Austria, Otztal Ski Tour | Adventure Base
Skiing

Austria, Otztal Ski Tour

The Ötztal Ski Tour is a stunning journey through the wild Tyrol region of the Alps, linking together beautiful Austrian and Italian mountain huts and peaks. It’s ideal for those seeking a challenging multi-day ‘hut-to-hut’ ski adventure. Expect full days of ski touring with rewarding ascents, enjoyable descents, and cozy, often more comfortable huts than you might find elsewhere in the Alps.

Ready to ski Otztal? Scroll down to find out more about this incredible week-long tour. If you have any questions for the Adventure Base team, please just contact us for the answers you need. And be sure to browse our wider range of skiing tours in the Alps for more adventure inspiration. If you're not sure which ski tour is right for you explore our journal guide to select the right option for your skiing ability.

Duration
1 Week
Start location
Innsbruck, Austria
Date(s)
March
Difficulty
Advanced
Otztal-1-scaled

Skiing Otztal: What to Expect

The Otztal ski tour takes place in the Tyrol region of Austria with easy access via Innsbruck. This six-day, seven-night ski adventure is perfect for any ski tourer looking to explore some lesser-known peaks and quieter routes.

Linked up by comfortable mountain huts, this Otztal ski tour covers a horseshoe shape across beautiful peaks, including Mt Similaun, Fineil Spitze, and Wildspitze, the highest peak in the Otztal region at 3770m.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced


Best for: Ski tourers with a few hut trips already and good fitness.

The Ötztal tour takes things up a notch — bigger distances, more vertical, and more glaciated terrain. You’ll summit iconic peaks like the Wildspitze and stay in some of the most atmospheric huts in the Alps. It’s a great progression for those ready for a more physical and varied adventure.

Terrain: More complex glacier travel, occasional steep climbs.

Technical: Some crampon use, glacier safety knowledge expected.

Why it’s great: A perfect step up from Silvretta with higher peaks and more challenging routes.

Not sure whether you're ready to tackle the Otztal Ski Tour? No problem! Simply take our Otztal Ski Tour 'Readiness' test to see where you stand.

You can also join us on the Intro to Ski Touring - Chamonix or Intermediate Hut Ski Tour or Silveretta Ski Tourto build your skills and stamina.

TAKE THE TEST

Learn more. Download our guide here.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES? Take the readiness test

Ready to embark on your next adventure? Take our quick fitness readiness test to see how prepared you are for an unforgettable holiday!

TAKE THE TEST

Your Otztal Ski Tour Starts Here

Who is the Ski Otztal Tour For?

This trip is best suited to ski tourers with solid experience and a good level of fitness who are ready to take on a multi-day hut-to-hut adventure. You should have several ski touring days under your belt, ideally including at least one multi-day trip, and be confident using all your touring gear — skins, bindings, and doing kick turns on steeper slopes.

Expect 5 to 7 hours of movement each day, often covering varied and sometimes challenging terrain. You’ll be carrying your own gear and need to be comfortable spending full days on the move, climbing steadily and making technical transitions when needed. While the pace won’t be a race, it will be consistent, and the days can be physically demanding.

On the descents, you’ll need to be confident and in control in off-piste terrain, in all types of snow — powder, crust, windblown, or spring slush. We’re not expecting expert freeriders, but you should be able to ski with control, link turns, and keep your technique together even when conditions are tough or you're tired.

If you're still not sure whether you're ready, no sweat! Get in touch and we'll happily talk it through with you. But we recommend taking the Otztal Ski Tour 'Readiness' Test as your first step.

TAKE THE TEST

Adventure Overview

Duration
1 Week
Start location
Innsbruck, Austria
Guide Ratio
6:1
Date(s)
March
Ability
Advanced
Price
From €2.110,00
Otztal-8-scaled

Otztal Ski Tour Videos

  • Our Ski Touring Intro Trip

    01:48

    Are you tired of the same old ski slopes, crowded lifts, and grumpy chairlift operators? Do you want to add a little excitement to your ski holiday? Well, my friend, it's time to try something new - a ski touring trip in Chamonix!

  • Ski Time with Adventure Base

    00:23

    Skis, powder, skins, crampons... are there many things better than a ski adventure?

  • Ski Touring

    04:22

    We have a rule that every month we get out of the office, away from the noise and in to the great outdoors. This month Olly decided ski touring was the ticket, so we headed off to the Refuge d'Argentiere. Very hot for February but a great way to escape the noise of office life. Enjoy.

  • Meet The Team

    01:48

    Introducing our crack squad of mountain lovers and adventure junkies. We spend most of our days plotting, planning and building some of the very best trips out there for you all to enjoy.

  • What is the Food Like in Alpine Huts?

    3:03

    Charlie and Olly share what to expect from meals in Alpine huts and refuges, from breakfast and communal dinners to dietary requirements and snacks.

Kit and Equipment Required for Skiing Otztal

Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last-minute equipment on arrival depending on the weather and changes in the itinerary. Items can be rented or bought locally in Innsbruck.

Download the full Otztal Ski Tour kit list. for a more detailed overview.

View full kit list

Can be rented

5032807-001_pic1_hagan-men-ultra-82-ski-skins

Skis & Skins

Can be rented

Marker ski crampon

Ski Crampons

Can be rented

Maestrale2

Ski Touring Boots

Can be rented

5360e5cf-a967-4343-9e2a-ac059e37d4daarctic-pole-orange

Ski Poles

Can be rented

ski-helmet

Ski Helmet

Can be rented

bca_tracker_2_avalanche_transceiver-scaled

Transceiver

FULL KIT LIST

Create-from-blank-1

More info

Click the link in the text above to find the full kit list

Brilliant experience from start to finish.

Adventure Base handled the coordination, accommodations, meals, transfers, and execution of the guided trek exceptionally well. A special thank you to our guide, Rosella C., who added real value throughout the journey and dealt with any issues quickly and professionally. Tristan at Adventure Base was excellent with all of the pre-trip planning and logistics, and kudos as well to Madi for reaching out after the trip to gather feedback. Adventure Base took away much of the administrative work and worry, allowing me to simply enjoy the experience. The entire trip felt seamless and extremely well organized. The Dolomites certainly did not disappoint, and sharing the journey with a great group of fellow trekkers made it even better. Highly recommend Adventure Base.

Mike Herzog

4 Incredible Trips with Adventure Base

I've done four trips with these guys and its been incredible, I've climbed Mont Blanc, Hiked the Tour Du Mont Blanc, did four days on the Alta Via 1 and climbed Toubkal in North Africa - all with Adventure Base. Charlie and the team are professional, courteous and just overall great people to book trips through. Theres never been an issue Adventure Base can't fix, they make you feel like there are no silly questions and they've always done everything they can to ensure I've had a great trip. And I always have - every trip I've been on has been incredible, I regularly recommend them to friends, colleagues and family. If I could give them more then five stars I would.

Dave Mac

We didn't want to stop walking!

Haute Route with Adventure Base - we didn't want to stop walking! Iconic trek made special by Adventure Base with lots of trusted support, excellent accommodation and thoughtful additions. Would recommend to anyone who wants to challenge themselves slightly up from the TMB. The clever mapping app showed profiles of each day to help us prep and we felt guided and safe even though we walked alone. Thoroughly enjoyed stays in both refuges and spa hotels to relax! Met lots of people on and off along the route which was very easy to follow. We were lucky with stunning weather but the SUCH varied scenery of each section was breath-taking. If you want to feel guided with help prepping, questions answered and someone always on hand if you need it, trust Adventure Base!

Louise Addis

Incredible Experience!

Just got back from the self-guided Bernese Oberland Traverse in Switzerland and we were blown away! My wife and I have lots of prior hiking experience, but having the logistics of where we were staying and the route mapped out for us saved us a lot of time before the trip! The app they send you with your trip details and the route for every day is easy to navigate, has great offline capabilities, and has everything you need for each day of your trek (including any side adventures). For anything we needed, the team was easily accessible by phone or WhatsApp. All of the accommodations they chose were a 10 out of 10. We made so many memories on this trip without all the headache of managing your own logistics and its all thanks to the great team at Adventure Base!

Bryan Terschan

I was blown away by Adventures Base

I was blown away by Adventures Base attention to detail. Incredible guides and an incredible experience. My 2nd trip and will be booking my next soon. They have some of the best guides ive experienced. Brilliant customer service from beginning to end. A+++++

Pete

They exceeded my expectations!

The 11-day TMB experience was perfect. Our guide, Rob, was incredibly attentive from the very first minute. He was meticulous about every detail and every participant, highly attuned to the group's needs, and possessed a great sense of humor and deep knowledge of the terrain. He ensured an excellent experience. All logistics, mountain huts, and hotels were perfect; I wouldn't change a thing. They exceeded my expectations, and we were even blessed with perfect weather. I couldn't have made a better choice for my TMB trip.

Cacilda Amaral

Rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 300+ reviews on

Trustpilot

FINER DETAILS

YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE 

On arrival day you meet with your guides and fellow skiers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing in the evening. Here you will have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions as well as share your pre trip excitement with your group.

What's included?

  • All accommodation, breakfast and dinners on the itinerary (7 nights)
  • 5 nights in mountain huts half board
  • 2 nights in an Innsbruck hotel bed and breakfast
  • 6 days of incredible ski touring
  • Welcome dinner on the first night in Innsbruck
  • Adventure Base hand picked IFMGA ski guide
  • All taxi costs included within the itinerary

Optional extras

Enhance your adventure with these additional services.

Please get in touch with our team to discuss optional extras. Get in touch

What's not included?

  • Flights and airport transfers to the hotel
  • Personal snacks, lunch and drinks in the huts
  • Accommodation costs related to changes in itinerary
  • Uplifts costs related to changes in itinerary
  • Taxi costs related to changes in itinerary
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Kit hire (incl. transceiver, probe and shovel)

Adventure like a local

The Adventure Base Difference

Excellent 4.8 From 300+ reviews
  • Born & Bred in the Alps

    With an office at the foot of Mont Blanc in Chamonix, we help you Adventure like a local.

  • Customer Focused

    We don't just want you for one trip, we want you for lots! We work extremely hard to earn that right.

  • Don't take our word for it

    Our clients do the talking. Check out their latest reviews and see what makes their trips so special.

  • Guaranteed Departures

    If you can book it, we'll run it even if it's just for you. You shouldn't have to wait to get excited for your trip.

This trip is running on the following dates

Depart

Sat 13 Mar, 2027

Return

Sat 20 Mar, 2027

Availability

Join waiting list

Depart

Sat 20 Mar, 2027

Return

Sat 27 Mar, 2027

Availability

Join waiting list

Depart

Sat 27 Mar, 2027

Return

Sat 03 Apr, 2027

Availability

Join waiting list

Accommodation on This Otztal Ski Tour

When not skiing, we know the importance of having a comfortable base. The hotel in Innsbruck is the perfect spot to start and finish this trip. But don't let that nice linen and chocolate on the bed win your favour just yet. Wait until you've experienced a good old mountain hut with its basic-but-charming amenities and friendly hosts. We bet you go home missing the huts more!

Bar and lounge in the Alphotel, Silvretta

Innsbruck

The hotel in Innsbruck is a great spot that is easily reached by a short taxi ride or bus journey from the Airport. We pair you up in comfortable twin and triple rooms, with single rooms available on request. There is a wellness area available to guests, as well as a great restaurant for your evening meals. You will spend your first and last night of the trip here with the guide and the rest of the group. The evening meal on the first night is included.
  • Duration

    2 Nights
  • Wifi

    Wifi included
  • Beds

    Twin / Triple shared
  • Food

    Breakfast
Mountain hut surrounded by snow in the Ötztal Alps

Mountain Huts

Along the Otztal Ski Tour we will stay in a variety of mountain huts including the Martin Busch Hutte, Similaun Hutte, Hochjoch Hospiz Hutte and the Vernagt Hutte. Beautiful, remote mountain huts that offer a warm welcome, tasty food and a nice place to sleep.
  • Duration

    5 nights
  • Wifi

    Not included
  • Beds

    Dorm rooms
  • Food

    Half board

The Ski Otztal Tour Itinerary

Please note that this is a suggested itinerary only. While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes have other ideas. You must be capable of sticking to the required group pace to complete the tour. If ability or fitness is hindering the trip, you may be asked to drop out of the tour at your own expense.

GETTING TO THE ADVENTURE START POINT

Getting to your destination can be half the adventure, but probably not the type of Adventure you want. If you have any worries or questions then just get in touch.

Recommended

INNSBRUCK AIRPORT

INN

Most clients fly into Innsbruck, where the trip begins. Bus F runs every 15–30 minutes from outside the terminal through the old town, or take a taxi.

Approx. 20–30 min by bus or taxi to Innsbruck city centre, the adventure start point.

Frequently asked questions about this adventure

Ötztal: How physically demanding is the Ötztal Ski Tour?

The tour varies in difficulty, catering to different skill levels. While some sections may be challenging, our experienced guides will ensure that participants are adequately prepared and provide support throughout the journey. It is recommended that participants have intermediate to advanced skiing abilities.

Ötztal: What level of fitness do I need?

Participants should have a good level of fitness to fully enjoy the Otztal Ski Tour. While skiing is the primary activity, some sections may involve uphill climbs or challenging descents. Pre-trip fitness preparation, including cardiovascular and leg strength training, is recommended.

Ötztal: How experienced are the guides?

Our guides are highly experienced and certified professionals with extensive knowledge of the Otztal region. They are trained in mountain safety, first aid, and have a passion for adventure travel. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities.

Skiing: How big will the group be?

Our ski courses will be no more than 6 people per guide. If the group is larger than 6, there will be a second guide and we will have the ability to split the group if necessary.

Skiing: How do you match people up on the trip?

It is very important for you to let us know your previous experience and ski ability level before booking with us. Then we are able to match you up to suitable groups with similar abilities to make sure you get the most out of your trip.

Skiing: What’s the weather like?

The weather in the Alps is always changeable, but generally we are confident to say that January and February will be snow-filled and cold with temperatures hitting -15 on occasion. Fast forward to March and April and the weather is generally sunnier and we experience warmer temperatures around the 0 mark.

Ötztal: Do I need my own ski touring equipment?

You’ll need ski touring equipment, including skis and skins, ski touring boots, poles, ski crampons, a helmet and an avalanche transceiver. If you don’t have your own, all of these can be rented locally in Innsbruck. Check the full kit list on this page, and our team is happy to help with any equipment questions.

Ötztal: Is travel insurance included?

Travel insurance is not included in the package, and participants are required to obtain their own comprehensive travel insurance that covers skiing activities and potential emergencies.

View trips by difficulty

  • WhatsApp-Image-2025-05-26-at-22.38.00-1-scaled
    Skiing

    The Silvretta is a classic and a favourite for a reason. This tour offers a mix of glaciated terrain, great huts, and stunning peaks — but without pushing into high-stress technical territory. The ascents are steady, the descents are fun, and the overall pace is manageable for those stepping into the world of hut-to-hut touring.

    1 Week March Intermediate
    From €2.030,00
    View adventure
  • DSC01348-scaled
    Skiing

    This trip is designed for skiers who’ve got the basics of ski touring down — maybe you've done our intro course or a few day tours already — and are ready to build on that foundation. It’s not suitable for total beginners to ski touring. We’ll be guiding confident skiers into the world of hut-to-hut ski touring, combining adventure with essential skill-building. It’s the perfect stepping stone toward bigger, more committing tours. Over several days, you'll sharpen your uphill technique, learn how to plan and manage ski days in the mountains, and get comfortable living and skiing from a remote mountain hut. Expect stunning terrain, hands-on learning, and a real taste of what multi-day ski touring is all about.

    6 days February - March Intermediate
    From €1.750,00
    View adventure

MEET THE GUIDES

MIHA-2

Miha

IFMGA Guide

Miha is an IFMGA guide from Slovenia based between the beautiful Julian Alps and Chamonix. He has been climbing for over 20 years all over the world, including expeditions to Nepal, Tibet, India, Pakistan, USA, Mexico and Peru. He summited an 8000er on his first expedition to the Himalaya, did a first ascent on the previously unclimbed Lasher peak in the Himalaya and climbed El Capitan and many routes over the Alps.
PABLO-2

Pablo

IFMGA Guide

Pablo is originally from a small mountain village in Spain and came to Chamonix with only one dream to become a mountain guide. Based in Chamonix since 2013, Pablo made the Alps his playground as a guide and as an alpinist and has climbed many of the classic alpine routes. He combines mountain guiding with helicopter rescue work in Spain during the off seasons.
WhatsApp-Image-2025-03-28-at-14.56.08-1

Nacho

IFMGA Guide

Meet Nacho, our expert high mountain guide and ski instructor from Spain. With decades of experience and a background that includes European and Spanish ski touring championships, Nacho has climbed and guided all over the Alps, Pyrenees, Andes, Himalayas and beyond. Ski touring is his true passion, but whether it’s snowy peaks or technical alpine ascents, Nacho brings world-class expertise and a calm, friendly approach to every trip.
FEDE-1

Fede

IFMGA Guide

"My favorite mountain is the Midi d’Ossau, in the Pyrenees. It is a volcanic and unique mountain, that a stands out from the other peaks around. It is a huge fortress with many different features that provides incredible rock climbing routes, and the most important thing is that is 20 minutes from my house ;)"
Roger-Lopez

Roger

IFMGA Guide

Roger has spent over 15 years guiding around the world. He is a Guide instructor at the Spanish School of Guides and is fascinated by discovering mountains with clients. Roger has a big passion about showing people his beloved mountains and sharing climbs and descents with skis.
WhatsApp-Image-2020-10-13-at-12.18.08

Jon

IFMGA Guide

"If asked about my favourite mountain or mountain range, it wouldn't be easy to answer since perfect places to climb, ski or explore can be found all over the world. But, if I had to choose one, I think I'd say the Pyrenees, not very high, but wild and still quite unknown: the mountains where I learnt when I was a child and where I can still live great adventures far from the crowd".

Are you Ready?

This adventure is rated Advanced on our difficulty scale and is best suited to for accomplished adventurers. We recommend choosing an adventure that matches your fitness, experience and comfort level.

  • You enjoy challenging yourself physically and mentally
  • You’re comfortable on multi-day adventures and you call yourself an avid adventurer
  • You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it is there' attitude
  • Strong level of fitness

This trip is at this level

“A really knowledgable team and a great set of people to spend a lot of time with as well. I’d definitely use them again on our next trip to the Alps.”

Alexi

Haute Route Ski Tour

“Fantastic tour, Olly organised the trip excellently and Federico (the guide) was magnificent. A great week!”

Sebastian

Haute Route Ski Tour

“Adventure Base delivered the most incredible adventure for my 40th with a group of my close friends. Although it was harder than we expected we all pulled through and I can't thank your team enough for making this such a great trip.”

Tim

Haute Route Ski Tour

“Haute route was a bucket list for me - skied for years but never did much ski touring and always wanted to ski past the Matterhorn! Thanks AB for delivering.”

Phil

Haute Route Ski Tour

shutterstock_1239369223-scaled

READY TO TAKE ON THIS EPIC CHALLENGE?

We hope you've found all the information you need above, but if not don't hesitate to get in touch. If you're ready to book, follow the link below.