiking boots or approach shoes with a sturdy sole. Gloves are also advisable. The steel cable often has sharp edges. Typical via ferrata gloves or long leather gloves are suitable for this. If you're using a via ferrata for the first few meters, you should walk without gloves. This often improves the feel between the palm of your hand and the steel cable. If you have no experience, are unsure, or have children with you, it is recommended that you make your first attempts accompanied by a mountain guide.

Surefootedness while hiking: Mountain guide Martin takes you on the Ötztal hiking trails at the Stuibenfall waterfall in Tyrol and gives you three tips for moving correctly in the mountains. Many of you enjoy hiking in the Alps or in the mountains in general. Surefootedness is an important part of getting from point A to point B safely. What's your favorite mountain activity? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments below :) Martin is hiking in the beautiful Ötztal Valley at the Stuibenfall waterfall, Tyrol's highest waterfall. Here in Austria, he finds ideal conditions, from rocky terrain to rooty paths, to share his three tips for surefootedness in the mountains and the correct technique. The first tip from the pro is about trusting yourself and, of course, your equipment, so you can move well and safely on any surface. You should always place your full weight on your foot to ensure you're truly stable and move without slipping. Please don't try to walk on eggshells. This can be dangerous because the path often gives way and the stones can come loose more easily. The material is also crucial, of course. In mountainous terrain like the Stuibenfall waterfall in Tyrol, you need a stable and safe mountain/hiking boot with a good profile. The boot must therefore have a good profile so that you can bear reasonable weight. The better your footing and the more confidence you have in the boot and in yourself, the safer you will be. Martin's second tip for more surefootedness relates to coordination and balance, which is crucial not only in the Ötztal Alps. The hiking trails there aren't always flat and well-paved, but often have slight drops. Therefore, it's important to prepare yourself well for your mountain hike in terms of coordination so that you can unconsciously compensate for uneven surfaces while hiking. It's easy to practice resistance to vertigo and balance at home – even if it's just brushing your teeth on one leg :) Finally, it's also important that you have a certain level of basic fitness and strength endurance to ensure you're sure-footed. But don't worry, you can also prepare for this a few weeks or months before your hiking holiday. Martin's recommendation: Start your holiday slowly and ideally with acclimatization hikes. You don't have to climb the highest peak right from the start. By the way, you should always take small steps forward when going uphill or downhill. This way, you'll save energy and be more economical, and you'll reach your destination more safely.

Cross-country skiing expert Martin from the alpinzeit cross-country skiing school will take you on the most beautiful trails in Umhausen and Niederthai in Tyrol's Ötztal Valley. It starts at the Explorer Hotel Ötztal in Umhausen, from where it's just a 10-minute drive to the cross-country skiing center in Niederthai. Our cross-country skiing tour starts there on the sunny Niederthai plateau and leads you on beautifully groomed trails via Überfeld and Ennebach out of the center toward the Horlachtal Valley and Larstig.

Mountain guide Klaus from snowhow gives you the best tips on terrain knowledge and avalanche safety in the Hochoetz ski resort in Tyrol, so you can be safe while freeriding on your vacation. • Human factor: What do you need to consider/plan as a group? Do you know each other and your ability level? Are you confident in the terrain and do you have the necessary equipment with you and have tested it beforehand? Are you traveling in a mixed group (skiing and snowboarding)? • Conditions: Check the avalanche report online. Is there an avalanche warning level? What's the weather forecast? What's the visibility like on the webcams? • Terrain: You can also find information about the terrain and snowpack online or in relevant apps beforehand. What is the slope gradient like that day depending on the avalanche warning level? Could you trigger avalanches above or below you? Once you arrive in the Hochoetz ski resort in Tyrol, you are now at the second geographical level of consideration, the local level. For the individual factors, this means: • People: Klaus is freeriding in a mixed group of two people with skis and a splitboard. You should never go ski touring alone on the mountain! • Conditions: At the mountain station of the cable car, the avalanche warning level is level 3 above the tree line, and due to the strong winds, there is an increased risk of avalanches. Furthermore, the weather and visibility are expected to worsen throughout the day. Before you set off, you should definitely check your avalanche transceiver and test your device. • Terrain: The Hochoetz ski area offers a wide range of freeriding options. Before you start your freeride tour in deep snow, you should definitely do a reconnaissance on the slopes to correctly assess the prevailing conditions in the area. If the avalanche warning level is high, you should avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees to minimize the risk of avalanches.

Simon takes you on a road bike tour to the Timmelsjoch Pass in Austria. The route to the stunning mountain pass leads via Sölden and Hochgurgl in the Ötztal Valley in Tyrol. Simon introduces himself. The mountain bike pro from Germany has been the world champion in the Eliminator Sprint discipline since this year. He and his mountain bike racing teammates use the Explorer Hotels for their training in the mountains. This time, Simon isn't on a mountain bike, but on a road bike. The tour starts at the Explorer Hotel Ötztal in Tyrol. The road bike route to the Timmelsjoch Pass is almost 100 kilometers long and climbs 1,600 meters in altitude. The route takes four to six hours and passes Sölden and Hochgurgl. Road cyclists also conquer the Timmelsjoch Pass in the challenging Ötztal Cycle Marathon. Out of the Explorer Hotel and into nature! The mountain bike pro first travels to Sölden in Tyrol. Having reached his intermediate destination, Simon points out the numerous trails in Sölden. On the road bike to the pass road. Now the exciting part of the road bike route begins! Now it's uphill and the elevation gains are overwhelming on the pass road to the Timmelsjoch towards Hochgurgl. Past Hochgurgl and reaching the toll booth, the road bike continues. There's a short descent, then a steep climb. Now it's pedaling, pedaling, pedaling! A few hundred more meters of elevation gain, and Simon has reached the pass on his road bike. You can already see the pass on the final bends. Simon has reached 2,509 meters. He is in front of the Timmelsjoch. From up there, you have a beautiful view of the nature of the Ötztal. On the other side, it leads to Italy. However, this is the turning point of the road bike tour. The road cyclist has conquered the pass road and, after a short break, is looking forward to the descent. The road bike descends rapidly over a few hairpin bends. The short descent from earlier is now a small climb on the way back, but then it descends back into the valley and continues to the Explorer Hotel Ötztal. The athlete summarizes the road bike tour on the sunny terrace of the Explorer Hotel in Tyrol. He thoroughly enjoyed the tour. There was very little traffic on the roads. He personally liked the switchbacks of the route very much. He recommends the route to sporty road cyclists who can handle well over 1,000 meters of elevation gain. A good level of fitness is required for this. However, there are suitable routes and short road bike tours for every difficulty level around the Explorer Hotel in Austria.

Hiking guide Sabine from the Ötztal Valley in Tyrol will take you on a fantastic circular hike to Lake Piburger See. The hiking route leads past magnificent viewpoints. The starting point is the Explorer Hotel Ötztal in Tyrol. The hike is 8.5 kilometers long and takes 3 to 5 hours. You'll gain 450 meters of elevation gain while hiking. The hiking route is circular. The hike begins along the Ötztaler Ache. The Ötztaler Ache is a steep, mighty glacial river in Tyrol. The water rushes through the Ötztal Alps with lightning speed and power. The trail leads over the Weller Bridge. This is where the world's best kayakers plunge into the waters of the Ötztaler Ache in late summer and autumn during the Oetz Trophy. Rafting is also possible on the Ötztaler Ache, but only for experienced kayakers. The hiking route leads up to Lake Piburger See. The trail goes through the forest. The first few meters of elevation gain have been completed. The soft forest floor is ideal and pleasant for hiking. The intermediate destination is the Seejöchl viewing platform. The hiker has arrived at the Seejöchl viewing platform in Tyrol. The viewpoint is 1,050 meters high. Unfortunately, it has started to rain, but Sabine is taking it easy and enjoying the coolness. The clouds are clearing, and the view opens up to the Acherkogel, a 3,000-meter peak. The summit is 3,007 meters high. Below the viewing platform lies the beautiful Piburger Lake. The lake is located above Oetz. The hike continues down to the shore of Piburger Lake. The hiking guide has arrived at the Piburger Lake bathing area in Tyrol. There is also a restaurant here that invites you to stop for a bite to eat. Sabine continues walking along Piburger Lake to the next pulpit. A circular trail leads around Piburger Lake, some of which is wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers. In summer, Piburger Lake is, of course, ideal for swimming. Once you reach the pulpit, a magnificent view of Oetz in Tyrol awaits you. The hike continues down to Oetz and then on to the Explorer Hotel Ötztal. Here, hiking guide Sabine summarizes the hike over a coffee. Despite the rain, Sabine had a wonderful day. There was a lot to see on the circular hike. The circular trail is perfect for hiking with the whole family. Mountain bikers can also enjoy a bike ride to Lake Piburger See.

Cross-country skiing expert Martin from the Alpinzeit cross-country skiing school will demonstrate classic cross-country skiing technique on a trail in the Ötztal Valley in Austria. Classic cross-country skiing and skating differ not only in their skiing style, but also in their equipment. Classic cross-country skiing requires boots with a softer outsole. The shaft is low, and the ankle area is cut a bit wider to allow freedom of movement. Cross-country ski poles should be shoulder- or armpit-high, and definitely not longer. For classic cross-country skiing, you need a suitable ski with a grip zone to create a connection between the ski and the snow. To step into the skis, it's best to hold the poles in both hands for support. Clean the snow off your boots and then try to clip them into the ski bindings. To learn the classic cross-country skiing movement, don't use the poles at first. For classic cross-country skiing, you need the diagonal stride. Move forward with cross-coordination – that is, similar to walking or running: - Left hand forward, right foot forward - Right hand forward, left foot forward Cross-country skiing is a dynamic strength-endurance movement. Bend and stretch during the cross-coordination movement using your hips and ankles. Once you've practiced a bit and the classic cross-country skiing movement has become automatic, add the poles. You can now slowly incorporate the poles into the movement. To begin with, take the learned diagonal step and drag the poles slightly. When you feel like you're gliding, you can swing the poles more forward. When doing this, your arms should not be extended forward, but slightly bent towards your shoulders. If you want to start cross-country skiing, Martin recommends starting with the classic cross-country skiing technique, as the guided track makes it easier to execute the movement cleanly. Another tip from a cross-country skiing expert: Start on a flat trail to learn the stride. Classic cross-country skiing is the original form of alpine skiing and easy for everyone to learn. Want to try it too? Then come to the Explorer Hotels' cross-country skiing camp and learn classic and skating techniques from cross-country skiing experts. In Niederthai in the Ötztal Valley, there are trails with varying levels of difficulty (red to black). The Explorer Hotel Ötztal is ideally located for hitting the trails in Niederthai.

Martin from the Alpinzeit cross-country skiing school will show you how the skating cross-country skiing technique works on a trail in Niederthai in the Ötztal Valley. The cross-country skiing expert will show you how to get started with the skating cross-country skiing technique, so you can move around on flat and slightly steep terrain with a few tips and tricks. First, the skating equipment: For skating, you need sturdy shoes with a compact sole. Cross-country ski boots create a lateral imprint when skating, so good stability is required. The skating boot is higher than classic cross-country ski boots. It's important that it goes over the ankle. This protects your ankle and your ankles. Skating cross-country skis are also different from classic cross-country skis. They don't have a climbing zone in the middle, but are groomed throughout. This is similar to alpine skiing, but skating cross-country skis are lighter. The skating poles should reach your chin or nose. Now put on your skis. It's best to make sure your skating boots are free of snow so you can fit them into the bindings. The skating technique requires more coordination than the classic cross-country technique. The technique must be adapted to the specific terrain of the trail. Martin will show you the basic skating technique: the asymmetrical step. The starting position is a V-shaped stance. The poles are slightly offset forward. You move by stepping onto your left foot and simultaneously removing the poles from the snow and placing them on the ground. This way, the movement always follows on the left side. It is important that you always stay in the V-shaped position. You can also perform the asymmetrical step on the right side. In this case, you move forward on the right side. You need both movements (right and left) to negotiate a turn or to move forward properly on a slope. Another tip from Martin: The skating technique has nothing to do with a natural movement pattern. Take your time learning and start with the basic technique shown on flat terrain! This will give you confidence on the cross-country ski trail. With the skating technique, you only move on one foot at a time. This requires the right balance and dexterity. There are other step techniques in skating. However, these only make sense once you've mastered the asymmetrical stride on the cross-country ski trail.

When cross-country skiing, it's important that your clothing is breathable and doesn't restrict your movement. Depending on the weather, a hat or headband and a buff for your neck are recommended. Choose pants that ideally have windproof material on the front and are as stretchy as possible on the back. For your upper body, layering is recommended. A vest is a good choice over the close-fitting bottom layer, as it gives you plenty of freedom of movement in the arm area, as you'll be using them actively while cross-country skiing. In colder temperatures, wear something long-sleeved over it, preferably with windproof material on the front. For your hands, there are special cross-country gloves; on cold days, those with windproof material are also suitable, while on warmer days, thin gloves are sufficient. Ski gloves are not recommended, as they are too thick and prevent you from getting a good grip on your poles. Sunglasses are always a good idea, because in addition to the sun and the necessary UV protection, you also need to protect your eyes from the wind. To ensure you stay optimally hydrated during your cross-country skiing tour, it's best to bring a drink. If it's thermally insulated, you can also bring warm tea. There are different types of equipment for classic cross-country skiing and skating. The boot for classic style has a softer sole so you can roll over the ball of your foot in a guided track. The shaft is also soft to allow flexibility in the ankle area. The boot is more reminiscent of a running shoe. The poles are the optimal length when the grip is at shoulder to armpit height. They should definitely not be longer. When skiing, it's important to choose classic skis with a grip zone in the middle. Recreational skis usually use skis with skins in the grip zone. The skating boot has a higher cut and a more stable and stiffer sole, allowing you to easily push off to the side. The cuff on the shaft provides extra support and stability for the ankle. The poles are longer than in the classic technique, and the grip should reach from chin to nose height. The skis have no climbing zone, but are flat, allowing you to move forward in a V-shaped position.

Steffen shows you how to put on snow chains with step-by-step instructions. He also gives tips on what you need to consider when driving with snow chains. When do you need snow chains? If there is a solid layer of snow on the road, then you must fit snow chains. According to German law, carrying snow chains is not mandatory – there is no general obligation to use snow chains. However, if you see a roadside sign with a tire with snow chains on a blue background, you must fit snow chains on your car. In Austria, it is mandatory to carry winter equipment in your car from November to April. Winter equipment also includes snow chains. When buying snow chains, it is important that you get the right snow chains in the right size for your tires. The size of the snow chains is indicated on the tire, in the manual, or you can ask your dealer. You should install the snow chains on a flat surface and in a safe place away from other road users. On mountain passes, there are often designated parking areas for fitting snow chains. Depending on the vehicle type, there are different mounting points for snow chains. With front-wheel drive, the snow chains are mounted on the front drive wheels, i.e., on the left and right tires on the front axle. The reverse is true for rear-wheel drive, and with all-wheel drive, you can fit snow chains on all four wheels. When fitting snow chains, you should turn on your hazard lights and wear a high-visibility vest. The snow chain consists of: - Mounting ring, which goes behind the tire - Tensioning chain, which goes on the tire - Fasteners for securing and tightening the chain Since the mounting ring goes behind the tire, you must thread the snow chain underneath your car behind the tire. It is important that all links of the chain are exposed. The ends of the mounting ring must be connected. To do this, you must close the ends together inside the wheel arch. Then tighten the chain around the tire. To do this, you need to pull all the chain elements forward and distribute them so that they enclose the tire. The tensioning chain is now on the tire. Now the chain only needs to be secured to the tire. The fasteners are usually marked. In Steffen's case, he closes the yellow hook with the red-marked chain link. This means that the upper part of the tire is enclosed by the chain. On the lower part of the tire, Steffen has an automatic locking mechanism that is responsible for tensioning the chain. To do this, he closes the other yellow hook with the red-marked wire of the locking mechanism. To tighten the chain, Steffen presses the button of the locking mechanism. The snow chain is not yet perfectly aligned with the tire and is not yet synchronized, so you need to drive your car 100 to 200 meters and then check whether you need to re-tighten the chain. The snow chains make the car handle differently. The chain gives you much better grip, which helps when going uphill. Driving downhill is much safer because you won't slip when braking, but instead your car will have a firm footing on the road. With snow chains, you can only drive at a maximum of 50 km/h. Turn off all of the car's driving aids designed to prevent tire spin, as this is important so the snow chains can build up enough grip. Steffen still recommends not letting the chains spin too often, as this will damage the chains. If you're driving with snow chains for the first time, you should get used to the new driving style slowly, as the car will behave differently. Removing them is easier than installing them. You pull out the wire of the tensioning element by pressing a button. This will loosen the chain again. You can now release the hooks. After that, you can loosen the lock on the mounting ring. You may have to move the car forward or backward slightly to reach the lock inside the wheel arch. Now you can place the chain on the ground. Since the tire is still on the chain, you have to drive your vehicle forward or backward a little, then the chain will lie freely on the ground.

Hit the trails with cross-country ski instructors and learn to cross-country ski: Sport buddy Franzi gives you an insight into the Explorer Cross-Country Ski Camp for Beginners in the Ötztal Valley, offering skating and classic cross-country skiing. The Explorer Cross-Country Ski Camp for Beginners took place in the Ötztal Valley over the weekend of December 8th - 10th, 2023. At the cross-country ski camp, participants learn cross-country skiing from certified cross-country ski instructors. They hit the trails alongside the pros, putting theory into practice. The ALPINZEIT cross-country ski school runs the cross-country ski camp for beginners in the Ötztal Valley and teaches participants how to cross-country ski. Franzi welcomes you from the Explorer Hotel Ötztal in Umhausen. Here's a look back at the past two days of cross-country skiing camp: Friday ・Arrival ・Welcome & Equipment Briefing ・First Practice on the Trail ・After the Trail: A Group Review of the Day at the Explorer Bar All camp participants arrived on Friday. After checking in, participants were greeted by the cross-country instructors in the Explorer Lounge, and equipment briefing took place. Those who wish can bring their own skis. Rental equipment is also available on-site for a small additional charge. On Friday afternoon, we hit the trails. There was an introduction to skating and classic cross-country skiing technique. Saturday ・Practice on the Trail: Technique Training ・Group Dinner ・Time for Questions & Slide Show ・Workshop: Waxing Tips & Equipment Care at the Explorer Workbench On Saturday morning, we hit the trails again for technique training. The camp participants learned how to brake and ski uphill and did their first laps. In the evening, they enjoyed dinner together. Afterward, there was a workshop on ski waxing. Participants also received tips on buying and caring for cross-country skis. Franzi will now take you through the last day of the Explorer Cross-Country Camp: Sunday ・Practice on the cross-country trail: Consolidating what they've learned ・Insight into biathlon with a small competition ・Return to the hotel & farewell On Sunday, after breakfast, we head to the cross-country trails in Niederthai in the Ötztal. After warming up and coordination exercises, the camp participants split into two groups: skating and classic cross-country skiing. In small groups, the learned techniques, such as braking, are reinforced. The small groups allow the cross-country coaches to address individual weaknesses and offer tips. Martin from the ALPINZEIT cross-country skiing school thinks the Explorer Cross-Country Ski Camp for Beginners in Ötztal is a complete success. The participants had no experience on cross-country trails and are now able to ski independently after 2.5 days. The small number of participants makes the camp family-friendly, allowing each participant to receive individual attention and have fun learning to cross-country ski. For the first time, the cross-country skiers will be on a red, or intermediate, trail. They will learn how to use their poles correctly. The final event will be a small biathlon competition between the skate and classic cross-country skiers. Participants can try their hand at shooting. Sport buddy Franzi sums up the Explorer Cross-Country Ski Camp for Beginners in Ötztal. She had a lot of fun at the camp and especially appreciated the playful approach of the cross-country coaches. Franzi learned a lot and is proud of her progress in cross-country skiing.

Martin from the Alpinzeit cross-country skiing school in Ötztal explains how to brake in cross-country skiing. Braking in cross-country skiing is different for classic and skate techniques. In classic cross-country skiing, you brake with the one-sided brake plough. You are on the trail in the classic cross-country ski track. To perform the one-sided brake plough, you need to lift one ski out of the track and bring it into the braking position. To do this, place your ski at an angle in a V-shaped position. Then shift your weight onto the angled ski to brake. This allows you to control your speed or brake completely in a larger V and come to a stop. If you are unsure about a descent, lift your ski out of the track before going downhill. With the skate technique, you brake with the regular brake plough. With the skate cross-country technique, you are not in the track. To brake, you therefore need to move both skis into a V-shaped position. This is similar to snowplow skiing. With the skating technique, it's also important to bring the skis into the V-shaped position well in advance of the descent. To brake, you place weight on both legs. A small V allows you to control your speed; as you make the V larger, you achieve greater braking power. Keep your hands in front. Tip from a cross-country expert: Try the braking techniques for both the classic and skating techniques on flat terrain first before attempting a long descent! ;)

Joachim from the Alpinzeit ski school in Ötztal will take you to the famous Sölden ski area and show you these highlights: the BIG3 platforms and the longest run, the "Schwarze Schneid." Ski instructor Joachim welcomes you from the Explorer Hotel Ötztal in Umhausen. At the Explorer Wall, he will show you the itinerary for a day of skiing in Sölden. Facts about the Sölden ski area: - 144 kilometers of slopes for skiing - 31 lifts - 33 huts in the ski area - 3 three-thousand-meter peaks in the ski area (BIG3) The Giggijochbahn cable car takes you into the Sölden ski area. Once you reach the top of the Giggijoch, you continue on a chairlift. Here you'll find the Funslope – a real highlight for families. The ski instructor from the Alpinzeit ski school will ski down the slope to the Roßkirplbahn cable car. The Roßkirplbahn cable car takes you back up to the Hainbachjoch at 2,744 meters, the highest peak in the Giggijoch ski area. The view of the high alpine mountains of the Ötztal from the Hainbachjoch is breathtaking. Then you descend again on the slopes to the Silberbrünnlbahn cable car. Joachim makes his way to the first viewing point of the BIG3, the Gaislachkogl. At the top station of the Silberbrünnlbahn cable car is the Rotkogelhütte or Rotkogeljochhütte – one of 33 refreshment stops in the Sölden ski area. The Rettenbach Glacier is in the background. The route continues towards the Gaislachkogl, past the Gampe Thaya. The Stabelebahn cable car takes you up to 2,394 meters. From the Stabelebahn, Joachim descends to the Gaislachkogl cable car. The Gaislachkogl cable car takes you up to the Gaislachkogl, the first viewing platform of the BIG3. This is where the ICE Q Restaurant in Sölden and the 007 Elements are located. Scenes from the James Bond film "SPECTRE" were filmed in Sölden. For those who don't want to ski on the regular slopes, there's a freeride checkpoint. Here you'll find equipment and all the information you need for freeriding. The ski instructor heads to the next BIG3 platform, the Schwarzen Schneid. The "Golden Gate" Glacier Express takes you up. From the Glacier Express, you can see the World Cup slope on the Rettenbach Glacier's World Cup slope. The World Cup slope is the steepest slope in the Sölden ski area. Once at the Rettenbach Glacier, the ski instructor takes a short break from skiing. Joachim is now at the Schwarzen Schneid, the next BIG3 viewpoint. From the Schwarzen Schneid, the route goes through the Glacier Ski Tunnel to the Tiefenbach Glacier. After the Glacier Ski Tunnel, Joachim travels to the Tiefenbachbahn valley station. The Tiefenbachbahn cable car takes you up to Tiefenbachkogl. The ski instructor has now reached the last BIG3. The view from Tiefenbachkogl is breathtaking. From the BIG3 viewing platform, you can see the Wildspitze, the highest mountain in the Ötztal. Finally, Joachim will show you the longest run, the "Schwarze Schneid," at 15 km. You'll ski from the BIG 3 platform, Schwarze Schneid (3,340 m), down into the valley at 1,368 m. Joachim has returned to the base station of the Giggijochbahn cable car. Sölden is a ski resort for everyone. Everyone will find something to their liking in Sölden, whether you're a beginner, an advanced skier, a family, or a freerider.

Yoga instructor Simone will show you some exercises that are perfect for skiing. She will do a workout with you for your ski gymnastics. Simone from Alpinzeit welcomes you from the Sport Spa at the Explorer Hotel Ötztal in Umhausen. What does yoga have to do with skiing? Skiing is a complex movement. Yoga supports you in optimally preparing for your next day of skiing. Yoga exercises can help you minimize your risk of injury. Yoga strengthens: - muscles - flexibility - concentration - mental fitness - general fitness Today, the yoga instructor will show you some exercises for balance as well as for strengthening the leg, glute, and core muscles. A well-prepared skier has more fun and is safer on the slopes. Through yoga, you can effectively train the muscles you need for skiing. Simone will show you 6 yoga exercises and do a workout with you to prepare you for your day of skiing. The sooner you start preparing for your ski vacation, the more effective your training will be and the more beneficial the exercises will be. Even if your ski vacation is just around the corner, do these yoga exercises anyway. You'll notice improvements in no time.

Flo will take you to the legendary Bike Republic Sölden bike park in Tyrol. Plenty of downhill fun and first-class trails await you. Flo welcomes you to the Explorer Hotel Ötztal. After a hearty breakfast, it's off to Bike Republic Sölden. Bike Republic Sölden is open from June to October. The bike park features almost 100 kilometers of lines and trails, including 35 kilometers of shaped lines and 36 kilometers of natural trails. There are several bike schools in Sölden for beginners. Five lifts will take you and your mountain bike to the trails. 30 alpine huts provide the best places to stop for refreshments. The Gaislachkoglbahn takes you to the mid-station. To warm up, Flo first rides the easy, blue, EEBME Line (6005) and the OHN Line (6007). After the blue trails, Flo now heads to the first red line of the day: the TEÄRE Line (6003). After the trail, the mountain bike guide takes the Langeggbahn cable car to Hochsölden to the red OLLWEITE Line (6010). Afterwards, there's a delicious snack at the Gampe Alm. Another highlight of the Bike Republic Sölden is the Fernar Trail (6041) near the Tiefenbach Glacier. The trail starts at 2,800 m. It's a high-alpine challenge, and you can only get there with a shuttle that only runs on certain days. The trail is only accessible in good weather. Now, Flo takes on the longest descent: the Giggijoch Long Line. It links five trails with a total elevation gain of 1,300 m, making it 16 kilometers long. The line starts with a red trail (OLLWEITE Line) and then continues the rest of the way along blue trails (TROALN (6034), HARBE (6008), GAHE (6028), and LETTN Line (6009)).

Steffen welcomes you from the Explorer Hotel Ötztal and takes you to the Winnebachseehütte (2,362 m) and then on to the Ernst-Riml-Spitze (2,507 m). Tour details: 11 km - 950 m elevation gain - approx. 5-6 hours The trail starts from the parking lot in Grieß, about 15 minutes from the Explorer Hotel. Past the Gasthof Winnebach, you continue uphill through the forest in switchbacks. After the forest border, you pass the Winnebachalp and continue hiking into the valley until the path becomes a little steeper to the Winnebachseehütte. The Winnebachseehütte was built around 1900 by members of the German Alpine Association (DAV) and is a perfect place to stop for a break. Tyrolean delicacies made from regional products are served there. From Lake Winnebach, it is approximately 150 m elevation gain to the Ernst-Riml-Spitze. The trail is named after the former owner of the Winnebachseehütte. To get there, turn right behind the hut, across a wooden bridge along a moraine ridge until the summit cross is in sight. Return via the ascent route.

Josefine presents five fantastic via ferratas in the Alps that you should know if you enjoy climbing. These include a spectacular ridge hike, a rope bridge over Tyrol's highest waterfall, beautiful mountain views, and athletic challenges.

Looking for inspiration? Josefine presents you with 5 beautiful hikes in Austria! All tours are accessible from the Explorer Hotels.