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ItalianoUpdated 16.10.2022
It's not just the early start to the ski season and the magic of the altitude that make skiing on the 5 Tyrolean glaciers so special. In the glacier ski areas in Kaunertal, Pitztal, Sölden, Stubai and Hintertux there is much more to discover. Here are the best tips for special glacier experiences and the most enjoyable stops. And one topic is not neglected: the careful use of resources.
It's like diving into another world: At the Hintertux Glacier, a spectacular natural gem awaits explorers young and old, the Nature Ice Palace. Near the viewing platform on the Gefrorenen Wand, at an altitude of 3,250 metres, you descend via a turquoise-blue entrance hall - into a unique natural jewel. Roman Erler, the discoverer of the Nature Ice Palace, explains what a special environment you are in during an exclusive guided tour with insights into the eternal ice. It takes you past ice formations up to ten metres high, to a glacial lake 30 metres below the ski slope, and into the deepest scientific research shaft in the world. But there are also other ways to get out and about in the Nature Ice Palace: By kayak, SUP board or even - for the hardy - swimming.
Also deeply hidden in the glacier ice is the ice grotto, at almost 3,000 metres above sea level, on the Stubai Glacier. The grotto is ideally suited as an excursion destination for the whole family. On a 200-metre long tour through the grotto, you get a fascinating insight into glacier phenomena such as glacier moraines, glacier polish, glacier milk, individual ice layers and inclusions, and of course it is also about glacier protection.
High enjoyment is literally guaranteed on the glaciers. On the Stubai Glacier, a visit to the Schaufelspitz restaurant is an absolute must, because at an altitude of 3,000 metres, guests are treated to culinary delights here in the cosy stone pine parlour and on the sun terrace with a panoramic view of the glacier. Classic Austrian cuisine is on the menu, but the traditional dishes become something special because they are interpreted in a modern way with an international flair at the Schaufelspitz. Most of the ingredients come from the region, and exquisite wines are served with the dishes.
The ice Q gourmet restaurant in Sölden is spectacular at an altitude of over 3,000 metres. Here, innovative architecture meets futuristic design and exceptional cuisine. This was worth two toques in the Gault Millau Guide 2022 and 89 points in the Falstaff Restaurant Guide to boot. You simply have to experience this place, because in addition to a lot of pleasure and the view of 250 impressive three-thousand-metre peaks, there is also the ultimate James Bond feeling. Scenes for "Spectre" were filmed here. New this year is the ice Q gourmet breakfast, which is available daily from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Definitely an unforgettable start to the day on the glacier.
When it comes to the ultimate stop, Café 3.440 in Pitztal is definitely not to be missed. It is the highest coffee house in Austria and that is not the only reason why you should definitely plan a stop here. With a view of Tyrol's highest mountain, the Wildspitze at an altitude of 3,774 metres, you can enjoy the cakes and tarts from the in-house pastry shop and selected coffee specialities. Café 3.440 is easily accessible for non-skiers by cable car. For example, also for bridal couples, who can celebrate their wedding here in the truest sense of the word in Austria's highest registry office
The glacier day begins in Hintertux with culinary surprises for skiers: At the gondola breakfast, a richly laid breakfast table awaits guests in the gondola at 2,660 metres above sea level. Those who want something more traditional can also book a Weißwurst breakfast. In addition, one gondola becomes a Brettljausen gondola every day, where the culinary variety ranges from "A" like Almaufstrich to Kaminwurzen, smoked bacon and ham to "Z" like Zillertal cheese variations. Another tour on the glacier is really "cave-fiery", starting at 12.00 noon, leading through the Spannagel show cave and culinary rounded off with the legendary fiery Spannagel fondue in the Spannagelhaus. Finally, it's back to the Tuxer Fernerhaus with the Pistenbully.
It is a valuable commodity that the 5 Tyrolean glaciers work with. That is why the careful treatment of the Tyrolean mountains is the focus of numerous initiatives.
in 2021, the Kaunertal was the first Austrian destination to receive the "Best Tourism Village by UNWTO" award. The sustainable and future-oriented tourism that has been practised here for a long time is also decisive for this. Some impressive initiatives have already been implemented for the winter season, and others are being planned for the short and medium term. One project is the Weißseejochbahn, which runs "green" because its energy comes from hydropower and a photovoltaic system is integrated into its building shell. In addition, another photovoltaic system was built at the Karlesjochbahn valley station. In addition, the most resource-efficient piste grooming equipment currently available on the market is currently being tested in order to implement the idea of sustainability in the area of piste grooming as well. In addition - together with the University of Innsbruck and other glacier ski resorts - work is being done on a more ecologically compatible alternative for plastic films in the snow farming sector. The big goal of all these and many other initiatives in Kaunertal is the transformation into an energy-autonomous ski area with renewable energies.
In the Pitztal Valley, too, numerous initiatives show how important it is to treat the environment with care. In ongoing operations at the Pitztal Glacier, special attention is paid to the careful use of natural snow at alpine altitudes. In addition, 1/3 of the electricity is generated by means of a photovoltaic system. Those who are out and about in the Rifflsee ski area can make a stop at the passive energy house Sunna Alm, which was built in the spirit of sustainable architecture. Guests who want to make their contribution to sustainability when arriving can use the free bus connections. Those arriving by e-car can use the charging station at the valley station of the Gletscherexpress.
Further information: www.tirolergletscher.com