Can't be, people thought for a long time, that there is nothing to climb in the neighboring valley of the climbing mecca Ötztal? The Pitztal was actually a blank spot on Tyrol's climbing map for a long time, but that has changed since the opening of the climbing garden above Plangeross: The Pitztal is on the map!
And a lot has been added since then: Small, fine family climbing gardens, a fabulous bouldering area, two via ferratas - you can now go climbing in the Pitztal! And the good thing about it: word hasn't quite got around yet about how brilliant the rock is there, so the big crowds (à la the neighboring valley) haven't yet arrived. We introduce you to the most rewarding spots in the valley!
Best of sport climbing: Pitztal 1st Hexenkessel, Plangeross
Granite at its finest: climbing in the Hexenkessel above Plangeross in the Pitztal, photo: Simon Schöpf
What an ingenious rock arena: in the Hexenkessel you will rarely boil due to the altitude of 2,000 meters, but your forearms will burn. The higher levels of difficulty dominate here, and even the 6 and 7-pitch routes are not easy in this compact granite gneiss. You have to invest a little time in the approach, but the ambience is a dreamlike alpine one.
Steep wall: Climbing in the Hexenkessel above Plangeross in the Pitztal, photo: Simon Schöpf
Topos & approach: Hexenkessel, Plangeross
2. climbing garden Unterwelt
In the Unterwelt climbing garden in the Pitztal, photo: Climbers Paradise
Something cozy: The short approach and a good number of 5 and 6-pitch routes make the Unterwelt climbing garden a worthwhile destination for beginners. Even if the routes here have a reputation for being rather tough. The shady orientation in the forest makes the "Unterwelt" the perfect destination for the summer months.
Topos & approach: Unterwelt climbing garden
3rd Richi's Wall, Stillebach
Richi's Wall in the Pitztal, photo: Climbers Paradise
And then something really cozy: Thank you, Richi, for discovering this small but beautiful wall! Located directly on a meadow next to a waterfall, this climbing garden is a worthwhile family destination. If it gets too warm at some point, the Stillebach stream is not far away. And you're sure to find an ice cream somewhere as a reward.
Topo & approach: Richi's Wall, Stillebach
Best of bouldering: Mandlers Boden
Fairytale forest: bouldering in the family-friendly Mandlers Boden area in the Pitztal, photo: Simon Schöpf
Because it doesn't always have to be harder and higher: The newly developed Mandlers Boden bouldering area takes a different approach, namely to be a cozy family destination. Many of the polished boulders in this mossy fairytale forest are of a smaller nature, and that is inherently fine for the little up-and-coming boulderers. The approach is also manageable and there is a cozy picnic area in the middle with plenty of space to run around. But there are also enough challenges for motivated climbing moms and dads: the difficulty range currently extends up to 8a!
Topos & approach: Mandlers Boden, Pitztal
Even the little ones can manage the short approach to Mandlers Boden, photo: Simon Schöpf
