Your heart is where the mountains are!

Ski touring at Lake Achensee

The Rofan and Karwendel mountains offer a multitude of options for ski touring. As an extra perk, skiers can take advantage of the connection to the region’s ski areas where some of the most popular tours start. If you are drawn to the mountains in summer, chances are good that you find yourself dreaming of enjoying them in winter, too.

The solitude of being outdoors in nature mostly alone is one of the biggest attractions of ski touring. Another reason is the reward for making it to the top without using the ski lifts: Earning your turns by trekking up the slopes with climbing skins, soaking in stunning views, and skiing down through untracked snow in remote areas. But mind your step: Ski touring in the open terrain is inherently dangerous and skiers should be aware of certain rules to stay safe. The proper skills and knowledge make exploring the mountains a safe and enjoyable experience that is guaranteed to capture your heart.

Interactive tour planner

Plan your backcountry adventures with our interactive tour planner. Filter by difficulty, elevation gain and activity to find ski tours to suit all abilities.

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Achensee Xtreme
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Achensee Xtreme – Individual Race

Das Rofangebirge wird erneut zum Schauplatz eines spektakulären Skitouren-Wettkampfs und…

Starting Point: Bergstation Rofan Seilbahn, 1.840m
Medium
7.5 km
900 hm

Schneiderscharscharte (2.027m)

 

Aufstieg vom Parkplatz Gramai Alm (1.263 Meter) über den Falzthurnbach nach Süden in den Gramaier…

Starting Point: Pertisau, Gramai Alm
Hard
4 km
02:00 h
770 hm
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Ski tourers can explore the wintry scenery at Lake Achensee.

Plan your ski tour

Discover accommodations, rental options, ski touring guides, cable cars and more!

Avalanche skills trainings for ski tourers

Certified mountain and ski guides at Lake Achensee invite you to take part in an avalanche skills training course designed for ski tourers. The programme focuses on safe travel in alpine terrain and helps you prepare for the real challenges of the mountains. Through hands-on exercises, you will practice using avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels and learn how to assess routes, terrain, and your own fitness level.

Participants of the Achensee ski tour camp learn how to use shovel and probe after an avalanche.

Avalanche educational trail & transceiver checkpoints

Safety is the top priority when heading into the backcountry. The Achensee region has installed six avalanche transceiver checkpoints: at the car park Falkenmoos in Achenkirch, at the entrance of the Unterautal valley in Achenkirch, at the car park Achenseehof, at the car park Hubertus, at the parking area of the Rofan lifts and at the start of the ORTOVOX avalanche educational trail Rofan. Located in the Rofan mountains at an elevation of 1,800 metres, the educational trail features seven interpretive panels explaining potential hazards in avalanche-prone terrain and how to stay safe in the mountains. 

The ORTOVOX avalanche educational trail in Maurach features seven stations explaining the proper conduct in alpine terrain and how to use avalanche beacon, shovel and probe.
The ORTOVOX avalanche educational trail in Maurach features seven stations explaining the proper conduct in alpine terrain and how to use avalanche beacon, shovel and probe.
A ski tourer holds his life-saving avalanche transceiver in his hand.
Winter lifts and gondolas
Winter shot of the Karwendel cable car overlooking the Alpengasthaus Karwendel and Lake Achensee.

Karwendel cable car

View of the Rofan cable car and its surrounding mountains in winter.

Rofan cable car

In the ski area Christlum you have an incredible view of the Achensee and the village of Achenkirch.

Hochalmlifte Christlum

Are professional mountain and ski touring guides available in the Achensee region?

Yes, a list of Achensee ski touring guides can be found here. Booking a local expert ensures you have professional support and in-depth terrain knowledge for a safe and rewarding ski touring experience.

How can I determine if the terrain is currently safe for ski touring?

To assess the current conditions, always consult the Tirol Avalanche Warning Service website before heading out. They provide daily assessments that clearly describe the risk levels. By reviewing the danger ratings and specific information regarding affected altitudes and slope aspects, you can better evaluate the risk and adapt your tour plan accordingly.

It is highly recommended to monitor the Avalanche Warning Service reports regularly throughout the winter rather than checking sporadically. Even with a favourable forecast, not all terrain is safe. Reading the full report and staying informed is a critical component of responsible ski tour planning.

Can I rent ski touring equipment at Lake Achensee?

Yes, you can easily hire full ski touring sets from various local sports shops. Renting allows you to try out the latest equipment before making a purchase. Check our list of rental providers in the region to get started.

Safety tips for ski touring in open terrain

Careful planning is essential for a safe ski touring experience. To prepare, you should address several key questions: What are the most critical factors when planning a route? Where can you find the latest avalanche reports, and which emergency numbers are vital in Austria (such as 140 for Alpine Rescue or 112 for the European emergency call)? Additionally, it is important to know that the Achensee region provides several avalanche transceiver checkpoints to test your equipment before you start. You can find comprehensive tips and safety information in our "Staying safe on ski tours" section.

Where can I find information about available ski tours at Lake Achensee and their difficulty levels?

Detailed information on ski touring routes in the Achensee region is available via the interactive tour planner at achensee.com or maps.achensee.com. These resources provide essential data on location, difficulty levels, duration, and altitude to help you plan your trip effectively.

Are there any ski touring events held at Lake Achensee?

Yes, the Achensee Xtreme takes place every March, featuring the Achensee Ski Touring Fun which provides categories for all ages and skill levels. Furthermore, the annual Splitboard Festival in January brings the European snowboarding community together in Pertisau for a weekend of touring and testing.

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Splitboard Festival

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ORTOVOX avalanche educational trail Rofan

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Staying safe on ski tours

TVB Achensee KI Assist