Spring awakening in Pitztal

Boots on. Deep breath. Off you go. Sunlit paths, a mountain panorama like no other, and that perfect feeling of being in exactly the right place – it can only be spring in Pitztal.

As the snow retreats, Pitztal’s ibexes head back up to the high ground. Hoof by hoof, they follow the sun – foraging for fresh grass, wild herbs, and the first tender shoots of the season. There’s only one thing that can mean: spring has arrived.

You don’t need hooves to make the most of it. As the sun climbs higher and brings back its warmth, even two-legged hikers find their stride quickly in the mountains around the Sportalm in St. Leonhard. Early in the season, easy, sun-soaked routes are the natural way into hiking season. The family hike to the Gletscherstube is a good place to start: wide, gentle paths lead from Mittelberg up to 1,891 metres above sea level in around 30 minutes. The reward at the top? A front-row seat to a breathtaking mountain panorama.

For those who feel the altitude calling, there’s more. The Gletscherexpress whisks you up to 2,840 metres, from where a rocky trail leads to the summit of the Mittagskogel – where sure-footed concentration is key. The view from the top says it all: Pitztal below, peaks and glaciers in every direction, and above you, nothing but the spring sun.

In the mood for a classic? The hike to the Braunschweiger mountain hut weaves between easy stretches and tougher climbs, with thundering waterfalls along the way. After around three hours in the warmth of the spring sunshine, the cosy hut comes into view, with the Wildspitze peak towering behind it.

And when you’ve earned your rest, the Sportalm in St Leonhard is where you recharge. In the Naturpark SPA, the mountain experience continues – the restorative quiet of the Swiss stone pine sauna, the warm water of the infinity pool with its sweeping views, and a grounding herbal stamp massage. Ready for the next adventure? Spring is already waiting outside your door.