The Wipptal Ski Crossing is a 6-day crossing of terrain from the Stubai Valley to the Wipp Valley in South Tyrol with daily stages between 800 and 1,200-metre elevation gain. We discover new terrain every day on the tours under the guidance of a state-certified mountain guide. We ascend in one valley, descend in the next and in doing so, constantly experience changing perspectives of the mountain world surrounding us. The accommodation at the brilliant local hotel is not only comfortable, but also easy on your energy, since the stages can be made with a daypack and in the afternoon we return to the hotel.

Arrival by public transport
The Wipp Valley can be accessed very conveniently by public transport, which is also what the ski crossing relies on. The central train station in Innsbruck is well connected to the international rail network, and the S-Bahn railway runs regularly between Innsbruck and the Brenner Pass. The “last mile” into the valleys is also well connected, meaning that the crossing can be made almost entirely by public transport. Only where it is not at all practicable a shuttle service will be used.

Tours/stages
The tour week starts off gently via Mieders in the Stubai Valley to the Maria Waldrast monastery. The first day sees us cover 780 metres in altitude. Then after a tasty lunch stop, we descend to Mühlbachl and reach our hotel in Matrei on foot in just a few minutes.
On the second day, we climb from the Ochsenalm through the Matreier Grube to the Kalbenjoch Pass, where we can enjoy overwhelming views down into the Gschnitz Valley, the Tux Alps and onto the Tribulauns. The descent to Trins is a real treat, with the bus taking us back to the hotel in Matrei with no hassle whatsoever.

The third stage takes us to the 1,000-metre altitude mark for the first time. We climb in solitude from Trins to the Truna Hut and continue our tracks up to the Egger Joch and the Egger Berg. We then descend to Gries across beautiful terrain.

This is where the fourth stage seamlessly follows. We climb the Sattelberg via the Sattelbergalm. We not only traverse the summit at the cross, but also the border to Italy, where we then make our way down to the Brenner Pass. Needless to say, we first enjoy the wonderful views of the Zillertal and Stubai Alps.

The fifth stage starts with us being shuttled from Matrei to the Brennerbad in the morning, before we ascend to the Enzian Hut. Following a short refreshment break and storing our overnight luggage, we climb the Flatschspitze, the last peak of our touring week. We can look back on all the stages we completed from the Stubai Valley thanks to the magnificent distant views that accompanied us throughout the week. We take a few leisurely turns and almost reach the sunny terrace of the Enzian Hut.

The crowning glory at the Enzian Hut
The last night at the Enzian Hut marks the crowning glory of the Ski Crossing. The hut is situated in the former ski resort of Zirog and enjoys the perfect location for the ascent to the Flatschspitze. What could be a better way to round off the tour than with Tyrolean specialities. A cosy parlour combined with the charm of the host family is the perfect setting for an evening spent in the lodge.

Host tip
The Parkhotel Matrei is the perfect location for the tours. Its location opposite Matrei train station means that public transport is easy to access. Bus and train services also converge here to ensure accessibility for the daily tours. A shuttle service is organised by the hotel where public transport is not available. Hotel manager Florian has an in-depth knowledge of touring and is more than happy to give tips if you are ever unsure about planning a tour. There is a very special quality to ending a day of touring in the hotel’s sauna. Those who prefer more sporty activities in the afternoon can go climbing in the nearby Basecamp. Those interested in culture can also take the train to Innsbruck.

What to expect/prerequisites
When it comes to touring character, the terrain crossing is aimed at those who are new to crossings and those who like to enjoy themselves. Experience in ski touring, good physical condition and safe descents on the slopes make for successful ski days. Those who are looking for something more challenging are sure to find it every day thanks to numerous nearby peaks.

Tip for copycats:
Here you will find all the stages in detail and more information about a self-guided or guided tour.