What’s new in the Paznaun region, Austria, this winter?
The Paznaun valley in Austria has new activities in store for all types of winter-sport lovers, including skiers, snowboarders, mountaineers, cross-country fans, snowshoe hikers or outdoor enthusiasts.
Looking to experience something fun during a winter holiday in Paznaun? Consider ski-area hopping with the new See & Kappl ski area pass, allowing skiers to explore the best of both ski areas in a single day. Conquer new icefalls equipped with crampons and ice axe, skate on FIS-standardised cross-country skiing trails, hike across the mountain on signposted snowshoe routes, or practice core balance on a rapid descent with a Snooc (type of sit-on ski) in Galtür.
Ski Area Excursions with a Map in Kappl and See: For winter 2023/2024, the new Skischaukel Kappl & See ticket network seamlessly combines the family-oriented ski areas of Kappl and See into one extensive winter adventure. Imagine starting the day with freeriding on world champion slopes in Kappl’s backcountry, and then leisurely cruising on the expansive sun-drenched slopes of the energy autonomous See ski area in the afternoon. Thanks to a short bus connection, skiers can effortlessly savour the highlights from both ski areas in a single day. The day pass for the ski circuit is priced at €59.50 / £52 for adults, with a reduced rate of €38 / £33 for children under 17 and an even lower rate of €20 / £17 per child on weekends. Children under eight years of age ride for free when accompanied by a parent. The ski season in Kappl and See commences on 15 December 2023 and concludes on 7 April 2024. For a time-saving tip, consider ordering a customisable online ski pass, which will conveniently be delivered and spare precious time queuing at the ticket office. Find all the information here.
Ice-Cold Challenge Conquering Icefalls in Kappl and See: A total of seven ice-climbing falls and one ice-climbing pillar are waiting to be discovered in Kappl and See, newly developed with photo-topographic precision. However, guests will need to exercise caution. Climbing the cascades of a frozen waterfall and navigating icy routes requires proper training and experience in climbing and mountaineering, as well as suitable equipment. Beginners are advised to take their initial steps with a helmet, crampons, and ice axe on vertical black ice under the guidance of an experienced instructor or through participation in an ice-climbing course at the ice pillar. This activity at the Paznaun ice falls and ice pillar is accessible at no cost at any time. You need not bring your own equipment, as the sports shops in Paznaun offer ice climbing equipment for rent. More details here.
FIS-standardised cross-country skiing trails for skaters in Galtür: From this winter onwards, for the first time, four FIS-standardised competition trails will be available to race-loving cross-country skiers in Galtür. Choose between the new skating tracks: 1.3 kilometres (at 44 metres altitude); 3.7 kilometres (at 92 metres altitude); 2.5 kilometres (at 53 metres altitude); and 3.3 kilometres (at 70 metres altitude). All in the medium difficulty range. All information on the interactive trail map can be found here.
Signposted high-altitude snowshoe hiking in Kappl and Galtür: Snowshoe hiking is the latest trend for non-skiers in the Alps. For those keen to move through the winter-mountain landscape on silent soles during a Paznaun holiday, like the hunters and gatherers did 10,000 years ago, visit Kappl and Galtür. Here, two new, well-marked snowshoeing trails await at the mountaintops. The “Dias Kappl Snowshoe Route”, which spans 1.8 kilometres and is rated as moderately difficult, begins and ends at the Diasbahn mountain station. Otherwise, the “Snowshoe Hike in Silvapark Galtür” is 1.4 kilometres and also rated moderately difficult – hikers will love the stunning views of the Kops reservoir and the surrounding mountain world as they walk from the Alpkogelbahn mountain station towards the Zeinis winter hiking trail. All information can be found on the interactive winter hiking map here.
New Winter Fun Sport: Snoocen in Galtür: Snoocen is the exciting new winter sport in Galtür where no prior experience is required. The Snooc, a kind of “sit ski”, is steered by simply turning your shoulder and can be rented for one hour at the Galtür Ski School for €7 / £6 per Snooc. With a valid ski pass, Snooc enthusiasts can then test their balance or practice on the blue-family slope number three and in the Kinderland. Discover all the information here.
