Kaunertal, a winter wonderland
Kaunertal is an alpine valley located in the district of Landeck, in the Austrian state of Tirol. With a length of 28 km, the valley extends from the town of Prutz (884 m) to the Kauner glacier. The Faggenbach River flows through it from its source south of the Weißseespitze (3,044 m) to its mouth in the Inn River at Prutz.
One of the Kauntertal Glacier’s particularly special features is its location. A panoramic road with fabulous views leads directly into the ski resort’s midst.
The journey to the Glacier is a wonderful experience itself. The Panoramic Kaunertal Glacier Road has been called one of the "most high mountain beautiful roads in the Alps".
This toll road is the fifth highest paved road in the Alps and reaches an elevation of 2750 m. The toll is only charged for non-skiers. All skiers with a valid ski pass can use the toll road for free.
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From the valley village of Feichten, and after 26 km, 180-degree turns, 1,500 m change in elevation, Tyrol's highway takes you to the edge of the glacier at Weißseeferner. Visitors can simply park their car at the bottom of the slopes and head straight out onto the pistes.
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Numerous viewpoints and historic buildings provide opportunities to stop along the way. You can't find a road like this one anywhere outside of the Alps. The string of wonderful attractions along the way, Gepatsch Reservoir, Weißsee Lake and Fernergarten, combine recreation with nature preservation. Along the road, 29 information panels reveal details about the area’s nature, history, and culture. The crowning highlight awaits you on the glacier: Capture 360-degree views of three countries, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria, as the Karlesjochbahn Chair Lift whisks you to your Alpine adventure, a spectacular viewing platform at 3,108 meters.
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The Kaunertal Glacier Ski Area is one of the highest in the region and offers snowsure conditions well into spring. Due to the ski area's elevation of 2,200–3,050 m, and the glacier, it is operational from October to May.
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Additionally, 40 % of the slopes have snow-making facilities.
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Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy excellent conditions on blue, red, and black pistes. Those with the necessary staying-power can ski all the way through from the top terminal of the Karlesjochbahn cable car at 3,108 meters to the base terminal of the Ochsenalmbahn lifts at 2,150 meters.
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The Kaunertal Glacier is particularly popular with the younger crowd. Mainly due to its Snowpark.
There is plenty of room to maneuver on its 50 prepared pistes, and 138 hectares of skiable areawide. The resort has plenty of slopes for all abilities.
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Beginners will enjoy the easy blue slopes near the Falginjoch ridge, while advanced and expert skiers can take on the FIS race piste at the Nörderjoch and freestyler can get their jib on in the snowpark.
One of the resort's highlights is the Black Ibex - Austria's steepest slope.
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The construction of the new Falginjochbahn lift was used to create another highlight, the Black Ibex. This piste begins at the top of the lift and, with an average gradient of 41.3 degrees and a pitch of 87.85%, is the steepest in-bounds run anywhere in Austria. This is even steeper than the legendary Mausefalle at the Streif in Kitzbühel, which boasts a slope of 85 percent.
Despite its popularity, the Kaunertal Glacier has almost no lift queues.
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Holders of a lift pass for the Kaunertal Glacier can also use the lifts in the smaller family-friendly resort of Fendels, which has an extensive children's and beginners' area.
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Kaunertal is a secret spot for freeriders with numerous untracked powder slopes. Riders love the well-developed “check your line“concept at the Kaunertal Glacier, which marks the many routes and variants away from the groomed slopes. 36 kilometers of Ski routes lead to the Ochsenalm in the direction of Gepatschhaus and along the Langtaufer Valley to Italy (only way back is by taxi - 90 km). The ski route is a variation that should only be attempted with a mountain guide.
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And if what we want is to relax and rest, nothing better than pay a visit to the Quellalpin Kaunertal and enjoy the healing power of the nature park and glacier region. In the 300 m², alpine spa area on the roof of the building, you'll enjoy views of the surrounding mountains as you immerse yourself in a natural wellness experience. Wood, granite, hay, and the award-winning spring water characterize the style and ambience of the resort.
Pleasant relaxation in the indoor pool with 30° C spring water. The modern and sustainable indoor pool with panoramic sauna in Feichten is fed with gently prepared spring water from the Kaunergrat Nature Park.
