MTB Tour across the Eisjöchl to Stettiner Hütte
Route: Val Senales - Stettiner Hütte - Pfelders
This spectacular mountain bike tour to the Eisjöchl (~2,900 m) covers a distance of about 60 kilometers with an elevation gain of 1,700 meters. You should plan on around 6 to 7 hours of riding time for this tour.
Recommendations and preparations for the MTB tour over the Eisjöchl:
A well-maintained mountain bike is recommended, along with appropriate clothing for high-alpine weather conditions, a helmet, and protective gear for safety. You should also carry a backpack with enough water and provisions for the route.
Participants should have good physical fitness, enabling them to be active in mountainous terrain for several hours. Good bike handling skills, especially on technical trails, are also recommended.
The region around the Eisjöchl is known for its changing weather conditions. The summer months from June to September offer the best climate for this tour. Before starting, always check the current weather report.
Route:
The tour can start either in Naturns or in the Schnalstal valley and leads towards Pfossental up to the Vorderkaserhof. The forest road continues to the Eishof, a last stop where you can take a break. The impressive climb up to the Eisjöchl follows, with about 2 hours of riding to reach the Stettiner Hut. The technical downhill then leads to the Lazinser Alm and further to Pfelders, from where you continue through the Passeier Valley all the way to Merano: Passeier Cycle Path.
In the Passeier Valley and in Merano, you’ll find plenty of places to stop for food and accommodation to recover after this demanding tour. The return journey can be done by bike via the Vinschgau Cycle Path or by taking the Vinschgerbahn train. Please check in advance about taking bikes on the train.
No special permits are required for this tour, but it is recommended to check for any closures or detours and to book accommodations in advance.
Stettiner Hut Mountain Refuge
The Stettiner Hut sits at 2,875 m and in 2023 will again offer overnight accommodation between July 1 and September 30 – with no rest days. Originally built by the Stettin Section of the DuOeAV between 1895 and 1897, the hut has a long and eventful history, having undergone multiple renovations.
In 2014, an avalanche destroyed the hut, after which it was temporarily replaced with tents and later wooden cabins.
On July 24, 2022, the newly designed hut was officially opened, offering 76 beds and 92 seats in the dining hall. The hut is part of the Merano High Mountain Trail and is located on a popular MTB crossing route.
A well-known summit destination from the Stettiner Hut is the Hochwilde, accessible via the Hans-Grützmacher Trail (No. 48). Other tours lead to the Hochweiße and other peaks of the northern Texel Group. Connections to other huts, such as the Zwickauer Hut (Pfelderer Höhenweg), Lodner Hut, Hochganghaus, and Hochwildehaus (closed indefinitely since 2016), are also possible.
Eisjöchl - Map with GPX Track
Elevation Profile
FAQ about the Eisjöchl (2,895 m) tour
When is the best time of year for this tour?
The best time for the tour is July to early September. During this period, the weather is usually stable and the path is typically snow-free. Until the end of June, there may still be snow in the high mountains and the Stettiner Hut may be closed. Therefore, be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand and observe the weather on site, as it can change quickly in the high mountains.
How fit do I need to be?
The tour is challenging and includes very steep climbs as well as technically demanding sections with gravel and several switchbacks. Therefore, it is not suitable for beginners. Particularly the ascent to the Eisjöchl requires excellent fitness.
Is there a bike shuttle to Val Senales?
To avoid the busy road with its tunnels leading up to Val Senales or Pfossental, a bike shuttle offers a comfortable alternative. This service conveniently transports both you and your bike up to Vorderkaser in Pfossental. Further information and booking options are available at the local bike school.
In which direction should the tour be ridden?
The recommended route starts in Pfossental, leads over the Eisjöchl to Pfelders in Passeier Valley, and then continues along the Passeier Cycle Path to Merano. From there, you can comfortably return by train or via the Val Venosta Cycle Path to the entrance of Val Senales. Riding the route in the opposite direction is not recommended as there would be too many pushing sections.
Similar tours that you might be interested in:
Morterer Leger - Haslhof Mountain Trail
Vacation in South Tyrol
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