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Ski Touring by Bus and Train – Is That Even Possible? Not everywhere, but increasingly often – and when it is, it’s better than expected, sometimes even like a short winter getaway. We’ve put together five outstanding ski tours and regions between Kleinwalsertal and Innsbruck: sometimes high-alpine and demanding, sometimes relaxed, sometimes with cozy mountain huts. At first glance, these tours may seem very different – yet they all share one thing in common: unforgettable mountain moments made accessible by public transport.
1. KLEINWALSERTAL: OBERE GOTTESACKERWÄNDE (2,033 m) A THREE-SUMMIT TOUR FOR EXPERTS
This is what ski touring in the Kleinwalsertal looks like. Photo: Frank Drechsel
The rugged karst landscape of the imposing and widely visible Gottesacker Plateau is a feast for the eyes in its own right. When winter adds a thick blanket of snow to the striking summit of the Hoher Ifen, experienced ski tourers feel the excitement instantly. Staying with the biblical theme: when creating this mountain massif, God truly went all out. That’s why strong and experienced ski tourers often extend the challenge and tackle three summits in a single day in this impressive terrain. The tour involves around 1,300 vertical meters of ascent and takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. The three-summit tour leads through the Mahdtal to the Windecksattel. From there, the summit sequence begins: first the Lower Gottesacker Walls (1,858 m), then the Upper Gottesacker Walls (2,033 m), and finally the Toreck (2,020 m). After that, skins are packed away for good and a long, rewarding descent into the valley awaits.
It’s highly recommended to arrive the day before. The valley offers plenty of charming places to stop for food and drinks, as well as a lively après-ski culture – for example at the Auenhütte.
Spa and sport combined: if you like, treat yourself to a stay at the A-ROSA Ifen Hotel Kleinwalsertal. Why not?
Info: Allgäu Ski Touring Guide
Character: demanding ski tour requiring strong fitness and alpine experience
Vertical gain: approx. 1,300 m
Duration: 5–6 h
Special notes: Three summits in one tour in Austria’s most beautiful “dead-end valley.” The Gottesacker Plateau is a protected nature reserve – please strictly follow winter markings or, even better, join a local mountain guide.
At the Gottesacker Photo: Elmar Müller
Public transport from Munich:
- Bahn München → Oberstdorf (approx. 2.15 h)
- Bus Walserbus Line 1 → Riezlern/Ifen
- Start point: Praking lot Ifen / Auenhütte
2. SEEFELD – ROSSHÜTTE
ONE NIGHT IN SEEFELD
Piste touring? Boring. Night piste touring? Unique!
The advantages at a glance: the Rosshütte ski area is one of the best night-ski touring locations in Tyrol.
No headlamp required, a groomed piste under your skis, a star-filled sky above, and crisp winter air on your face – in short: a perfect Friday evening experience.
Vertical gain can be adjusted to time and energy levels. Those who prefer lingering at the hut can stop at the Rosshütte. Those feeling sporty continue up to the Seefelder Joch mountain station. For the descent, please stay on the piste to avoid disturbing wildlife and forest areas.
Bonus idea: take the train from Seefeld to Innsbruck – a spectacular railway route – stay overnight, and tackle the Nordkette tour the next day (see tour #5).
Character: Night ski tour along the piste edge – ideal start to a winter weekend
Vertical gain: 600–860 m, depending on goal
Duration: 2–2.5 h
Public transport from Munich:
- Direct EC train Munich → Seefeld in Tirol (approx. 2 h)
- 10–15 min walk to Rosshütte valley station
3. GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN – STUIBENHÜTTE (1,640 m) A COMBINATION OF SUMMIT JOY AND HUT ROMANCE
Already gained some ski touring experience and looking for the next challenge? A tour with a hut overnight stay is just the thing. The Stuibenhütte near Garmisch-Partenkirchen is perfect – and thanks to lift assistance via the Osterfelderbahn / Alpspitzbahn, carrying overnight gear is much easier.
The tour starts with a fast descent on the pistes of Garmisch Classic toward the Bernadeinlift (1,530 m). Shortly before the lift station, a trail branches off into the forest toward Stuiben. Here you put on skins and begin the relaxed ascent to the hut.
The route leads through open forest and later across alpine pastures to the day’s destination. Optional activities include avalanche transceiver practice or simply relaxing. In the evening, the hut host prepares the food you’ve brought – pasta and sauce are a good choice. Don’t forget breakfast!
The next day, a short climb leads to the Mauerschartenkopf (1,924 m), followed by wide, scenic slopes for the descent. The tour finishes back through the forest and returns to the valley via Garmisch Classic. And on your way back, why not stop by our store in Garmisch?
Note: The Bernadeinlift must be used on the return – inform staff when purchasing tickets.
Hut: Stuibenhütte
Character: Easy ski tour, partly alpine; avalanche awareness required
Vertical gain: 150 m to hut / approx. 300 m hut → Mauerschartenkopf
Duration: 1.5 h / 1 h
Highlights: Views of the Wetterstein massif, rustic self-catered hut, ideal intro to alpine hut tours
Public transport from Munich:
- Train Munich → Garmisch-Partenkirchen (approx. 1:20 h)
- Local bus to Alpspitzbahn or Zugspitzbahn to Kreuzeck/Alpspitzbahn stop
Brauneck Classic tours in the Tölzer Land region, for beginners who want to ski on groomed slopes © Brauneck Bergbahn | Hubert Walther
4. LENGGRIES – BRAUNECK SUMMIT HOUSE (1,555 m)
The Brauneck tour isn’t a secret – but it has a loyal fan base. The ascent is moderately steep and technically easy. With around 800 vertical meters, it’s ideal for beginners and a tour you can be proud of.
Locals often use Brauneck as a training route, sometimes climbing it multiple times a day. Everyone else enjoys the choice at the top: Brauneck Summit House or Panorama Restaurant – or both.
The ascent mostly avoids pistes and runs through beautiful forest, giving this beginner tour a real ski-touring feel. Follow DAV signage for navigation. Descent is via the piste.
Important: Pistes are closed after operating hours due to winch grooming.
Info: Brauneck Bergbahn
Hut: Brauneck Gipfelhaus
Vertical gain: approx. 800 m
Duration: 2–2.5 h
Highlights: Multiple huts, excellent public transport access
Public transport from Munich:
- BRB Munich → Lenggries (approx. 1:15 h)
- Ski bus to Wegscheid
5. Innsbruck – Seegrube (Nordkette)
The classic: the Hafelekar descent with Innsbruck at your feet. Photo: TVB Innsbruck/Klaus Polzer
Innsbruck holds near-mythical status among freeriders – and ski tourers too. Easily reachable by train from Munich, the Nordkette cable car starts right in the city and lifts powder lovers to Hafelekar (2,250 m) in minutes. Ski tourers exit at Hungerburg and climb to Seegrube (1,900 m) under their own power – a classic piste tour with around 900 vertical meters and steep sections. Those with the skills can take the cable car from Seegrube to Hafelekar for one of Europe’s steepest couloirs – with gradients up to 70% and breathtaking views straight down onto the city. After the descent to Seegrube and a refreshment stop, the route continues back to Hungerburg and into the city.
Character: Sporty piste tour, steep sections, very alpine
Vertical gain: approx. 900 m
Duration: 2–3 h
Highlight: One of the most spectacular panoramas in the Alps
Public transport from Munich:
- Train Munich → Innsbruck Hbf (approx. 1:50 h)
- Tram J or bus → Hungerburgbahn