Overview
The Ötztal is a long valley in Tyrol that rises from the Inn valley to the main Alpine ridge on the border with Italy. Sölden, the main resort, has two glaciers and some of the highest skiing in Austria, with two lifts reaching summits over 3,000 m, and hosts the opening race of the Alpine skiing World Cup each autumn.
The Ötztal is also the place where the glacier-preserved body of Ötzi the Iceman was found in 1991, in the Ötztal Alps near the border. The Ötzi Village museum in Umhausen and the discovery site tell the story. In summer, the valley is a hiking and cycling region, with the Ötztal Glacier Road and the Timmelsjoch pass drawing drivers and cyclists.
Highlights
- Skiing on the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers
- The Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road into Italy
- The Ötzi Village and the story of the Iceman
- Hiking trails to huts and high lakes
Best time to visit
June to September is good for walking and cycling, with the passes open in summer. October to May is the ski season on the glaciers, with the best snow in winter. Spring and autumn are quieter, with some services closed.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Not ideal
- MayMay: Good
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Good
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Innsbruck (INN), about 1.5 hours by road, or Munich (MUC), about 2.5 hours. Buses run from Ötztal Bahnhof to Sölden. A car allows access to the Timmelsjoch, which is closed in winter.
What to expect
Moderate. The glacier lifts reach high altitudes, so take warm layers. The valley paths are gentler, and high routes need fitness. Check weather and snow conditions.
Practical tips
- Check the opening dates of the Timmelsjoch road before you plan a drive.
- Take warm clothes and sunglasses for the glaciers.
- Look for a guest card that includes lifts and buses.
- Book lodging early for the October World Cup race.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Ötzi?
A man whose naturally preserved body, about 5,300 years old, was found in the ice of the Ötztal Alps in 1991.
Can I ski in October?
Yes, on the Sölden glaciers, which open in autumn.
When is the Timmelsjoch open?
Usually from late May or June to October, depending on snow.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Tiia Monto (CC BY 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
