Hiking & Mountaineering
The hiking paradise starts right outside our front door.
An exceptionally beautiful snow season
A winter with variety
Welcome to a winterwonderland – a place that exists everywhere, but is more beautiful in our surroundings. White landscapes as far as the eye can see, surrounded by nature covered in snow and winter experiences that will thrill you.
There are so many opportunities here to enjoy the winter to the fullest.
Long, romantic walks, more challenging snowshoe hikes or adventurous ski tours are the order of the day, as are tobogganing, cross-country skiing rounds or ski turns in the family ski area.
Experience the best white moments of winter.
“Winter here in Niederthai is something very special – romantic landscapes and unique views.”
The winter so close
Snowshoeing & winter hiking
A gentle winter in Niederthai
Snowshoe hiking has a very special fascination, leads you into the middle of untouched nature and lets you experience the magic of the deep snow-covered landscape as intensively as seldom before. While you take step after step in the fluffy, soft deep snow or the crunching of the hard snow under your snowshoes, the only thing you can hear is the rhythm of your own breath. All around, the forests are silent, the snow crystals glisten and sometimes you come across the trail of a shy forest animal – or even get to see it yourself.
The handling of snowshoes is very easy and snowshoe hiking is a gentle fitter for everyone. The advantage of the leisurely or even sportive locomotion is quickly appreciated, as it takes you to places where otherwise only very experienced deep-snow skiers can get there.
Niederthai offers a variety of recommendable snowshoe hikes. The more remote a tour is, the better local knowledge is urgently recommended – or an experienced “Scout”.
Your host Dominique is exactly the right companion. Not only that he loves snowshoeing himself and knows the closer as well as further surroundings of Niederthai very well – he is also a trained, i.e. certified Tyrolean mountain hiking guide.
From Gasthof Stuibenfall, the snowshoe hike can be started literally on the doorstep due to the beautiful landscape. Once you have experienced the magic of the quiet beauty and soothing seclusion, you will never let go.
Winter hiking on cleared paths also has its charm and promises both deceleration and wonderful panoramas and atmospheric images of winter nature. More than 50 km of well-cleared winter paths, away from the hustle and bustle and traffic, are available for this purpose.
Not only when the mountain slopes sparkle in the sunlight in the distance, winter hiking in Niederthai is also a brilliant idea.
Cross country skiing & biathlon
Excellent conditions in the middle of the Ötztal
Cross-country skiing has long been a top priority in Niederthai due to the excellent conditions and the attractive offer. 31 km of perfectly groomed cross-country ski runs of all levels of difficulty run through the fantastic natural backdrop and open up the whole variety of cross-country skiing enjoyment.
Niederthai is regarded as the Ötztal cross-country skiing centre and inspires ambitious professionals as well as ski hikers.
Snow conditions in Niederthai
Thanks to the snow-assured altitude of over 1,500 metres, cross-country skiers can already make their rounds here from December and even in spring during the “Sonnenskilauf”.
The terrain is perfect for this health-promoting sport. Where thousands of years ago an extensive lake landscape stretched out, today the Horlachtal valley around Niederthai enchants with its gentle landscape forms, through which a multi-facetted network of cross-country trails runs.
Awarded the Tyrol Cross-country Ski Trail Quality Seal, all Niederhai cross-country ski trails are free of charge and are suitable for the classic style as well as for skating technique. Twice a week there is a cross-country skiing taster course, and there is also a cross-country biathlon for everyone, where you can try your hand at the laser shooting range with professional supervision. At the local ski school, cross-country skiers are also well looked after by experts.
Niederthai thus offers an excellent opportunity for beginners of all ages as well as a wide field of activity for experts. As one of the most efficient sports with regard to the cardiovascular system, up to 90 percent of our muscles are trained during the rhythmic gliding through the fairytale-like winter landscape.
Hardly any other endurance sport combines physical activity with such wonderful tranquillity and intensive nature experience. In Niederthai you can also enjoy this magical experience in the evening thanks to the illuminated cross-country ski run.
Stuibenfall ski run
Sunny plateau cross-country ski run / Night cross-country ski run
Horlachtalloipe
Tobogganing
On the toboggan, ready, go!
Sledging is real fun for young and old and in Niederthai, thanks to the longest natural toboggan run in the Ötztal (7 km!), it is also a long-lasting pleasure.
First things first you hike along the beautiful Hochlach Valley until you reach the Larsigalm (1h). The path there isn´t as steep which makes the sled run perfect for children. The path continues until you reach the Schweinfurter hut (1h) from where you can start sledding, which is pretty demanding and quick.
Another sled run in Niederthai (1,5km) and the sled run Stuibelfall (2km) in Umhausen which are both lit up in the nighttime have a lot of variety to offer.
The Grantau toboggan run remains reserved for the professionals. As a training facility for the local and neighbouring national teams, it bears witness to the great tradition of this sport locally, home to a World Champion and the current two-time overall World Cup winner.
There is a ski kindergarten with all-day supervision and the local ski and snowboard school offers an instructive and varied programme for every ability level and every age.
The specially built snow playgrounds for romping and sliding also make the hearts of the children beat faster.
The Niederthai Card is inclusive for our guests!
Niederthai ski area
Family friendly ski area
As a family skiing area par excellence Niederthai presents itself with its ideal conditions for beginners and young talents, but also terrain for more experienced skiers.
With 4 kilometres of pistes and 4 lifts, Niederthai is relatively modest compared to the large Tyrolean ski centres. But this is exactly what makes this small snow paradise so attractive.
The unique location alone promises pure winter pleasures for young and old. 1,500 m above sea level make Niederthai snow sure. And the scenic panorama including our village is a true winter idyll. Far from the hustle and bustle and bustle, you can still take your turns here in a relaxed and elegant way, according to your own ability and speed.
Especially for families, the Niederthai Ski Resort is pleasantly manageable, “relaxed” and close to nature, and its other offers are perfectly adapted to the needs of youngsters.
Skiing areas in the Ötztal
Skiing pleasure in the entire Ötztal valley
Skiing in the Ötztal means enjoying more of everything and boundless variety on the slopes.
There are 6 skiing areas, 2 of which are glacier ski areas, over 350 kilometres of pistes and a top infrastructure.
There is something for everyone and it will be a wonderful, snowy winter holiday with perfectly groomed slopes.
Hochötz - Kühtai
There are 12 different transport facilities and a total of 39 kilometres of pistes at your disposal, including
- 12 km easy (blue)
- 21 km middle (red)
- 3 km difficult (black)
- 3 km ski routes
Family manageable
The ski area of Oetz therefore offers varied descents of all levels of difficulty, is familiar and manageable and has an impressive number of rustic huts where you can eat excellently and at reasonable prices.
Small and big in Hochoetz
Through individual care, the family-friendly Hochoetz ski region has developed into a true Tyrolean insider tip. Even off-piste, comfort and personal care are a top priority in Hochoetz.
Snow valley
Welcome to the snow valley, the first igloo village in Austria. Adventure and silence at 2000m above sea level are tempting. The location in the middle of the Hochoetz ski area in the Vorderen Ötztal guarantees constant accessibility, no matter whether it is stormy or snowing.
Double ski enjoyment
Lifting in the Kühtai and fun on the slopes in Hochoetz, this is the ski region Kühtai – Hochoetz. Both ski resorts are connected with a common ski pass! Plus free bus transfer every half hour between Hochoetz (Ochsengarten) and Kühtai.
Skiing area Sölden
Obergurgl - Hochgurgl
Ski touring
Multifaceted, unforgettable routes
Due to its altitude (1.548 altitude) and the mountains surrounding it Niederthai is the ideal springboard for ski tours. From the high valley and impressing steeps to rambling top plateaus, amateurs but also experts will find multifarious routes.
The unique nature in the alp areas in combination with challenging activities make ever ski tour an unforgettable experience. The fact that you´re being rewarded with the perfect view but also the extensive gliding through the fresh snow wakes the passion in many people.
Ski touring Edorado
Make the ski touring experience all around Niederthai with brilliant descents and superb stale circumstances in spring.
For the less experienced we recommend the ski-guide, who knows the most beautiful spots routes.
Popular tours starting in Niederthai (1.548 m):
• Brand: 2283 m, 2-3 h, 733 metres above sea level, easy
• Kraspesspitze: 2954 m, 5-6 h, 1.400 metres above sea level, easy to medium
• Hohe Wasserfalle: 3003 m, 7-9 h, 1.490 metres above sea level, difficult
• Hochreichkopf: 3010 m, 6-7 h, 1.460 metres above sea level, medium to difficult
• Breiter Griekogel: 3287 m, 7-8 h, 1.740 metres above sea level, very difficult
Kraspesspitze (2.954 m)
Hochreichkopf (3.010 m)
Discover the fascinating side of snow in all it’s facets.
Niederthai Card – the whole winter included
This is how a holiday should be: while grandma and grandpa enjoy walking on romantic winter trails, the youngest guests can romp around and play in the snow with their snow sliders. Older kids give skiing or snowboarding a try. Mum and dad discover the scenic cross-country skiing tracks in lovely Niederthai. Let’s get ready for ultimate snow activities!
All the fascinating sides of winter sports and exercises in the snow, comprising also ski lifts and Nordic ski tracks, are already included if you stay at Gasthof Stuibenfall.
3 ski lifts
Niederthai Ski Area
The small and cozy family ski area is also ideal for beginners and perfect to improve your skills. Both active and varied winter holidays await you here.
- 3 T-bar lifts and 1 connecting lift
- 4 slope kilometers
- Relaxation loungers on the ski slope
- Quaint rest stop locations
16 km of Nordic skiing tracks and routes
Nordic skiing on the sunny plateau
Perfectly groomed cross-country skiing tracks with absolute snow reliability on the valley floor and at high altitude. Ideal for leisurely Nordic skiers and ambitious experts. Among the very special highlights ranks the Nordic track floodlit by night.
- 16 km of Nordic skiing tracks and routes
- Skating & classic style
- Floodlit night track (Mon-Wed)
- High altitude training center
Nordic ski biathlon for everyone (1x per card)
Nordic ski biathlon for everyone (1x per card)
Featuring a new laser shooting range and highly professional instructors.
No matter if you are an absolute beginner or a pro – everyone can give it a try.
- Every Thursday & Sunday from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm
- Nordic Sports Arena Niederthai
- Advance booking: until 5.00 pm the day before at www.oetztal.com/experiences or at the information offices Umhausen-Niederthai
Toboggan run
Enjoy a leisurely winter walking tour through the snow-covered Alpine wonderland together with your family. After a hearty snack at one of the quaint mountain huts and inns you return to the valley on a toboggan.
- Roboggan run Horlachtal
- Length: 5 – 7 km
- Quaint rest stop locations
Snow playground
A splendid place to romp around and play in the snow for our youngest guests. The measure-made snow playgrounds promise loads of action and adventures. A visit to Ötztal’s Snowman and a souvenir photo are an absolute must.
- Nordic Sports Arena Niederthai
- Children’s snowball wall, sliding hill with sliding tyres and more
Stuiben Falls lantern walk
A truly breathtaking natural spectacle by night: the Stuiben Falls – Tirol’s biggest waterfall – can be explored together with an experienced hiking guide. He takes you from the village on snow-paved trails to the mighty Stuiben Falls. Unforgettable holiday moments!
- Every Wednesday
- Duration: 2 hours (pure walking time)
- Meet here: 6.30 pm, at the Information Office Niederthai
- Advance booking: until 4.00 pm at www.oetztal.com/experiences or at the information offices Umhausen-Niederthai
Public ski and nordic ski bus
The convenient Umhausen-Niederthai ski and Nordic ski bus takes you effortlessly from one village to the next.
More information you get on site.
Guided tour of the old smithy in Niederthai
The ancient blacksmith’s craft has been deeply rooted in the regional history down to the present day. In the course of this interesting guided tour of the Old Smithy in Niederthai you can even watch coin minting close by.
- Every Thursday
- Duration: approx. 1 h
- Meet here: 5.00 pm, village smithy
- Advance booking: until 6.30 pm the day before at www.oetztal.com/experiences or at the information offices Umhausen-Niederthai
Guided (snowshoe) winter hiking tour
Alpine nature is wrapped into a white coat. While admiring its infinite beauty, the nature park guide takes you through snow-blanketed forests and fields. The best you can do: Restore your energy and soak up the sun. You also get an insight into varied over-wintering strategies of mountain animals and plants.
- Every Tuesday
- Meet here: 1.30 pm at Nordic Sports Arena Niederthai
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Advance booking: until 5.00 pm the day before at www.oetztal.com/experiences or at the information offices Umhausen-Niederthai
Gentle yoga for winter sports fans (1x per card)
(1x per card)
As a balance exercise for perfect relaxation. Find inner peace and calm through specific physical and breathing exercises with yoga teacher Barbara Schneider.
- Every Monday
- Meet here: 5.00 pm at Lärchensaal hall (Niederthai fire station)
- Duration: 1 hour
- Advance booking: until Monday 11.00 am at the information offices Umhausen-Niederthai
Alpaca / llama hike
- Every Tuesday
- Meet here: 4.30 pm at Alpin Appart horse farm
- Duration: 1 hour
- Advance booking: until 4.00 hours bevor beginning at www.oetztal.com/experiences or at the information offices Umhausen-Niederthai