If the Großarltal is called 'The Valley of the Alpine Pastures' in summer, it can easily be referred to as the 'Valley of Ski Tours' in winter. Away from the hustle and bustle on the ski slopes, the countless peaks around the villages of Großarl and Hüttschlag offer numerous tours of varying lengths and difficulty levels, inviting you to come and explore!

Deeply snow-covered slopes, sparkling ice crystals, and the rays of the warming sun – ski tourer's heart, what more could you want? The Salzburger Großarltal with its 12 small side valleys and the two communities of Großarl and Hüttschlag (Hohe Tauern National Park) is home to huge alpine pastures and countless mountain peaks, mostly ranging from 2,000 to just under 3,000 meters.

The most famous ski mountain in the valley is probably the Kreuzkogel, the summit point of the popular Skischaukel Großarltal-Dorfgastein. It’s much quieter and more peaceful on the surrounding peaks. For example, on its namesake, the Kreuzeck, one of the most popular ski touring mountains in Hüttschlag. At just over 2,200 meters, it’s a popular touring destination all winter long, just like the Filzmooshörndl and Loosbühel in the Großarl Ellmautal. Late in the spring, the ski touring mountains at the end of the valley, like the Mandlkogel (2,442 m) and the Keeskogel, draw visitors, with the latter being the highest mountain in the valley at 2,884 m, shaping the majestic end of the valley.

A popular meeting spot for ski tourers is the Aschaustüberl, about 4 km past Hüttschlag. There, people meet, exchange experiences and news, and after a hearty "touring soup," admire each other's snapshots taken on previous trips.

For less experienced tour skiers, the local ski schools offer expert guidance. Of course, you can also rent the necessary equipment there, which is especially helpful for beginners, who will soon be enchanted by the unique beauty of this recreational activity in unspoiled nature.

In collaboration with some ski touring specialists from the valley and the cartographic publisher W. Mayr from Innsbruck, the tourism association Großarltal recently released a new ski touring guide that describes 10 of the valley's most beautiful tours.

The 28-page brochure includes, in addition to detailed descriptions of the individual tours, 27 color photos and 10 detailed maps, as well as general information on ski touring and about the valley. The guide is available for €4.50 at the Großarltal tourism association (for €2.50 with a guest card) and directly from the W. Mayr publishing house. There is also the matching hiking and tour map No. 311 “Großarltal” from Tappeiner publishing at a scale of 1:35,000 (€6.50, with guest card €4.50).