Ratschings / Racines with its three valleys – the Jaufen / Giovo Valley, the Ratschings / Racines and Ridnaun / Ridanna Valley – is a unique and varied hiking paradise. This region extends from the Stubai Alps with their mighty three-thousand-meter-high summits along the main Alpine ridge up to the gentle peaks of the Sarn / Sarentino Valley Alps, offering virtually endless possibilities for hiking and mountain climbing. You can choose from tours of all levels and with different vertical profiles. There are also romantic valley hikes, or perhaps you'd prefer to explore the natural monuments such as the Gilfenklamm (pure white marble gorge). You can take easy alpine walks, invigorating high-altitude hikes, summit tours, and alpine tours into the regions of eternal ice. The trails are well marked and signposted, and many mountain huts and rest-stops provide an opportunity for refreshment and meals.
One of the most rewarding hikes is the tour to the Becher House, the highest refuge in South Tyrol, at an altitude of 3,195 m above sea level. You can reach it from the Ridnaun / Ridanna Valley in about 7 hours, and it offers a magnificent view of the valley and surrounding peaks and glaciers. The Becher House is the starting-point for alpine tours to, e.g., the Sonklar Peak (3,467 meters above sea-level), the Wilder Freiger (3,418 m), the Botzer (3,250 m) or to the highest peak of the Stubai Alps, the Zuckerhütl (3,507 m).
The winter wonderland of Ratschings / Racines beckons hikers with many more peaks: The High Heel (2,669 m), the High Cross Summit (2,743 m) or the White Horn (2,705 m) are just some of the enticing goals which make the hearts of the mountaineers beat faster. Those who would rather take it more leisurely are advised to try such very scenic hiking trail as the Ridnaun / Ridanna High-Altitude Trail or the ascent to the Pfurn Lake or to the Seven Lakes. And our hotel's own Plunhofalm is likewise a beautiful and very popular destination!
Hiking Map for Downloading Hiking and mountain climbing are among the healthiest sports. Physical exertion in the great outdoors and the fresh mountain air are a benefit for mind and body. Walking strengthens the muscles in a gentle and uniform manner, easing tensions and reducing back problems. Regular walking strengthens the joints, making them more resilient over time.
The extremely pollution-free, clear mountain air in turn stimulates your respiration and circulation. The lower oxygen content in the mountain air leads to an increased production of red blood cells which increases one's fitness and promotes faster recovery. One suddenly has a lot more energy, has significantly more stamina, and feels in the truest sense of the word "refreshed." The high altitude air thus acts almost like a Fountain of Youth, and it's not for nothing that top athletes regularly and systematically attend altitude training camps..
And another thing: The air in the mountains is extremely low in pollen-and other particulates! Especially for people with a tendency to suffer allergies or asthma, the mountain air also offers an ideal holiday environment where they can breathe freely!