Wipptal Valley Ski Crossing

A travelogue

The Wipptaler Skidurchquerung is a 6-day area traverse from the Stubaital to the South Tyrolean Wippptal with daily stages between 800 and 1,200 meters in altitude. On the tours we discover new terrain every day, accompanied by a state-certified mountain guide. We ascend in one valley, descend in the next and thus experience constantly changing perspectives of the mountain world around us. The accommodation in the beautiful location hotel is not only comfortable, but also energy-saving, as the stages can be walked with a day rucksack and we return to the hotel in the afternoon.

The Wipptal is easy to reach by public transport. The ski crossing also relies on this. Innsbruck's main railway station is well connected to the international rail network, and the S-Bahn runs regularly between Innsbruck and the Brenner Pass. But the "last mile" into the valleys also works well, so that the crossing can be made almost entirely by public transport. A shuttle service is only used where it is impractical.

The tour week starts with a gentle start via Mieders in the Stubai Valley to the Maria Waldrast monastery. On the first day we cover 780 meters in altitude. After a tasty lunch stop, we descend to Mühlbachl. We reach our hotel in Matrei on foot in just a few minutes.
On the second day, we climb from the Ochsenalm through the Matreier Grube to the Kalbenjoch, where the view down into the Gschnitztal, the Tux Alps and the Tribulaune is breathtaking. The descent to Trins is a real treat and we take the bus back to the hotel in Matrei.

The third stage takes us to the 1,000-metre altitude mark for the first time. From Trins, we make a lonely ascent to the Trunahütte and continue up to the Egger Joch and the Egger Berg. We then descend over beautiful terrain to Gries.

The fourth stage follows on seamlessly from here. We head up to the Sattelberg via the Sattelbergalm. At the cross, we not only cross the summit, but also the border to Italy, where we then make our way down to the Brenner Pass. Of course, not without first enjoying the wonderful view of the Zillertal and Stubai Alps.

For the fifth stage, a shared transfer takes us from Matrei to Brennerbad in the morning before we climb up to the Enzianhütte. After a short break and storage of our overnight luggage, we climb the Flatschspitze, the last peak of our week's tour. Thanks to the magnificent panoramic views that have accompanied us throughout the week, we look back on all the stages we have used to get here from the Stubai Valley. After a few relaxed turns, we almost reach the sun terrace of the Enzianhütte.

The last night at the Enzianhütte is the crowning glory of the ski crossing. The hut is located in the former Zirog ski area and is perfectly situated for the ascent to the Flatschspitze. What could be nicer than rounding off the tour with Tyrolean specialties? A cozy parlor and the charm of the host family provide the perfect setting for a successful hut evening.

The Parkhotel Matrei is an excellent location for the tours. With its location opposite Matrei train station, public transportation is easy. Buses and trains also converge here for access to the daily tours. Where it is not possible to travel by public transport, a shared transfer is organized by the hotel. Hotel manager Florian has extensive tour knowledge and is happy to give tips if you are unsure about planning a tour. Ending a day of touring in the hotel's own sauna had a special quality for me. If you prefer a more sporty afternoon, you can go climbing at the nearby base camp. Those interested in culture can also take the train to Innsbruck.

In terms of touring character, the area traverse is aimed at beginners and connoisseurs. Experience in ski touring, a good level of fitness and safe skiing on the piste are the prerequisites for successful ski days. Those looking for a little more challenge will find it every day in the form of additional, nearby summits.

Tip for imitators: Here you can find all the stages in detail and further information on the self-guided tour "Wipp Traverse Winter". You can also cross the Wipptal on your own in summer: Click here for more information and the offer.