A valley full of possibilities

The world-famous iceman was discovered in 1991 by Mr and Mrs Simon from Germany on Tisenjoch pass, just above Niederjochferner glacier at around 3,210 metres above sea level. Our father Luis Pirpamer and our brother Markus were two of the first at the discovery site. It quickly became clear that the body must have been in the ice for a long time – but at that point, no one could have imagined that it had lain there for more than 5,300 years. That makes Ötzi the only preserved Copper Age mummy in Central Europe. Objects including a stone dagger, a copper axe, and bow and arrows were also found with the freeze-dried mummy. This sensational find was truly historic. Today, the iceman can be seen at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, South Tyrol. The hike from Vent to the glacier mummy’s discovery site leads past Similaun hut and takes around six hours.

Distance from the hotel: approx. 15km

“Hohler Stein”, a hunters’ and shepherd’s station from the Stone Age (8000 to 4000 BC), is located at 2,050 metres above sea level and just 10 kilometres away from Ötzi’s discovery site. Archaeological digs show that the region was a Mesolithic hunting ground from as early as 8000 BC.

Distance from the hotel: 600m

The mountaineering village of Vent is located at the heart of Ötztal Nature Park, which includes all the protected areas in Ötztal. It extends from the valley floor up into the high-Alpine area. Its highest point is marked by 3,774m-high Mt Wildspitze, Austria’s second-highest mountain, but this unique nature reserve also encompasses countless other 3,000m peaks, glaciers, natural forest reserves, and protected areas like the Ötztal Alps and Stubai Alps. Our hotel in Vent is the perfect starting point for hikes and discovery tours in Ötztal Nature Park.

Distance from the hotel: 0km

At 3,774 metres high, Mt Wildspitze could be considered the crown prince of Austria’s mountains: Austria’s second-highest mountain watches majestically over the Ötztal Alps and has always been a dream destination for alpinists from all over the world. The two peaks of the imposing mountain were first scaled in 1848 (the southern peak) and 1861 (the northern peak) by Vent local Leander Klotz. The summit tour up Mt Wildspitze leads from Vent via Breslauer hut and Mitterkarjoch, first up to the southern peak and then over a lofty ridge up to the northern peak, from where you descend via the Rofenkarferner glacier back to Breslauer hut.

Distance from the hotel: 9.5km

Sölden is a vibrant tourist destination in southern Ötztal at 1,368 metres above sea level and attracts guests from all over the world in summer and winter. It’s especially well-known for its varied ski area, which makes winter sports fans’ hearts beat faster with its 144 kilometres of slopes, two glaciers, 31 lifts, and three 3,000m peaks connected by lift. In summer, Sölden enchants hiking and biking fans with more than 300 kilometres of hiking paths, countless nature trails, and 30 huts.

Distance from the hotel: 17km

Bike Republic Sölden calls itself “The Alps’ most flowing nation”. With its 18 natural trails, 12 shaped lines, 13 enduro routes, and 14 mountain bike routes, this extraordinary bike park is an insider secret for bike lovers of all kinds. Whether single trail fans or enduro pros, downhillers or freeriders, beginners or pros, everyone will find the ultimate bike adventure here. And the infrastructure around the trails is astounding, too: Two pump tracks with skill centre, five lifts, 12 bike washing stations in three locations, six bike schools, six bike shops, and 30 mountain huts for a bite to eat offer everything that bikers’ hearts desire.

Distance from the hotel: 18km

The Aqua Dome spa in Längenfeld delights visitors all year round with its 2000m² of aquatic relaxation. 12 spectacular indoor and outdoor pools with water between 34 and 36°C and views of the area’s magnificent 3,000m peaks make you feel buoyant and free, while the lounge oasis lets you enjoy moments of peace just for you. Seven saunas and an exclusive spa also treat you to profound relaxation.

Distance from the hotel: 30km

Passo Rombo/Timmelsjoch at 2,509 metres above sea level connects Austria’s Ötztal with Italy’s Val Passiria/Passeiertal in South Tyrol. The Passo Rombo/Timmelsjoch high-Alpine road was built in 1955 and treats travellers to a unique view of the high-mountain world. Whether it’s the unspoilt nature, serpentine driving fun, or the feeling of freedom when crossing the border, Passo Rombo/Timmelsjoch has always held a very special charm. The high-Alpine road is open every day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Distance from the hotel: 33km

Did you know that some of the most spectacular scenes in the James Bond film “Spectre” were shot in Sölden? That’s what the James Bond world 007 Elements on the summit of Mt Gaislachkogl is dedicated to. After ascending in the Gaislachkogl lift, the cinematic installations and impressive sound effects across nine rooms take you on a thrilling journey through the world of the most famous secret agent on Earth.

Distance from the hotel: 26km

Area 47 is the largest outdoor adventure park in Austria and tempts adrenaline junkies with climbing areas and high ropes courses, bungee jumping, a giant swing with freefall, canyoning and rafting, mountain-bike and single trails, a water area with cannonball chute, blobbing, and exciting water slides, and much more.

Distance from the hotel: 55km