Activities nearby
Activities: The real Alps
Vent is one of the highest and most authentic places in the Ötztal Alps. Surrounded by three-thousand-metre peaks, glaciers and mountain trails, it offers nature at its purest – without the bustle of large resorts, yet with their options within easy reach.
In winter, high-altitude tours and ski-touring routes start here, or you can choose the quieter local slopes. Only a few minutes away pulses the energy of Sölden with its glacier skiing and modern infrastructure.
In summer Vent turns into a paradise for hikers and mountain lovers. Paths lead to mountain huts, across alpine meadows and up to majestic summits, including the iconic Wildspitze.
Whether you are looking for an active holiday or simply space to breathe, the area around Vent offers both – freedom of movement and the calm that is no longer a given elsewhere in the Alps.
What to do here in winter?
The classic ski tour ascent from Vent to Stablein (2,535 m) is one of the most popular in the area. The tour takes about 2.5 hours and rewards with a descent across open slopes with views of the glaciers. Suitable for intermediate ski tourers.
A beautifully groomed cross-country trail runs through the Venter Tal valley along the Venter Ache river between snow-covered slopes of the Ötztal Alps. Suitable for classic style, easy and rewarding with views of three-thousand-metre peaks including the Wildspitze.
A family-friendly ski area located right in Vent offers 14 km of slopes between 1,900 and 2,680 m. Famous for its reliably long season thanks to high altitude, the resort offers a calm atmosphere, short queues and varied terrain for beginners and advanced skiers alike. The Wildspitzbahn chairlift and several drag lifts are available.
A relaxing winter snowshoe walk from Vent to Austria’s highest permanently inhabited settlement, Rofenhöfe (2,014 m). The route leads through the snow-covered valley along the stream and takes about an hour one way. Suitable for families with children.
The natural ice rink in the centre of Vent is open daily and free of charge during the season. Skates can be rented at the local sport shop. A pleasant activity for kids and adults after a day on the slopes.
A quiet winter trail through the Niedertal valley leads from Vent to Marzellhütte. The path is undemanding, beautifully groomed and rewards with views of the Niederjochferner glacier. Perfect for a half-day stroll surrounded by three-thousand-metre peaks.
A demanding ski mountaineering ascent to the summit of Kreuzspitze (3,457 m). The tour starts at Rofenhöfe and requires experience and good fitness, but the summit panorama of the Ötztal Alps is one of the most stunning in Tyrol.
The sunny section of the Sölden resort lies above the village at 2,090 m. Hochsölden offers gentler slopes ideal for intermediates and families, a link to the main Sölden area, and panoramic restaurants with glacier views.
The popular toboggan run in Sölden leads from the Gampe Thaya mountain hut down to the valley (about 5 km). Before sledding you can enjoy traditional Tyrolean specialities right in the hut with its panoramic terrace.
A fan zone in Sölden hosts a live broadcast of the legendary Hahnenkamm race in January. The experience is rounded off with food and an alpine atmosphere. A great alternative to a regular ski day for fans of alpine skiing.
The traditional “Diamond of the Alps” at 1,930 m is among the very best Austrian resorts. Obergurgl-Hochgurgl boasts 25 lifts, 112 km of pistes and a solid freeride offering. The season usually starts as early as November.
The high-altitude Hochgurgl-Obergurgl ski area in the heart of the Ötztal Alps offers 112 km of pistes and snow reliability from November to April. Modern lifts, wide sunny slopes and the link with Obergurgl make this region the pinnacle of Austrian skiing.
A futuristic museum carved directly into the rock at the summit of Gaislachkogl (3,040 m) showcases the filming of the James Bond movie Spectre. Interactive installations, original props and a panoramic window facing the glaciers.
The Tiefenbachferner in Sölden offers glacier skiing at 2,800-3,250 m with a season start as early as September. Snow reliability and easy blue runs make it the ideal place for an early ski season kick-off.
A unique Sölden tour linking three gondolas to peaks above 3,000 m: Gaislachkogl, Tiefenbachkogl and Schwarze Schneid. Between them you’ll find 50 km of slopes and panoramic viewing platforms.
Austria’s highest ski village (2,020 m) has 44 km of pistes and snow reliability from November. Sunny slopes, gentle terrain for families and more demanding pistes on Pirchkogl. Thanks to its altitude it belongs to the BIG3 connection with Sölden.
The designer thermal spa in Längenfeld is the best way to relax after a demanding ski day. Three futuristic outdoor pools with views of alpine peaks, sulfur baths and an extensive sauna world. Open year-round.
The neighbouring Pitztal valley, home to Austria’s highest glacier (3,440 m), is perfect for a full-day ski trip. The Pitztal Glacier offers 40 km of glacier slopes and the most modern cable car in the Alps.
The three-country area Nauders-Reschenpass offers 75 km of slopes and a unique link between three countries (Austria, Italy, Switzerland). Sunny pistes, Bergkastel freeride terrain and modern lifts make this resort a pick for advanced skiers.
One of the largest and most modern ski resorts in Austria. Sölden offers 144 km of slopes for every level – from gentle blue runs to demanding black descents, including three glaciers and peaks over 3,000 m. Famous as the host of the opening race of the Alpine Ski World Cup and as a backdrop for the Bond film Spectre on top of Gaislachkogl.
How to enjoy summer?
A mighty waterfall near the Rofenhöfe hamlet is especially impressive in summer after glacier melt. A short path from the Rofen parking area leads to the viewpoint. An ideal short stop during a walk through the valley.
An easy family trail between Vent and the Rofenhöfe hamlet (2,014 m). Along the way you’ll find information panels on glaciers, local fauna and flora. About 1 hour each way, minimal elevation gain.
A classic high-mountain route from Vent through Niedertal to Similaunhütte (3,019 m) passes the Niederjochferner glacier. The hike takes about 4 hours and suits experienced walkers. From the hut there is an open view of the Ötzi discovery site.
A summer ride on the Wildspitzbahn in Vent (1,895-2,680 m) reveals an impressive panorama of Austria’s second-highest peak Wildspitze (3,768 m). From the upper station several easy circular trails and the route to Stableinhütte begin.
A small village museum right in Vent introduces the tradition of transhumance – the annual sheep crossing over glaciers from Italy’s Schnalstal. This unique pastoral route is on the UNESCO list. A short 30-minute visit.
A cycling route from Vent along the valley road offers gentle climbs and descents beside the Venter Ache river. Suitable for mountain bikes and e-bikes. The route continues to Zwieselstein and connects to the main Ötztal Cycling Trail.
This well-known mountain hut (2,501 m) in Niedertal is one of the most beautiful starting points for high-alpine tours. The walk from Vent takes 2.5-3 hours on a well-marked trail. Excellent food and overnight accommodation available.
The traditional mountain hut Hochjoch Hospiz (2,413 m) is a popular destination from Vent via the Rofental valley. The walk takes about 3 hours, is moderately challenging and rewards with views of the Wildspitze and Hochjochferner glacier.
An open-air museum near Umhausen reconstructs Stone Age life, when the famous iceman Ötzi lived here. Blacksmith’s workshop, pottery, prehistoric dwellings and live animals. Perfect for families with children.
An impressive 159-metre waterfall near Umhausen in Ötztal. A trail with over 700 steps leads to viewing platforms. Adrenaline seekers will love the via ferrata running right beside the waterfall. Open from May to October.
The largest adventure park in Austria, located in Ötztal, offers the biggest water world in the Alps, rope parks, rafting, canyoning, paintball and a klettersteig. A great full-day experience for all ages.
The impressive Gaislachkoglbahn gondola takes you from Sölden up to the summit of Gaislachkogl (3,058 m). Just below the peak you’ll find the 007 Elements museum and the panoramic Ice Q restaurant. A great summer outing.
The neighbouring Kaunertal Glacier offers summer skiing until June and an impressive panoramic road (Kaunertaler Gletscherstraße). From the parking area numerous marked hikes start, including a loop to the Weißsee glacier lake.
A hike from Obergurgl to Langtalereckhütte (2,430 m) past sparkling glacier lakes. Beautiful high alpine scenery beneath the Hohe Mut peaks. About 3 hours each way, moderately demanding.
The Timmelsjoch high alpine road (2,509 m) crosses the main Alpine ridge into South Tyrol. Along the route there are 5 architectural installations (Pass Museum, Top Mountain Crosspoint), Europe’s highest motorcycle museum and panoramic viewpoints.
Austria’s highest underground funicular takes you from 1,740 m to 2,840 m in 8 minutes. A connecting cable car continues to the Wildspitzbahn summit (3,440 m), Austria’s highest viewing platform overlooking 50 three-thousand-metre peaks.
An adrenaline via ferrata leading right through the Stuibenfall waterfall. Three difficulty variants (B/C, D, E) and 450 m in length including rope bridges. Climbing time 2-4 hours. For experienced climbers with own gear only.
A medieval castle above the town of Landeck dating from the 13th century, with a Tyrolean museum. The tower offers a view of the confluence of the Inn and Sanna rivers. The castle hosts exhibitions, concerts and the annual Tirol Festival.
A charming historic centre with the Golden Roof, the Hungerburgbahn funicular designed by Zaha Hadid, the Bergisel ski jump and the Olympic park. Innsbruck is well worth a full-day trip thanks to its blend of alpine city and culture.
What activities do we recommend year-round?
Local sport shops in Vent rent equipment year-round – skis, snowshoes and ski-touring gear in winter, mountain bikes, trekking poles and via ferrata sets in summer. A practical service for short stays.
In Vent you’ll find several typical Tyrolean Stuben taverns serving regional specialities – Kaspressknödel, Tiroler Gröstl or homemade strudel. The pleasant atmosphere of wood-panelled rooms, open year-round.
A small mountain church of St. James (Pfarrkirche St. Jakob) from the 19th century stands in the centre of Vent. Beautiful carved interior, quiet surroundings and views of the surrounding alpine peaks. Open year-round.
Some hotels in Vent allow external guests to use their wellness with alpine sauna, steam bath and heated pool. The ideal recovery after a mountain hike or a day on the slopes. Advance booking recommended.
A trail tracing the glaciers of the Ötztal Alps starts at Rofenhöfe and leads to the remnants of the retreating Vernagtferner glacier. It reveals rock formations, moraines and the geological past of the valley. Open year-round, in winter best done with snowshoes.
The Bergsteigerschule Vent runs year-round courses in mountaineering, ice climbing, ski touring and mountain navigation. Courses are led by an experienced team of certified mountain guides. Suitable for beginners and advanced alike.
The Stableinhütte (2,535 m) above Vent offers a restaurant with a panoramic terrace and views of the Wildspitze and surrounding three-thousand-metre peaks. Open during winter and summer high seasons. Home-cooked specialities and the famous Kaiserschmarrn.
Italy’s Schnalstal (Val Senales) is reachable on foot via the Niederjoch pass. In winter there’s the Schnalstaler Gletscher ski area, in summer rewarding hiking trails and traditional South Tyrolean cuisine.
A late-Baroque parish church of St. Nicholas from the 17th century, with a characteristic onion-shaped tower, dominates the village of Sölden. Richly decorated interior and a picturesque cemetery. Open year-round.
Sölden has a lively centre with shops, cafés, bars and pulsating nightlife especially during the winter season. The summer months offer a calmer atmosphere with traditional folk events and farmers’ markets.
The Sölden region offers numerous mountain huts (Ausserwald-Hütte, Heidi-Hütte, Gampe Thaya) serving honest Tyrolean cuisine. Most are accessible by cable car or a short hike, open year-round.
A sports and leisure centre in Sölden with an indoor pool, sauna, ice rink (in winter) and tennis courts (in summer). Located in the centre of the village, open year-round. Great for rainy days.
A historic sulphur spa in St. Leonhard im Pitztal with tradition dating back to the 16th century. The 22°C thermal water with high sulphur content helps with skin and rheumatic conditions. A quiet setting away from the tourist crowds.
The regular Sölden farmers’ market (every Thursday during high season) offers local produce – cheese, sausages, jams, bread and herbal liqueurs straight from Tyrolean farmers. A culinary experience and a great chance to buy souvenirs.
The late-Gothic church of St. Michael in Längenfeld from the 15th century, with preserved frescoes and a Baroque interior. One of the oldest churches in Ötztal. Free entrance, organ concerts in high season.
The Heimatmuseum in Längenfeld documents traditional Tyrolean life in Ötztal – local crafts, customs, costumes and history. A restored 17th-century farmhouse with authentic interiors. Worth visiting year-round.
The famous Bergisel ski jump in Innsbruck, host of the Four Hills Tournament. Architecture by Zaha Hadid, panoramic restaurant on top of the tower with views of Innsbruck and the alpine giants. Open year-round.
The magical Crystal Worlds at Swarovski’s headquarters. Multimedia art installations, a vast garden with the “Giant’s Head” sculpture and a play tower for children. One of the most visited attractions in Tyrol.
The designer thermal spa in Längenfeld is open year-round. Three futuristic outdoor pools, sulphur baths, an extensive sauna world and wellness. An architectural gem nestled among alpine peaks.
Bike Rental
Want to explore the area around Vent from the saddle? You can rent quality Scott e-mountain bikes right here and enjoy the alpine trails with effortless climbs. Choose the men’s Scott Patron eRIDE 920 or the women’s Scott Contessa Strike eRIDE 910 EVO. Just drop by – we will sort out the bikes, helmets and tips for the most scenic routes.
