I have to admit, cycling hasn’t exactly had the best reputation among the locals in the Schnalstal for quite some time. The paths up here are narrow, the terrain is mountainous, and a bike ride up here is consequently quite a challenge.
Let’s put it this way, and let’s leave out the crazy road cyclists who love our winding Schnalser road: the Schnalstal isn’t a world-famous cycling region. If you’re after well-maintained trails and technical courses, you’re better off heading to Naturns or Latsch. But then came the ‘E’ in bike. And Anna. That’s right: my receptionist Anna, a true Schnals native, cousin of the Hof family, mum of two. And: a passionate e-mountain biker. She says: e-MTBs and the Schnalstal – they actually go together really well!
Anna’s favourite routes: exploring the Schnalstal on an e-MTB
“With an e-MTB,” says Anna, “there’s more to do up here than most people think. For the really fit, you can manage without the motor, but then you’ll need some serious leg power.” Either way, here are three of Anna’s favourite routes:
The Pfossental is a paradise for mountain bikers. The steep high valley has it all: from a leisurely tour of the alpine pastures to a challenging route over the Eisjöchl, which includes some sections where you have to push your bike. Those who reach the top are rewarded. With silence, with vastness, with the feeling of being far, far away from everything.
The Lazaun Hut is Anna’s top tip. In the evening, you head up the forest track to the hut. It’s quiet and secluded up there, and Anna says the evening atmosphere is priceless.
The Klosteralm requires a fair bit of stamina. The forest track is quite steep, but the view is well worth the effort. At the top there’s a place to stop for refreshments, and from there you can continue on to Saxalbsee or the Kreuzspitze.
Other walks Anna recommends: The Moaralm from Katharinaberg, the oldest high-altitude alpine pasture in the Tyrolean region. The Penaudalm, with its secluded setting, through mountain forests and across vast alpine meadows. The Mastaunalm and the Lafetzalm, both through beautiful larch forests offering views and places to stop for refreshments.
Practical information: Bike hire and equipment
If you haven’t brought your own bike, you can hire one. There are two hire shops in the valley: Skifactory Maso Cortoand Sportservice Erwin Stricker. Both will deliver your hired bike directly to your hotel on request and collect it again at the end of your holiday. It couldn’t be more convenient.
Also, lohnt sich Radfahren im Schnalstal? Ja! Vorausgesetzt, die Anna vom Oberraindlhof hat euch vorher einen ihrer Geheimtipps verraten.
