Ötztal Alps

The Ötztal Alps are a mountain range in the Central Alps.

The Ötztal Alps is one of the largest mountain chains of the Eastern Alps. In comparison with other mountain chains, the Ötztal Alps have got a diverse topography and larger dimensions. Parts of the Ötztal Alps have been opened up very well, while other areas are quite secluded, like for example the sout west.

The Ötztal Alps border on the following moutain chains: the Lechtal Alps, the Mieminger mountain chain, the Stubai Alps, the Sarentino Alps, Ortles-Cevedale, the Sesvenna group and the Samnaun. However, in the Ötztal Alps, there are numerous reserves. One of these reserves is also situated on South Tyrolean territory, which is the Gruppo di Tessa nature park. Moreover the ridge of the Ötztal mountain chain overlaps with the Alpine divide. By the way, there are also some vast glacial skiing areas, such as the Pitztal and Kaunertal glaciers in Tyrol, as well as the Val Senales glacier in South Tyrol. The Val Senales funicular is also the highest located funicular of South Tyrol and takes you from Maso Corto to an altitude of 2,011 m asl to the mountain station below the Cima Grawand (3,212 m asl).

The most famous hiking path in the Ötztal Alps might be the yellow trail of the Via Alpina.

Highest peak: Cresta Caldura (3,768 m)
First ascent of the Cresta Caldura: 1848, Leander Klotz
Major mountains: Palla Bianca (3,739 m), Cima Nera (3,628 m), Monte Similaun (3,599 m), Ötztaler Urkund (3,556 m), Hinterer Brochkogel (3,628 m), Vorderer Brochkogel (3,565 m)
Glaciers: Gepatschferner, Gurgler Ferner, Hintereis, Großer Vernagtferner
Location: Tyrol (Austria) and South Tyrol (Italy)