Ötztaler Alps·29 June - 3 July 2025
Oetzi Glacier Trek
4 days of Trekking on the glacier In the Oetztaler Alpen. You will cross the places where Oetzi, the ice man, lived over 5000 years ago.
Overview
Approximately 5,200 years ago, Oetzi, also known as the ice man or the Similaun man, crossed the high mountain pass now known as Hauslabjoch. Unlike our ancestor, we will have the privilege of staying in comfortable shelters where we will taste the excellent local cuisine and we will relax in the sauna and in the outdoor palju (a characteristic tub of hot water heated with a wood stove) in front of spectacular peaks of over 3500 meters.
Effort level
Medium
This tour is suitable for an audience of athletes with a good training base and who want to try to challenge themselves. Total length: 20 km Total ascent: 2200 m Total descent: 1700 m
Travel status
Planned
Everything is set, we are just waiting for climbers to form the group.
No. of participants
3-6 Participants
Highlights
Challenge yourself
The terrain we will encounter will be varied but nevA spectacular trip trough an ice cave, an alpine pass at 3200 meters and a glacier with gentle slopes.
Oetzi the Iceman
Dive into man's origin history with Oetzi the mummy, found by a group pof alpinists in 1991 during a glacier excursion at an altitude of 3200 meters. Oetzi, who approximately lived 5,300 years ago and preserved from the ice, was crossing the Hauslabjoch that connects the Vernago valley and the Hochjochferner glacier.
Live an outstanding hosting experience
Experience magnificent refugees, consistently among the top 10 in the Alps, relax in a sauna and the wood heated hot tub at almost 3000 meters of altitude, taste the excellent alpine food and enjoy the wood's alpine architecture.
Itinerary
Previous
Next
Trip map
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Similaun
Day 3: Hauslabjoch pass
Day 4: Hintereis peak
Day 1
Check-in and meeting with the guide
During this first day you will reach the selected accommodation by the afternoon. You can have a break in the hotel facilities such as SPA and Swimming pool. Before dinner there will be a meeting with the guide.
Day 2
Challenging climb towards the refuge
After breakfast we will meet with the guide and we will begin the ascent towards the Similaun refuge. The ascent will last between 3 and 4.30 hours. This is the most challenging climb of the route, which will keep us busy for the whole morning. We will reach the refuge in the early afternoon, just for lunchtime. Here the view is breathtaking: in front of us stands the glacier that leads to the summit of Similaun and even further, somewhere on the glaciers between Italy and Austria the Cime Nere. The evening will end with dinner in the refuge and briefing for the following day.
Covered distance: 6km
Elevation Gain: 1300
Elevation Loss: 0
Day 3
Discovery of the place where Ötzi was found
This is the key day of our crossing; not for the difficulty, but for the peculiarity of the landscapes. In about 1 hour of walking from the refuge we will reach, a few meters from the Hauslabjoch pass, the place where the iceman was found. The difference in height is minimal, it is rather a crossing on that wide ridge where the border between Austria and Italy runs. Once at the pass we will prepare for the glacier crossing that will be covered with rope, ice ax and crampons according to the instructions of our guide. The vastness and the slight slopes of this glacier give a sense of harmony and vast horizons. After an hour and a half of crossing, always with ice ax and crampons, we will reach the characteristic ice cave formed by the melting and displacement of the ice. From here, in less than an hour we will reach the Bellavista refuge, where after 2 days of walking we can finally begin the relaxation part. The sauna and palju, like the refuge, are located at 2800 meters and the view of the surrounding glaciers and peaks is simply sublime. A moment to savor.
Covered distance: 8 km
Elevation Gain: 500
Elevation Loss: 500
Day 4
Last adventure
As the last day we will allow ourselves a short hike above the Bellavista refuge. In about 1 hour of ascent we will reach the Hintereis peak, from which you can enjoy the panorama of all the peaks from the Palla Bianca to the Wildspitze in Austria. At our feet, a few hundred meters further downstream, the Hintereis glacier extends for several kilometers. From this point we will begin the return to the valley which will end by lunchtime. From here the shuttle will take us back to the starting point of the tour.
Covered distance: 6 km
Elevation Gain: 400
Elevation Loss: 1200
Day 5
Check-out
Nothing good lasts forever, it is time to say goodbye but we are looking forward to have you again with us! See you soon
Travel Prices
Oetzi Glacier Trek Travel Price
Your accommodation will be for the first night in a hotel in double room, for the second and third night in shared rooms. For single room of the first night there is a supplement cost.
FROM$917.06/pp
What's Included
Included
3 days guided trekking on the glacier
Lodging
Breakfast
dinner
Accident insurance for activities
Not Included
Transport to/from Val Senales
Lunch
Tourist local tax
Extra Services
Travel Cancellation Insurance
Do you want to leave without worries? By adding this option to your cart you are buying an insurance service that will refund you the full price paid to Adventoured in case you are unable to participate in the trip for reasons beyond your control....
Read More
PRICE$86.72/pp
ADD THISLodging
Hotel 3-star in Maso Corto, Val Senales
During this first day you will have to reach the selected accommodation by the afternoon. You can have a break in the hotel facilities such as SPA and Swimming pool. Before dinner there will be a meeting with the guide.
Similaun Mountain Hut
After long ascent above the Vernago lake you will have a relaxed night at 3000 meter with a view on the Glacier of the Similaun.
Bellavista Mountain Hotel Hut
The last night you will try Sauna and all relax facilities in one of the highest hotel of the Alps.
Your Guide
Matteo - UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide
My hometown is Trento, the capital of Trentino: a beautiful mountain land that on geographical maps resembles a butterfly with its wings spread to the east and west and the Adige Valley as a backbone. In September 2013, at the age of 25, I obtained the professional qualification of Aspiring Alpine Guide of Trentino, a real dream that I cherished since I was a child.
Oetzlater Alps
The mountain group that divides Italy from Austria
Parts of the Oetztal Alps with their wide extension and diversified topography have been opened up very well, while other areas are quite secluded, like for example the south-west. Important glaciers are the Hintereisferner (3,727 m a.s.l.), Grosser Vernagtferner (3,631 m a.s.l.), Mt. Vedretta della Croda (3,510 m a.s.l.) and the Gurgler Glacier (3,420 m a.s.l.). Also the famous Val Senales Glacier in South Tyrol is one of them
FAQs
Liability
What are my responsibilities while traveling?
Practicing outdoor sports brings risks. Adventoured and outdoor guides do not accept any responsibility deriving from your wrong behaviors during the participation of our group travels. You are the ultimate responsible for your action.
Customer Insurance
Do I have any insurance coverage for accidents that can happen during group travel?
Of course! The cost of the trip also includes insurance that adequately covers costs that may arise from the unpleasant event of an accident during outdoor activities. In this page you can find the insurance terms and condition.
Travels
If I book a trip, do I have the possibility to cancel?
Of course! the reimbursement possibilities are as follows:
- If you cancel 45 days before the departure of the trip, you are entitled to a refund of 100% of the trip;
- If you cancel between 45 and 30 days before the departure of the trip, you are entitled to a refund of 70% of the trip;
- If you cancel within 30 days before the departure of the trip, you are not entitled to a refund
To know all the travel conditions visit this page
What is the difference between planned and confirmed trip?
The planned trip is the one available for sale on the platform while the confirmed trip is the one that has reached the minimum number of participants and will start. It is important that you organize the logistics only when the trip has been confirmed by the Adventoured team.
How long can the trip be confirmed?
The goal of the Adventoured team is to find all travel companions for your outdoor trips, but we have given ourselves the terms within which our trips can become confirmed or not:
- 20 days before the start of the travel in the case of trips lasting more than 6 days;
- 7 days before the start of the travel in the case of trips lasting between 3 and 6 days;
- 48 hours before the start of the travel in the case of trips lasting less than 3 days
To know all the travel conditions visit this page
What happens if I have booked a trip but it has not been confirmed by Adventoured?
Unfortunately we were unable to find the minimum number of people to start the trip you booked. At this point you have two solutions:
- Request a refund of 100% of the amount paid for the trip booked;
- Pay the difference to cover the fixed costs of the trip and start the trip anyway. Please note that in this case you could face an increase between 50% and 100% of the initial cost of the trip. To activate this opportunity we will need your response within 24 hours
To know all the travel conditions visit this page
Trip Tips
Mountain Equipment
This outdoor travel will be in part in high mountain terrain. Please bring with you the right wearing equipment including a bag of medium/big size and Sleeping bag linen + blanket or summer sleeping bag.
Glacier Equipment
In this outdoor travel you will pass through glacier terrain, so it is important to bring with your crampons, ice ax and harness. If you need a free rental please let us know before your arrival.
Liability during sport activities
Practicing outdoor sports brings risks. Adventoured and outdoor guides do not accept any responsibility deriving from your wrong behaviors during the participation of our group travels. You are the ultimate responsible for your action.
Flexible booking conditions
All Adventoured travels have flexible booking condition! If you cancel your booking the reimbursement possibilities are as follows: - If you cancel before 45 days before the departure of the trip, you are entitled to a refund of 100% of the trip; - If you cancel between 45 and 30 days before the departure of the trip, you are entitled to a refund of 70% of the trip; - If you cancel within 30 days before the departure of the trip, you are not entitled to a refund
Travel cancellation insurance
Leave without worries and get your travel price refunded if one of these events prevents you from leaving! - if you contract COVID, become ill, or experience an accident just before leaving; - your flight or train ride is annulled or delayed for longer than 8 hours; - if your car breaks down on the way to the airport; - you have your travel documents stolen - if you have to postpone your trip due to a natural disaster at your vacation spot, such as an earthquake, avalanche, or volcanic eruption. P.s. This insurance doesn't cover your personal logistic costs (flights, train, car).
Logistics
As our trips require a minimum number of participants, we suggest you to not organize your logistics until your experience is confirmed by the Adventoured team.
Go Private!
If you already have a group of people to share your vacation with you can book this trip privately. Prices depend on the size of your group: - if you are 3 people the cost is €1.290/each - if you are 4 people the cost is €1.050/each - if you are 5 people the cost is €923/each - if you are 6 people the cost is €846/each Use the form in the bottom of this page to contact us!
Gallery
Related Blog Posts
Mountaineering · Thu 19 May 2022
Hiking in the Ötztal Alps, 5 facts about Ötzi the Iceman
Hiking in the Ötztal Alps means undertaking a journey back to 5,300 years ago. Especially in the Similaun Glacier in Venoste Alps (Ötztaler Alpen in German). Here Ötzi’s mummy, the Iceman, was found!