Stubai Alps in South Tyrol

The northern border of the Stubai Alps also serves as the border between the Central Alps and the Northern Limestone Alps.

Among several three-thousanders, the most picturesque peak is the Zuckerhütl (3,507 meters), which is located on Austrian territory, but very close to the South Tyrolean border. Anyone daring to climb it needs not only endurance but also mountain experience - after all, this peak is not considered the easiest. However, at the top awaits a majestic panorama, including the Dolomites, the Zillertal Alps, the Ötztal Alps, the Karwendel, as well as the Hohen Tauern with Großglockner and Großvenediger.

The cold weather in the more remote parts of the mountain range causes occasional glaciations and brought about the Stubai Glacier in the Austrian part, which as a popular glacier skiing area guarantees snow safety and fun on the slopes from October to June.

Similarly, the Italian part of the Stubai Alps impresses with a winter sports resort that is more than impressive. The Ratschings-Jaufen ski area is considered one of the most snow-sure ski areas in South Tyrol - at an altitude of up to 2,150 meters. With eight ski lifts (one of which is a modern 8-seater gondola) and 25 kilometers of slopes ranging from easy to medium, the area convinces every passionate skier. A “fun park” at the Enzian lift invites freestylers and even offers a “kicker line” for the hardcore professionals.

There is also a five-kilometer-long sledging track and a 16-kilometer panoramic cross-country ski trail (High-altitude trail Platschjoch at 1,800 meters), to please everyone.

Otherwise, both in winter and in summer, it's time to lace up your hiking boots! For example, for a tour to the Becherhaus (3,195 meters). Built in 1894 as the Empress Elisabeth Refuge, the Becherhaus now stands guard as the highest refuge in South Tyrol over the Stubai Alps. The hike starts in Maiern in the rear Ridnaun Valley. You can reach your destination in about six or seven hours via footpath No. 9. Please note, however, that the hut is closed in winter.

A climb of the Wilder Freiger (3,418 meters) on the border between Austria and Italy is feasible from the Becherhaus in about 1 hour. Via the south ridge of the signal peak and further in a northwesterly direction, you reach the main summit. Along the way, you will also pass the Grohmannhütte (2,254 meters) and the Teplitzer Hütte (2,586 meters), both of which offer overnight accommodation and enchant with regional delicacies.

Also located between South Tyrol and North Tyrol is the Sonklarspitze (3,463 meters), which can be climbed via the normal route on the north ridge. This was also the route taken during the first ascent. Start from the Becherhaus or from the Müllerhütte (3,145 meters) - from the latter, you can reach the Sonklarspitze in 2 hours, from there you continue over the Übeltalferner to the Sonklarscharte and further to the summit. The summer hiking paradise is an idyllic wonderland for extensive ski tours in winter.