What you get on this adventure: An experienced, IFMGA ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area Six days of backcountry ski touring in the Silvretta Alps Accommodation in a hotel in Bludenz (2 nights), Piz Buin luxury mountain lodge (3 nights), and in comfortable mountain huts (2 nights) Meals as indicated in the itinerary What’s not included: Technical backcountry ski touring equipment Transportation to Bludenz Taxi transfers and lift pass for Silvretta Lunches (packed meals can be bought at your accommodations) and drinks Travel and medical/rescue insurance — highly recommended Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

To participate in the Silvretta guided backcountry skiing tour, you should be in excellent physical shape , encompassing both aerobic endurance and core strength. The climbing rate, typically at 900 ft (300 m) per hour, will be adjusted to the group’s fitness level, ensuring a steady and manageable ascent. As you traverse the diverse terrains, your physical preparation becomes crucial, especially during the last two days when you’ll need to carry a full pack. Engaging in activities like running, cycling, or racket sports at least 8 weeks prior to the tour will enhance your stamina . Acclimatizing to the altitude during the initial days is essential, emphasizing the importance of staying well-hydrated. Rest assured, your experienced guide will be with you every step of the way, providing guidance and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

What if I’ve never backcountry skied before?

To participate in this Silvretta guided ski tour, you need to have previous backcountry skiing experience . You will be skiing, touring, and summiting on glaciated terrain for 5-7 hours every day. The cold temperatures on the glacier result in powdery snow, making the overall previous skiing experience of 10 weeks, including a minimum of 3 weeks total of backcountry skiing with a mountain guide, a prerequisite. The tour is also suitable for those at an advanced or expert level (approximately 6 weeks of off-piste skiing experience). Your guide will take care of the planning, oversee your technique, and teach you how to better manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training necessary to keep you safe.

What do I need to bring?

For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring: Off-piste skis (100mm underfoot) with skins (can be rented) Touring boots and poles (can be rented) Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented): Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon Lightweight snow shovel Avalanche probe For personal items, you will need to bring: Helmet Ski goggles Gloves and hat Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended) Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended) Down jacket or vest Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people) Water bottle (1L capacity) Thermos for a warm beverage — optional Mini first aid kit Sunscreen Backpack with ski-carry straps large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30L capacity) Camera — optional

Can I rent equipment?

All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent: Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe from your guiding service for an additional fee (approximately $75 or $150 with an included free backpack) Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from various ski rental places in Bludenz. Ski rental locations are in Bludenz and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this group adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 7:1. It takes a minimum of 5 people for this tour to operate. Backcountry skiing in Silvretta can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis. If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Bludenz, the starting and ending point of the adventure, most people fly into Zurich Airport . There is a direct train line connecting Zurich and Bludenz, so we suggest taking a train ride from the main railway station in Zurich. This shuttle will take you around 2 hours. You will meet your Silvretta ski guide and fellow backcountry skiers at your hotel in Bludenz on Day 1, usually some time in the afternoon.

Safety measures in Austria

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical/rescue and travel insurance. With medical/rescue insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in the Silvretta Alps, Austria please refer to the relevant travel information for Austria . If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Week-long ski touring adventure in Silvretta, Austria.

Off-piste skiers on a wide open slope in the Silvretta Alps, Austria.

Two backcountry skiers on top of a steep slope, overlooking countless snowy peaks of the Silvretta Alps.

Backcountry skier pointing to a place with his skiing pole while skiing in Silvretta, Austria.

A backcountry skiing guide showing his clients their next objective in Silvretta.

Sauna in the Piz Buin mountain lodge, in the Silvretta Alps, Austria.

Two backcountry skiers navigating a steep slope in Silvretta.

Exterior of the luxurious mountain lodge Piz Buin in Silvretta, Austria.

Three backcountry skiers skinning up a slope in Silvretta, Austria.

A group of cheerful backcountry skiers posing for a photo in Silvretta.

Backcountry skiers skinning in Silvretta, Austria.

Two ski tourers smiling while skiing in Silvretta, Austria.

SILVRETTA | AUSTRIA

Ski Touring With Style in Silvretta, Austria

Season

March through April

Duration

8 days (6 days of skiing)

Difficulty

Accommodation

Hotel, luxury mountain lodge, and comfortable mountain huts

Guides

Florian Kraler, Piste to Powder

Questions, additional dates, private groups

Book a call

From $2,705 () / 7 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Things to know

The ultimate skiing getaway? Come to Silvretta. Right on the border between Switzerland and Austria, the Silvretta Alps provide a perfect playground for ski touring. Meeting up in the snow-dusted town of Bludenz, we’ll start our week by heading deep into Silvretta, shredding its best powdery slopes and enjoying the unforgettable scenery. But our skiing adventure does not end there. We added a touch of luxury and variety: we’ll stay at a hotel, a luxurious mountain lodge with a spa, and two very scenic and cozy mountain huts. How’s that for a perfect powdery getaway in the Alps?

Adventure highlights

Ski touring heaven

Tackle the powder-laden off-piste slopes of Silvretta and taste the ultimate skiing freedom
Ski & spa

Enjoy a bit of luxury by staying in a scenic and cozy mountain lodge with a spa
Mountain huts

Spend the last 2 days of the tour exploring the areas around two comfy and authentic mountain huts

Itinerary

Embark on an exhilarating 8-day ski touring adventure in the stunning Silvretta Alps, guided by an experienced IFMGA guide. Traverse breathtaking Silvretta landscapes starting in Bludenz heading to an area near the Silvretta lake and around nearby mountain huts. Enjoy diverse accommodations: a cozy hotel in Bludenz, a lavish Piz Buin mountain lodge, and charming mountain huts. Indulge in included breakfasts and dinners throughout the adventure and conclude your journey where you started—in Bludenz, having embraced the ultimate skiing freedom.

Your journey begins in Bludenz, nestled in the heart of Vorarlberg, Austria. As you arrive, the town’s charm unfolds—a fusion of modernity and Alpine tradition. Bludenz boasts a local brewery and a delightful chocolate factory, adding a sweet touch to your arrival. Your accommodation for the night is the stylish Alpstadt hotel, located in the heart of downtown Bludenz, providing both comfort and proximity to the town’s attractions. Meet your guide and fellow skiers, do a gear check and discuss your plans for the week, before getting a good night’s sleep.

Accommodation: Alpstadt hotel in Bludenz
After a hearty breakfast, depart from Bludenz and enjoy a scenic taxi ride to Partenen, on the edge of Silvretta. Once there, take the Vermont cable car and a ride through a mountain tunnel to luxurious Piz Buin Lodge, perched over the shimmering Lake Silvretta. This stunning location serves as both your sanctuary and base for the next three days. In the afternoon, do a quick avalanche safety refresher, before enjoying a delicious dinner.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Luxurious Piz Buin mountain lodge
Waking up at the Piz Buin Lodge is a sensory delight. Picture yourself opening your eyes to a panorama of Silvretta’s snow-capped peaks, followed by a tasty breakfast. Over the next two days, embark on exhilarating ski tours, traversing the pristine landscapes surrounding the lodge. With a light daypack on your shoulders, each descent brings you back to the warmth of the lodge, where evenings are spent indulging in well-deserved relaxation, saunas, and hearty dinners. The lodge’s panoramic setting provides the perfect backdrop for reflecting on the day’s Alpine adventures with fellow skiers.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Luxurious Piz Buin mountain lodge
Today you’ll venture beyond the immediate surroundings of Piz Buin Lodge and set out for a scenic traverse to Wiesbadener Hütte along the Silvretta lake. After the initial gentle ascent, Silvretta glacier crossing, and the final ascent, your group will have reached the hut nestled in a spectacular location. Wiesbadener Hütte is definitely one of the trip’s highlights, awaiting you with hot meals, refreshing drinks, and the hot showers deep in the Alpine wilderness.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Wiesbadener mountain hut
The options today are as vast as the Alpine panoramas that surround you. Choose between exploring the enchanting terrain around Wiesbadenerhütter or opt for a traverse to Silvrettahütte, your next accommodation. Both options promise great skiing and unparalleled views of the Silvretta range, revealing the alpine wilderness in all its glory.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Silvretta mountain hut
As your journey nears its end, wake up to the crisp Alpine air and embark on a morning ski tour from the hut. The descent brings you back to the familiar territory of Piz Buin Lodge. Ski out and bid a temporary farewell to the snowy peaks, as you return to Bludenz. The evening in Bludenz is a chance to savor the memories of the past week, surrounded by the comforting ambiance of the Alpstadt hotel.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Alpstadt hotel in Bludenz
Your departure day is a bittersweet conclusion to a week filled with Alpine wonders. After a satisfying breakfast at the Alpstadt hotel, it’s time to bid farewell to Bludenz. Say goodbye to your Silvretta ski guide, fellow adventurers and to the Alps—or continue touring on your own.

Meals: Breakfast

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Meet your guides

5.00

Florian Kraler

IFMGA Guide

Florian Kraler is the owner of Piste to Powder guiding service, and leads a top-notch team of mountain guides. Renowned for his expertise, he ensures guests have exceptional off-piste experiences under his guidance, making every skiing adventure memorable.

5.00

Piste to Powder

Led by owner Florian Kraler, Piste to Powder boasts a team of fully qualified IFMGA mountain guides with over 25 years of experience in the Arlberg region. With a focus on providing exceptional off-piste experiences, the team ensures safety, skill development, and maximum enjoyment. Their flexibility in selecting the best terrain, commitment to tuition and safety, and preference for small, well-balanced groups set them apart. Established over two decades ago, Piste to Powder remains a leader in off-piste guiding, continually innovating and contributing to the evolution of skiing adventures in St Anton, Stuben, Zürs, Lech, Silvretta, and beyond.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, IFMGA ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Six days of backcountry ski touring in the Silvretta Alps
  - Accommodation in a hotel in Bludenz (2 nights), Piz Buin luxury mountain lodge (3 nights), and in comfortable mountain huts (2 nights)
  - Meals as indicated in the itinerary
What’s not included:
- - Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
  - Transportation to Bludenz
  - Taxi transfers and lift pass for Silvretta
  - Lunches (packed meals can be bought at your accommodations) and drinks
  - Travel and medical/rescue insurance — highly recommended
  - Guide gratuities — optional
To participate in the Silvretta guided backcountry skiing tour, you should be in excellent physical shape, encompassing both aerobic endurance and core strength. The climbing rate, typically at 900 ft (300 m) per hour, will be adjusted to the group’s fitness level, ensuring a steady and manageable ascent. As you traverse the diverse terrains, your physical preparation becomes crucial, especially during the last two days when you’ll need to carry a full pack. Engaging in activities like running, cycling, or racket sports at least 8 weeks prior to the tour will enhance your stamina. Acclimatizing to the altitude during the initial days is essential, emphasizing the importance of staying well-hydrated. Rest assured, your experienced guide will be with you every step of the way, providing guidance and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
To participate in this Silvretta guided ski tour, you need to have previous backcountry skiing experience. You will be skiing, touring, and summiting on glaciated terrain for 5-7 hours every day. The cold temperatures on the glacier result in powdery snow, making the overall previous skiing experience of 10 weeks, including a minimum of 3 weeks total of backcountry skiing with a mountain guide, a prerequisite. The tour is also suitable for those at an advanced or expert level (approximately 6 weeks of off-piste skiing experience). Your guide will take care of the planning, oversee your technique, and teach you how to better manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training necessary to keep you safe.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
- - Off-piste skis (100mm underfoot) with skins (can be rented)
  - Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
  - Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
    
    Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
    
    Lightweight snow shovel
    
    Avalanche probe
For personal items, you will need to bring:
- - Helmet
  - Ski goggles
  - Gloves and hat
  - Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
  - Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
  - Down jacket or vest
  - Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
  - One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
  - Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
  - Water bottle (1L capacity)
  - Thermos for a warm beverage — optional
  - Mini first aid kit
  - Sunscreen
  - Backpack with ski-carry straps large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30L capacity)
  - Camera — optional
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
- - Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe from your guiding service for an additional fee (approximately $75 or $150 with an included free backpack)
  - Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from various ski rental places in Bludenz.
Ski rental locations are in Bludenz and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this group adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 7:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 5 people for this tour to operate.
Backcountry skiing in Silvretta can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.
If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Bludenz, the starting and ending point of the adventure, most people fly into Zurich Airport. There is a direct train line connecting Zurich and Bludenz, so we suggest taking a train ride from the main railway station in Zurich. This shuttle will take you around 2 hours.

You will meet your Silvretta ski guide and fellow backcountry skiers at your hotel in Bludenz on Day 1, usually some time in the afternoon.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical/rescue and travel insurance. With medical/rescue insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in the Silvretta Alps, Austria please refer to the relevant travel information for Austria.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund.
  - For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred nineteen (119) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  - For cancellations seventy-five (75) to eighty nine (89) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  - After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.