Winter in Ötztal
Winter holidays in Tyrol offer everything: skiing in Sölden, cross-country skiing or winter hiking adventures. Alone, as a couple or with the whole family. A winter holiday at the AQUA DOME is every bit as much an active winter holiday as it is a spa holiday. Our concept is: first the tension outside, then the relaxation inside in the spa and saunas.
Fancy skiing in the nearby top ski resort of Sölden, featuring up to 144 kilometres of pistes with two snow-sure glaciers and 31 modern lifts? As a contrast, winter and snowshoe hikers meet up in rustic alpine huts on the quiet side of the Ötztal. You can really feel the magic of winter on an alpaca and lantern hike with the AQUA DOME guides. Ötztal is also a special area for Tyrol’s cross-country skiers, with 143 kilometres of trails.
But winter sports are by no means everything: how about the James Bond experience high up on the Gaislachkogel, a helicopter flight in the Ötztal or pure adrenaline with indoor biking at ‘Area 47’ at the entrance to the valley?
Skiing in the Ötztal
The Ötztal is a paradise for skiers. It offers the highest quality and the greatest possible variety – ideal conditions for beginners, sports enthusiasts and families. Skiing in Ötztal is particularly snow-sure thanks to the high altitude, and is possible from October to May.
- The large Sölden ski area is one of the best-known and most snow-sure ski areas in Austria. With 144 kilometres of pistes, 31 lifts, 2 glaciers, 3 three-thousand-metre peaks, over 30 mountain huts, as well as restaurants and several ski schools.
- The Sölden ski area is only about 15 minutes from the AQUA DOME and can be easily reached by car or the free ski bus. The ski bus stop is located directly in front of the AQUA DOME.
- The Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area can also be reached in around 25 minutes by car or ski bus.
- Insider tip: The AQUA DOME activity programme also includes ski guiding with breakfast in a mountain hut and night skiing.
- Don’t fancy queuing? At the AQUA DOME you can buy your ski pass at reception.
- Information about ski hire at the AQUA DOME is available at reception.
Winter hiking and snowshoeing in the Ötztal
Right on the doorstep of the AQUA DOME and around Längenfeld are countless cleared and signposted paths for winter hiking in the Ötztal. A stroll through powdery snow, admiring the icicles along the way… so beautiful! The hiking trails run through the valley, along rivers, across white meadows and snow-covered forests. Or they lead over gentle climbs up to snack stations or idyllic spots. There are 250 km of groomed winter hiking trails in Ötztal, many of which start from Längenfeld or can be reached quickly from here.
The Ötztal is also an ideal destination for snowshoeing. Whether in the valley or high up, you can explore the winter landscape on your own or with the hiking guides from the AQUA DOME on marked trails, spectacular high-altitude trails and with guided tours. Snowshoeing in the Ötztal is suitable for all fitness levels – a wonderful shared experience for families amidst unspoilt winter nature.
Cross-country skiing in the Ötztal
Get out of the AQUA DOME, hit the trails and cross-country ski on over 50 kilometres of groomed trails! You can also try out the different styles – classic cross-country skiing or skating. The Ötztal is a special region for Tyrolean cross-country skiing enthusiasts; it was awarded the Tyrolean cross-country skiing quality seal and has 143 kilometres of trails: 77 kilometres of classic trails and 66 kilometres for skaters.
- The Ötztal is ideal for cross-country skiing The extensive network of 25 cross-country ski trails offers a high standard of preparation and marking, as well as courses for beginners and advanced skiers.
- From the AQUA DOME, you have direct access to the cross-country ski trails around Längenfeld; these run right past the thermal resort and are suitable for beginners and advanced skiers. The south trail and other cross-country trails in the Längenfeld valley basin are particularly popular.
- Private lessons can be booked at the AQUA DOME – to learn cross-country skiing or improve your own technique (please enquire at reception)
- Fancy cross-country skiing at night? There are floodlit night trails in Längenfeld and Niederthai
- Prefer the altitude? High-altitude trails are available in Sulztal and Gurgl.
- Why not try out biathlon: a trial biathlon facility is located in Niederthai, at around 1,550 metres above sea level. There is another option for biathlon courses in Gries near Längenfeld – with its own biathlon course and a shooting range right next to the cross-country ski trail.
Winter for animal lovers and adrenaline junkies in the Ötztal
The daily winter activity programme of the AQUA DOME has much more to offer, including curling, ice skating and lantern and alpaca hikes.
Alpaca hike in the Ötztal
Hiking with alpacas has a calming effect; children and adults alike love the animals‘ charisma. Thanks to their calm demeanour and curious nature, you’ll quickly find a connection with them. Come with us to the alpaca farm in Sölden. We hike for around an hour along the panoramic trail, together with our fluffy companions. After the alpaca hike, there is something hot to warm you up on the farm. A horse-drawn carriage ride is also very romantic.
James Bond in the Ötztal, helicopter flight in Tyrol and winter biking
Fancy an adrenaline rush? At an altitude of 3,000 metres on the Gaislachkogel, you can meet James Bond in the ‘007 Elements’ cinema installation, which focuses on the film ‘Spectre’ and the scenes filmed in Sölden. The ‘making of’ of a high-speed helicopter flight is also included. If you prefer to experience a helicopter flight in Ötztal yourself, privately with just 6 people, book a 20-minute helicopter flight over the Ötztal Nature Park at the AQUA DOME.
Link to the winter AQUventures
Indoor bike park at AREA 47
And for all those who also want to go biking in winter. The indoor bike centre at ‘Area 47’, Austria’s largest outdoor leisure park, is open even in winter. The high ropes course and bungee jumping are also great fun. Top for adrenaline junkies!
