Kaunertal
A quiet and picturesque valley surrounded by three-thousanders? A place where you can ski for hours, admire the landscapes and not have to queue for the ski lift? We can find them in the Ötzal Alps, near the Tyrolean Kaunertal glacier. Snow awaits skiing enthusiasts here from October to June, and the 38 km of slopes include blue (20 km), red (12 km) and black (6 km), so both advanced and beginner skiers can try them. According to some, the best route is the almost 2-kilometer long red "9". It is very varied, has numerous walls, and ends at the intermediate chairlift station.
Kaunertal is not huge, but it has been very popular among winter sports fans for years. The local routes are not only beautiful, but also easily accessible - you can get so close to them by car that all you have to do is put on your skis or board and move forward, pushing yourself with your poles. Let's add to this two chairlifts and five drag lifts, as well as an 8-person cabin cable car with heated seats, taking skiers to an altitude of 3,100 m above sea level. There is also a ski school and three ski rentals here.
The youngest child of the Tyrolean glaciers
There are many atmospheric villages in the valley. The most important and best-known of them is Feichten, located in the central part of the area - it is the best base for skiing. Despite its intimate setting, Fendels enjoys an excellent reputation, and Kauns and Prutz are also famous. The Kaunertal valley itself attracts tourists all year round. In winter, it tempts with fluffy snow and many opportunities to practice sports, while in summer it attracts a lot of cyclists, amateur walkers and experienced mountain hikers. Every year, a road cycling race is organized in the valley, which is an opportunity to participate in a great event. Moreover, there is no shortage of grand events here, starting from the Spring Classics in spring and ending with the autumn Kaunertal Opening.
This is not the end of the region's cars. The Kaunertal scenic route is considered by many people to be the most beautiful high-mountain route in the Alps. In addition, the glacier attracts with a wide range of entertainment for snowboarders. They have a permanent gutter, a trampoline and a fun park here. There are also slopes with various levels of difficulty, including a 1,000-meter height difference. The valley is also famous for one of the best snow parks in the Alps, attracting crowds of free ski enthusiasts.
The majority of the previously mentioned ski slopes are easy. There is also a 30 km long cross-country track in the valley - skating and classic. You can explore the area not only on skis, but also on snowshoes, sleds or boards. What about after a day on the slope? There are two restaurants in the glacier area where you can admire the scenery from the terraces.
Fendels – ideal for families with children
But not only fans of fast skiing and snow fun will be happy with their stay in Kaunertal. In nearby Fendels there is a small ski area for families, offering 16 km of slopes (8 km blue, 6 km red and 2 km black). Its cable cars and slopes are the perfect place for winter fun against the backdrop of rugged peaks and a piercingly clear sky. Every Thursday night skiing and night sledding are organized there on a 4.5 km illuminated track. The slopes leading through the forest are also lit, which guarantees skiers good visibility even on foggy days. Tired after a day's driving, they can relax at the elegant table of the Sattelklause mountain restaurant, and the kids will spend time on the playground.
What is important, when purchasing a one-day pass for the Fendels ski slopes, skiers have free ski buses at their disposal. In comparison, those who ski on the Kaunertal slopes can only use the free bus after purchasing a 4-day ski pass.
Ticket prices in Kaunertal in the 2013/2014 season
The fact that Kaunertal is friendly to families with children is visible not only in the diverse offer, but also in the favorable ticket prices. As for the glacier slopes, we will pay 36 euros for a 1-day pass for adults in the low season and 40 euros in the high season. A 1-day ticket for a child born between 1998 and 2007 costs 22 and 24 euros, respectively. In turn, for a day of skiing on the Fendels slopes outside the season, an adult skier will pay EUR 30, and a child - EUR 18. During peak season, ticket prices increase to 33 euros (adult) and 20 euros (child). Regardless of the season, adults will pay EUR 11 for night skiing and children EUR 7.
Kaunertal is the Tyrolean glacier furthest from Poland , but it is still worth visiting its area at least once. If only because it is not (yet) commercial like its colleagues, which are sometimes crowded to the limit during the season. Regardless of the season, we will spend a wonderful holiday among the lofty peaks towering over a quiet and peaceful valley. Guests can enjoy not only the slopes, but also the Kaunergrat nature park, where you can relax surrounded by untouched nature.
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A writer by profession, a passion of a cat. One day he will see what is behind the Urals - good to Vladivostok. So far, when he can, he enjoys the sun of the countries of southern Europe. And it's also fun;)
