Kurzras at the foot of the Schnalstal Glacier

Kurzras lies right at the foot of the Schnalstal Glacier. The glacier cable car, winter activities and various hiking trails offer different ways to spend your stay. If you’re looking for a hotel in Kurzras, consider whether you’re travelling mainly for skiing, a high-altitude destination or hikes in the Schnal Valley.

Glacier cable car and winter activities

The Schnalstal Glacier cable car takes guests from Kurzras to an altitude of 3,212 metres in six minutes, gaining more than 1,000 metres in elevation. At the head of the Schnal Valley, the Hochjochferner glacier covers 185 hectares. It’s worth checking the cable car’s current timetable when planning your trip.

The Alpin Arena Schnals is a glacier ski area. Thanks to its high altitude, skiing is possible from autumn until well into spring; seasonal operating patterns may change. So check the current lift and slope status before you travel. In addition to alpine skiing, activities on offer include ski touring, snowshoe hikes and winter walking trails. There is also one of Europe’s highest cross-country ski trails. Which of these activities is available for your trip also depends on the season.

High-altitude views, art and Ötzi tours

The route to Iceman Ötzi Peak begins in Kurzras with a six-minute ride on the glacier cable car to the mountain station. The final ascent to the viewing platform at 3,251 metres is up a staircase with a handrail. In suitable weather, the view from there extends to 126 peaks over 3,000 metres across three countries.

The art installation “Our Glacial Perspectives”, with nine gates and a pavilion, is located on the Grawand ridge. From Kurzras, you can reach the public installation by taking the glacier cable car and then walking along the ridge. This lets you combine views of the high-altitude landscape with a visit to the art installation.

Tours to the site where Ötzi was found start at the head of the valley in Kurzras and are offered year-round. Confirm availability before your trip. In summer, the “Ötzi Glacier Tour” is also offered as a glacier hike; participation requirements apply.

Hiking trails and via ferrata

The “Larix” via ferrata runs at the foot of the Kurzrasbach waterfall. The route includes several rope bridges, two sky ladders and a zipline, as well as some challenging climbing sections. Check the equipment requirements and seasonal access before taking part. The “Alpin Trail” mountain hiking trail runs alongside it and is marked with red crosses. While the climbing features define the character of the Larix, the Alpin Trail is a marked mountain hiking trail.

The A1 archaeological hike begins in Kurzras with a ride on the glacier cable car to the mountain station, then continues across the Grawand ridge and along the crest down to the small Finailsee lake and the former highest-altitude grain farm, Finailhof. Alpine conditions can affect access to the route, so take them into account when planning your hike.

From Maso Corto, trail 1 follows the Unterer Berg irrigation channel. Trail 11A then branches off to the Lazaun plateau and the Lazaun mountain hut. The plateau is characterised, among other things, by an active rock glacier and a raised bog. Alpine flora includes the dwarf willow (Salix herbacea); marmots, rock partridges and ptarmigans can also be found there. Check current trail conditions before setting out, as route details may change.

Getting there and traditions in the Schnal Valley

Bus route 261 runs hourly from Merano to Kurzras. Timetables may change, so check the connection for your travel date.

The culture of the Schnal Valley also shapes your stay: transhumance, or the seasonal sheep drive, is an old and still-living tradition and is part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. The exact dates vary from year to year.

Discover more destinations: Barbiano, Siusi, Völs Am Schlern, Weißlahnbad, Petersberg, Saltaus, Stulles, Eisacktal

Return to the main travel overview: Bolzano.