Climbing
Step by step closer to the sky
Ötztal is THE undisputed (granite) climbing region in Tirol. There is no other valley where such beautiful climbing areas and via ferrata tours can be found as close together as in Ötztal. Incredible 21 climbing gardens with approximately 750 routes offer everything a climber’s heart could possibly desire. 10 via ferrata routes and a wealth of multi-pitch tours make you fit for the rocks. Last but not least, the region’s certified climbing instructors and mountain guides will accompany you safely on your way up.
Climbing parks & bad weather alternatives
In case of rain or inclement weather climbing fans in Ötztal don’t have to do without their favorite sport. On the contrary: Tirol's longest side valley offers climbers of all skill levels a number of bad weather alternatives – ranging from the world-famous climbing and bouldering hall in nearby Imst (Inntal valley) to the rain-protected bridge pier with lead climbing area at the AREA 47 outdoor playground.
- AREA 47: Lead climbing area & boulder cave
The AREA 47 outdoor playground at the entrance to Ötztal offers climbers a number of opportunities also in (light) rain: There is a 27 meter high lead climbing area at the Achbrücke bridge pier and a varied Boulder Cave on the landscaped lake. A high ropes garden completes the offer. - faszinatour Outdoorzentrum Haiming: 70 m² climbing wall
The faszinatour Outdoorzentrum in Haiming offers a 70 m² climbing wall with five routes and a 6 meter high abseiling platform. - Camping Sölden: in-house indoor climbing wall
"Camping Sölden" next to the base station of Gaislachkogl mountain gondola in Sölden has its private 85 m² indoor climbing wall. - Feel Free Outdoor Professionals: climbing tower
The Feel free outdoor provider in Oetz has a 10 meter high climbing tower where you can perfectly improve your basic climbing knowledge and skills. - Imst Indoor Climbing Hall
In nearby Imst, not far from Ötztal, you’ll find one of Tirol’s largest climbing and bouldering halls. The World Cup hall offers 1100 m² of climbing surface and an additional 240 m² bouldering area. - Steinblock Imst Indoor Bouldering Hall
Also the Steinblock bouldering hall is located in Imst: On 750 m² there are both child-friendly and competitive boulder routes.
Frequently asked questions
Since climbing is not just climbing, this question also has slightly different answers depending on the discipline. Comfortable clothing, climbing shoes and a chalk bag are sufficient for indoor bouldering in the climbing hall. If you want to try a via ferrata or sport climbing in Ötztal or even ice climbing, you will need significantly more equipment. The basic gear includes climbing shoes, climbing harness, climbing helmet, climbing rope and belay devices as well as chalk bag and chalk, quickdraws, slings and carabiners.
A light backpack with snacks, enough to drink, sun protection and an extra layer of warm clothing are an absolute must on longer climbing tours. When choosing the climbing pants and shirt, just follow your preferences - it should be breathable and ready for use according to the onion principle. The packing list for ice climbing is even longer and includes, for example, crampon-compatible mountain boots, crampons, ice ax, ice screws and warm clothing.
What makes all climbing equipment really complete is motivation and a good mood!
Children love to climb and scramble effortlessly onto anything that crosses their path. They still master the combination of movements instinctively, unlike many adult beginners. There are many reasons to encourage the kids to give climbing a try: climbing trains the muscles all over the body as well as coordination, flexibility and posture. It promotes concentration, the sense of direction and other important cognitive facets. Climbing also has a positive effect on a child's personal development: they learn that patience and perseverance are worthwhile, that one has to take responsibility for the well-being of others and that goals are best achieved in a team. It is not the victory over an opponent that counts, but rather solving problems together.
Children and beginners who want to learn the right technique by discovering the fascination of climbing will definitely find the right instructor in Ötztal. Family-friendly via ferratas such as the Stuibenfall via ferrata make a perfect introduction to the new hobby.
Not just a sport, but a way of life! The stars of the climbing scene and the hobby boulderers next door agree on this. Climbing combines healthy movement, community spirit and nature exploration. There is a more precise definition depending on the discipline: when bouldering you climb without a harness or rope at jump height. Usually there are only 4 to 8 climbing moves, which require full concentration and enough stamina. Speaking of "climbing" usually you mean sport climbing, a type of free climbing on relatively short and often athletic routes. Ropes, hooks and the like are only used for belaying, not to pull yourself up. When it comes to Alpine climbing, the routes are usually longer and the main aim is to climb an entire wall (multi-pitch tour). And then there is the via ferrata where you work your way up using firmly anchored belaying devices such as steel ropes and step ladders.
No matter if you are still at the beginning of your "climbing career" or want to reach the next level, the Ötztal Climber’s Paradise is the right place for you!
Anyone who has tried it before knows that climbing demands a lot from your body. Almost all of the body's skeletal muscles are used but not all muscle groups with the same intensity. For example, forearms, latissimus, back shoulder and upper body are particularly stressed (in addition, the biceps brachialis when bouldering). The thighs and gastrocnemius muscles on the back of the leg also do a lot of work. In order to prevent injuries and poor posture, targeted training is required - not only to build up muscles relevant to climbing, but also to actively strengthen your "opponents" (for example, biceps to bend the arm and triceps to stretch it). The great advantage of a strenuous climbing unit in the hall or in the Ötztal granite rocks: you burn a lot of calories and afterwards you can treat yourself to a culinary reward and a round of relaxation, for example at Aqua Dome Längenfeld.
The basic hemp rope from the early days of alpinism has long since become obsolete. Today you are spoiled for choice from a huge number of high-tech ropes in a wide variety of materials, lengths, diameters and intended purposes. Which rope exactly you need also strongly depends on your favorite climbing area – indoor hall, rock or high Alpine terrain?
Single ropes are used for indoor sport climbing, in the climbing garden or for ice climbing: a length of approx. 50 and 60 meters is usually sufficient. Half ropes are the best choice for Alpine climbing, trad climbing and high Alpine mountaineering tours. By using two strands of rope here, the risk can be kept low. The ideal length depends on your preferred areas: using 70 to 80 meters you are always on the safe side. Twin ropes are a case for real experts, for example when every gram counts on extreme rock or ice climbing routes. You may only use them in double strands and must always hang the strands in parallel into the intermediate belay point!
Special tip: If you mainly climb outdoors, it is best to buy an impregnated climbing rope. It defies dirt, UV radiation and moisture and accordingly stays with you longer as a loyal companion.
Belay devices are used to secure the climber. They help the person belaying to control the safety rope depending on the situation by exerting a braking force. You can find out which device is best for which purpose in climbing courses guided by professionals and in local specialist shops. Special tip: the DAV recommends semi-automatic belaying devices for securing sport climbing in indoor climbing halls and climbing gardens, as they offer additional blocking support. Devices without blocking support (tube, HMS) are called dynamic belaying devices and are advantageous, for example, in high Alpine terrain and with large differences in weight. Basically, every belaying device must be used and handled correctly. Therefore, you need qualified training and a lot of practice which you can best get on a climbing holiday in Ötztal.