This itinerary offers snow sure skiing on the 3,440-metre (11,286 ft) Pitztal glacier and the nearby areas of Riflsee and Benni Raich's Hochzeiger in Jerzens, plus day excursions to Nauders, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, and Samnaun. The combined skiing on this safari totals well over 500 km (311 mi) with Serfaus offering 160 km (99 mi) and Samnaun opening up the whole of the Ischgl's 200 km (124 mi) Silvretta Arena from the Swiss side. Nauders on the Reschenpass at the South Tirol-Italian border throws in a fun 65 km (40 mi) for good measure.
We based ourselves over the busy New Year week near the Pitztal glacier in Plangeross with the ever hospitable Sepp Eiter at Pension Anna. Most of the top ski teams train early season on the Pitztal glacier, prior to the FIS World Cup kick-off in Sölden in the valley adjacent. 2,800 m (9,186 ft) Rifflsee provides four blacks and gentler descents like the valley run blue 1. Combined the two areas offer 49 km (30 mi) of varied skiing.
You've an absolute gem in the resort of Hochzeiger, voted by the ADAC - the leading German travel magazine - as the Newcomer Resort in 2010 for its excellent 9 lift infrastructure, 52 km (32 mi) of runs, and overall ambiance. Benni Raich learned to ski here - his Dad was an instructor in the Jerzens ski school - and you can understand why he is such a good all-round skier. The resort has everything from steep blacks, cruising reds, dense forests, and some super huts. To ensure a table, book for a well-deserved lunch at the Stalderhütte, where the table service and traditional dishes are outstanding.
Serfaus offers all you need for at least three full ski days, with easy access to the whole area by parking at the Waldbahn lift station, when you drive up from the valley. There are some stunning huts in the Cervosa Alm, Zirbenhütte, and Weiberkessl. Reschenpass, which includes Nauders, Schöneben, and Haideralm, offers an unbelievable value 6-day family ski pass in low season. Nauders is the biggest area and has many wide runs from the top of Bergkastel and some testing descents from Tscheyeck. The best spot for lunch is the lively Lärchenalm.